Mezzanine floor or move to a bigger unit? Comparing the options
If the building has enough height and a sound slab, a mezzanine is usually the quickest and cheapest way to add space: weeks rather than months, a fraction of the cost of a move, and no change of address. Moving or extending makes more sense when you also need more loading doors, yard space, power or height than the current building can give.
When does a mezzanine win?
When your problem is floor area under the roof, not yard or loading capacity. If you have around 5m of clear height or more and a slab that can take the column loads, a mezzanine can roughly double the usable area of the part of the building it covers.
When should you look at other options?
If you are short of loading doors, yard, parking or power, a mezzanine will not fix it. If the building is low, taller racking may be a better use of height. And if your lease ends soon, the cost of a mezzanine and its removal may not pay back.
What are the hidden costs of each option?
For a mezzanine: lighting under the deck, sprinkler changes, fire protection, business rates and landlord consent. For a move: legal and agent fees, fit-out, dual running costs, IT and staff disruption. List them side by side before deciding.
What should I measure first?
Clear height to the underside of the roof steel, the positions of doors, racking and services, the floor area you need, and what will go on the new level. Those few facts decide whether a mezzanine is viable.
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More questions
How much space does a mezzanine add?
As much as the area it covers, less the space taken by stairs and gates. A 300 m² mezzanine adds close to 300 m² of new floor.
Can I take a mezzanine with me if I move?
Usually, if it is bolted steel. It needs a design check and Building Regulations approval in the new building.
Do I need my landlord's permission?
Almost always. Most leases require consent for alterations and may require removal at the end.
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