Self Storage Building Conversions

A-Lert Self Storage Conversions:
Transforming Spaces into Functional Self Storage Buildings

At A-Lert Building Systems, one of our specialties is the innovative conversion of existing buildings into efficient self-storage facilities.
With our expertise in layout design, construction, and customization, we transform underutilized spaces into profitable storage solutions.
Whether you have a big box store or grocery store that’s closed its doors, a warehouse, an office building, or a vacant building that formerly
served as retail space, we can unlock its full potential and turn your existing structure into a thriving self-storage facility filled with rentable spaces.

The storage business is a popular venture and for good reason. It’s a relatively low-cost business to start, and it can be very profitable. One of the biggest challenges facing self-storage entrepreneurs is finding a suitable location. Land can be expensive, and zoning regulations can be restrictive. An alternative to new construction is filling an existing structure with rentable spaces, otherwise known as a self storage building conversion.

This can be a great option if you can find an affordable building in a desirable location. However, there are some pros and cons to consider
before you make the decision to convert a building.

cold and climate controlled storage single story and indoors in texas constructed by alert building systems

Pros of Converting an Existing Building

There are several advantages to converting an existing building into a self-storage facility. First, it can be a more cost-effective option than building a new facility from scratch. Second, you may be able to find an existing building in a desirable location that would be difficult or impossible to acquire for a new construction project. Third, converting an existing building can be a quicker process than building a new facility.

  • Easy accessibility.
  • Zoning and permits are often unnecessary – they’ve already been approved!
  • Lots of customers – typically these buildings are in densely populated urban areas with lots of traffic. This means higher standard rates and quick leases!
  • Quick construction time, since the exterior, foundation, lighting, HVAC, and often security systems are already in place.
  • Don’t forget about the existing parking lot – great potential for future storage buildings, open-air storage, or boat & RV storage!

Things to Consider Before Converting an Existing Building

There are a few things to consider prior to converting an existing building into a self-storage facility. First, you may need to renovate the building to make it suitable for self-storage. This can be a costly and time-consuming process. Second, the building may not be the ideal size or shape for self-storage. This could limit your ability to rent out units and could impact your profitability. Third, the building may not be in the best condition. This could lead to additional maintenance costs and could make it more difficult to attract tenants.

A-Lert Building Systems will walk you through the design and development stages of self storage building conversions to create an efficient layout so you can start your new business as soon as possible. We offer:

prefabricated steel roof and frame for self storage unit in Austin Texas being constructed by Alert general contractors
  • Layout design assistance to meet your exacting requirements.
  • Customized floor plans designed to work specifically with your existing building.
  • 29 gauge PBU galvalume partition walls, a must for any storage building conversions.
  • Climate Control features can be integrated into your design.
  • Your self storage building system is manufactured in-house by A-Lert with steel, which is more fire-resistant than other building materials.

The A-Lert Building Systems Promise

If you’re looking for reliable storage building conversions, A-Lert is your single-source supplier of materials and/or labor to install metal hallway systems and top-quality roll-up doors for your conversion project. We offer services that alleviate construction headaches and help you launch your self storage business smoothly. We will guide you through your storage journey and treat you like family. Call 1-800-344-0609 today for more information!

constructed building red roof for self storage building in texas

A-Lert’s Added Plus

Concerned about your existing roof? Is it riddled with leaks or not aesthetically pleasing? Good news! We also design, engineer, manufacture, and install metal roofs. A-Lert Roof Systems is the industry leader in retrofit standing seam metal roofs. We have earned a reputation as one of the leading metal roofing contractors in the United States. With over 35 million square feet installed for over 2,500 clients nationwide, we are easily one of the most experienced as well. Not only will A-Lert design and engineer your interior self storage units according to building conversions specifications, A-Lert will also design and engineer a new roof system for your building, making it watertight for decades to come and improving not only the aesthetics but the property value as well.

We enjoy strong vendor relationships with the top steel suppliers and maintain one of the largest stocks in the industry. This allows us to offer our clients a wide selection of metal roof designs and building and roofing components, with service that is second to none. Whether you need a retrofitted roof, wall and liner systems, or a roof for new construction, you’ll get the best people and products for the job with A-Lert. Visit our roofing division website at www.alertroofsystems.com to find out more.

A-Lert Building Systems is a self-storage contractor that engineers, manufactures and installs self-storage facilities for Austin-area developers, entirely in-house. Our plant in New Braunfels is about 50 miles down I-35, so components come from our own shop, not a supplier across the country. In a market where land is expensive and demand keeps growing, getting the site, unit mix and build right the first time matters. 40+ years in construction, backed by Centurion Industries.

Schedule an Austin Project Consultation · Call 800-210-5375

Local expertise in the Austin market

High land costs push new construction inside the core toward infill and multi-story projects, while suburban submarkets such as Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Georgetown and the Hutto/Taylor corridor, where the semiconductor expansion is bringing new development, still have room for single-story, drive-up builds. Projects here follow I-35, the metro's north-south spine; MoPac (Loop 1) and US 183 on the west and north sides; US 290 and SH 71 toward Southwest Austin and Dripping Springs; and the SH 130 and SH 45 toll roads carrying growth east and north. We design to City of Austin zoning and permitting requirements and to Texas code, from North Austin and the Domain to South and East Austin and the outer suburbs.

Self-storage building types we design and build

Turning Austin retail and industrial space into storage

In a land-constrained market, converting an existing building is often the fastest route to an infill location you could not buy as raw land. A-Lert evaluates the structure, access and zoning, then handles the reconfiguration, structural upgrades and code-compliant retrofit end to end.

Building for Austin's growth

Austin has been one of the fastest-growing large metros in the U.S., and much of that growth comes from people relocating. New arrivals often rent before they buy and need storage during the move. A-Lert builds for that trajectory: the right unit mix for each submarket, and phased designs that let a facility expand as the surrounding neighborhoods fill in.

Why developers choose A-Lert in Austin

  • Our own 40,000 sq ft manufacturing plant about 50 miles away in New Braunfels.
  • Single-source: engineering, in-house fabrication and installation, with the build managed end to end.
  • Licensed as a general contractor for 30 years, with 40+ years in construction.
  • A division of Centurion Industries, for financial strength on large projects.
  • Built for ROI: the right unit mix and footprint for expensive Austin land.

Frequently asked questions

Is multi-story worth it in Austin?

Inside the urban core, usually yes. With land among the most expensive in Texas, vertical construction produces far more rentable space per acre. The right answer comes from modeling single-story against multi-story for the specific site and submarket.

Can you convert an Austin retail or industrial building into self-storage?

Often, yes, and in a land-constrained market it is frequently the most cost-effective path. It starts with evaluating the structure, access and zoning, then retrofitting the shell into a code-compliant facility.

How do Austin land costs change the build?

They push most core projects toward multi-story and conversions, which need real structural engineering: reinforced framing, elevators and fire suppression. A-Lert does that engineering in-house, so the design fits both the site and the budget.

Do you handle Austin permitting and code?

Yes. We design to City of Austin zoning and permitting requirements and to Texas code, and our single-source team keeps the schedule moving through review.

Schedule an Austin Project Consultation · Call 800-210-5375