Self Storage versus Tiny Houses

[Henry Clark]

Found curious.

Was driving into our Metro area, in the run down/Industrial part of town to pay for some Cargo Containers we are getting.  Noticed about 100 Tiny Houses being built in place.  These are about two blocks away from the Open Door Missions and other homeless services.  No Roads between them, just scattered at angles on a few blocks.  Assume there will be concrete sidewalks once they are finished.

Sticking with REI and not the Social Economic discussion points.  Sure, the city is supporting or building these.  My Developers mind was struck by building concepts such as minimum lot sizes, setbacks, Fire department access, need for cul-de-sacs, storm retention ponds, etc.  The normal hurdles you need to consider.  Then my mind switched back to our primary investments Self Storage.

At two of our Self Storage locations we have made Offices which are livable with kitchenette, showers, bathrooms, office, living area if needed.  We can build 900 square foot units for $40,000 with the above living items.  Spray foam insulation and very comfortable.  Takes very little to heat or cool.  They would actually be a lot cheaper if we did a single long row, versus a single unit, due to reduced sidewalls, footings, electrical, sewer/water piping and better land/road/sidewalk utilization.

I'll stick to our investment strategies and not get into housing.  One of you MFH people can probably take this out for a spin.