When a warehouse runs out of space, two options come up: add a second level, or move. They are not equal in cost, time or risk. Here is how to compare them.
What a mezzanine gives you
A mezzanine adds floor area inside the volume you already pay for, using the empty height above your head. It can be built while you keep operating, it avoids a move, and with a bolted system such as our Mecano mezzanine it can be changed or extended later.
What moving gives you
A new building gives more floor area and possibly better location, loading docks and ceiling height. But it brings a new lease or purchase, moving costs, downtime, new racking and often a new layout from scratch.
Compare on five points
- Cost: compare the full cost of each, a mezzanine’s price against the cost of moving, new rent or purchase and the lost working days.
- Time: a mezzanine is a project of weeks; moving is usually months.
- Disruption: building on site disrupts less than relocating the whole operation.
- Licensing: a mezzanine may need municipal permission if it increases built area, read whether you need a licence.
- Flexibility: a lease can be exited; a mezzanine stays with the building.
When a mezzanine is the better answer
When your ceiling is high, your location works and you need roughly one extra level of space. When you need far more space than a mezzanine can provide, or your site has structural limits, moving may be the honest answer.
Can a mezzanine hold racking and pallets?
It can be designed for it, but the design load must be defined from the start. Tell the supplier what will sit on it.
How high does the ceiling need to be?
You need comfortable working height on both levels, plus the structure between them. Your supplier will check this on site.
Need help choosing or planning your racking? Request a free quote and our technical team will help you plan it.