Choosing the right warehouse space for your business is a strategic decision. While the location, space, and price of the warehouse building are important features to consider, you should evaluate other factors as well. We've created a checklist to use as a starting point in developing a full understanding of your warehouse location requirements. You may need to consult your financial, real estate, engineering, or additional teams to answer some of these questions. Here are important factors to consider when evaluating an existing or new warehouse building for your operations:
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Use this checklist to help evaluate your existing warehouse space or select your new warehouse location.
Space Requirements
How much space do you need for product storage, offices, receiving and shipping, parking, potential expansion?
Square Footage Warehouse square footage, dock square footage, office square footage?
Clear Height Are there limiting obstructions: heaters, fans, sprinkler lines, etc.?
Office and Employee Space Offices, break rooms, locker rooms, restrooms, showroom, drivers lounge?
Exterior Space Parking, truck maneuvering, trailer storage, exterior storage?
Expansion Space Is there room for potential future expansion?
Dock Requirements
How many dock doors does your operation require? What size and height do you need? What is the condition of the floor and paving inside and outside the docks?
Number of Dock Doors Are the dock doors configured and equipped with what you need?
Size of Dock Doors Are the openings adequate for the trucks you load and unload?
Dock Height Requirements Do you use docks for trailers, vans, parcel trucks, or all the above?
Drive In Door Requirements Do you require ramps and/or drive in doors to the warehouse?
Dock Conditions Are the dock doors operable? How is the paving outside the dock?
Business Requirements
Do you have specific business needs and/or local requirements that are necessary in your warehouse space?
Elevators/ADA Access Elevators functioning? Building comply with Americans with Disabilities Act?
Zoning Considerations Is the location zoned for your application? Can you get variances?
Fire/Sprinkler Systems Does the building comply with local fire codes or requirements?
Temperature Control Do you have temperature or humidity control requirements?
Access Requirements
Can employees, customers, and vendors easily access the site? Can your goods and materials be shipped via roadways and railways?
Highway Is there easy access to highways? Overpass height limitations?
Access Roads Can access roads handle loads and trucks you require?
Rail Do you have access to rail if required?
Residential Areas Will trucks go through residential areas?
Utility Requirements
Do you have a list of the utilities you require? Do you have an estimate of the demand you will generate?
Electricity Sufficient amperage? History of power failures? Generators needed?
Gas Is gas or other heating source required and available?
Water Are water supply and drain lines functional and reliable?
Phone/Internet Number of required lines available? Access to internet services?
Waste Trash and recycling services, sanitary sewers, waste water, septic system?
Building Condition
What is the condition of the warehouse building and the exterior site? Would you be responsible for any repairs or maintenance?
Walls Are they insulated? Are there cracks or gaps at doors, windows, joints?
Roof Are there leaks? Skylights? When was it last repaired or replaced?
Floor Are there cracks? Is it even? Has it been sealed or painted?
Lighting What type of lighting? Do they work? Provide adequate light?
HVAC & Plumbing Are there heating units? Air conditioning? Where are drain lines?
While this may not cover every single factor you should consider, it is a good starting point.If you do not have a real estate team to help you find the right warehouse space in your area, Warehouse1 has many qualified contacts to recommend. When you're ready to outfit your new warehouse with the right material handling equipment, check out our
Warehouse Equipment Checklist to help plan that process. Let us know how Warehouse1 can help!
