How much does it cost to build a self storage facility overall, and what self storage construction costs per square foot should I expect for a typical mix of drive-up units?
There isn’t a single “standard” cost per square foot for self storage, even for basic drive-up units, because cost depends on many different factors including your location, local building codes, site work, building size, and design. TruSteel engineers every mini-storage project for your zip code and unit mix, then gives you a custom per-square-foot building cost as part of a detailed quote. Budget for $35+ a sq ft without land, permits, or grading accounted for.
You should think of cost in two buckets: total project cost and building cost per square foot. Both are custom. TruSteel does not use a flat rate sheet; every self storage kit is quoted for your location, loads, footprint, and unit mix.
First, your zip code and building codes set the baseline. Higher wind, snow, or seismic loads mean heavier steel, different roof pitches, and stricter details. Your city may also require specific fire lanes, setbacks, and façade rules, which change how many drive-up buildings you can fit and how much paving and concrete you need. Site work, utilities, stormwater, and grading often impact the total project cost more than the steel itself.
Next, your building design and layout control your building cost per square foot. A simple row of single-story drive-up storage units (for example 30×100, 40×100, or 50×100 building footprints) is more efficient than complex shapes, climate control, or multi-story layouts.
More small units per row mean more doors and partitions, which raises cost per square foot but can also boost revenue. Roof choices (26-ga screw-down vs 24-ga standing seam) and insulation packages (for example, R-19 roof / R-13 walls in climate-controlled buildings) also change both cost and operating savings.
With TruSteel, every kit includes county-specific stamped building and foundation plans, 100% steel primary and secondary framing, roof and wall sheeting, trim, fasteners, delivery, and access to licensed installers from IAS-accredited suppliers—backed by a 30-year panel warranty. To get a realistic overall budget and a custom building cost per square foot for your drive-up facility, contact TruSteel for a free quote.