Last Updated on November 25, 2024 by Admin
Before commencing any construction project, the project lead needs to make a detailed plan of everything that is required, what stages the project can be broken down into and a timeline for completion. They also need to think about materials and equipment and how these will be stored, as failing to do this properly can lead to disaster. In this article, we explore how important proper storage is within construction and why it should be prioritized.
What needs to be stored?
Lots of equipment is required for construction projects, this may belong to the contractors working on site or hired from a rental company. Equipment can range from handheld tools such as spanners and screwdrivers to huge machinery and cement mixers.
You will also be working with a lot of raw materials, each of which have their own storage requirements that need to be adhered to keep them in tip-top condition. For example, tins of paint need to be kept perfectly sealed and in a cool but not cold environment, air needs to be kept out as much as possible.
By comparison, bricks are easy to store and can be left either inside or outside overnight. Cement is another very common material in construction. This needs to be stored correctly as it cannot be exposed to any moisture at all until it is ready for use.
When planning the project, you also need to think about the quantity of materials. The more materials and equipment you have, the bigger your storage requirements. You will need to budget for this and ensure you have the appropriate amount of space. Will you order everything you need before the project commences to avoid delays or order materials as they are needed?
How to store your construction materials
There are plenty of options out there but customizable storage solutions can be the best option as they are able to be tailored to your exact requirements. Metal buildings are a popular choice due to their durability and the fact that they are easy to put together or move in comparison to brick or timber framed buildings.
A small shed could be enough for a smaller construction project, or for a large build you might need a warehouse or aircraft hangar sized garage. It’s better to choose something slightly bigger than needed rather than find you have run out of space once all of your materials get delivered.
Remember to think about logistics too. You will need to allow delivery vehicles on site and there will need to be space to load and unload from the van. The safety of construction workers needs to be considered when delivery trucks are coming into the site and potentially turning down with little space or visibility.
It can be tempting to store tools or materials inside of vehicles overnight for convenience, however this is usually a risk not worth taking.
Why it’s important to secure proper storage
Proper storage is absolutely essential for site security and the prevention of theft. The storage facility you use should have a locking system in place and cameras in operation. Larger sites may also wish to employ security personnel to keep an eye on things when the site isn’t in operation.
Theft isn’t the only risk, materials that are not stored correctly can be damaged and become unusable. For example, if there is bad weather and you have left fragile items outside without cover. This can be an expensive mistake, and you may not even be able to make a successful insurance claim if you have not taken the appropriate precautions to begin with.
It is also a matter of building a good reputation. Clients want to see their construction team keeping the site in good order, if it is a mess or unsafe they may not want to hire you again for future projects. Either that or a client will notice if the materials you are using have not be stored correctly as their condition will be visible.
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