Witnessing your business grow is always a good thing. But of course, there will come a point where your operations will need more space.
As opposed to having a massive expansion, renting new facilities or completely moving to a new one, mezzanines might be the best solution.
Generally, mezzanines are made of steel and are built to be free-standing structures that can be dismantled and moved. Aside from allowing you to keep your current location, mezzanines double your existing space, enabling you to add offices or computer rooms or lunch rooms even bathrooms.
If you are considering if a mezzanine is the best option for you, here are a few questions to ponder on:
What will you use your mezzanine for?
Determining the purpose allows you to think of the features or facilities that have to be on or under the mezzanine. Will you require a lift or will a staircase do? What kind of lighting is required? Should there be lighting on the floor? Specifying the purpose of the mezzanine also enables you to narrow down the details that have to go into the structure.
Where will you have it installed?
The area where a mezzanine will be installed must have enough ceiling space and its floor capacity must be able to accommodate the additional heavy weight. You also have to consider how the mezzanine affects the workflow within your facility and what power runs are needed.
What codes apply to you?
Your location and the function of your mezzanine will dictate the codes that apply. Whatever the use, the design must take into account the following factors: fire rating considerations, the location and number of staircases needed for immediate staff evacuation in case of emergencies and safety gates and railings.
Will you need partitioning systems?
When creating a warehouse mezzanine office, or computer rooms, bathrooms and other types of space, you will need partitioning systems. Typically, stud and track systems are used for partitions. For specific requirements, various plasterboards systems are ideal for their fire and sound performance.
Fire rated boards are ideal for corridors, dividing walls and staircase enclosures. For administrative offices, meeting rooms and private offices, the use of sound performance plasterboards ensure that sound does not transfer from one area to another.
For aesthetic purposes, glass partitioning is gaining popularity as it creates an open plan feel or a look of prestige. This is usually used in meeting rooms or receiving areas for potential partners or clients.
Who do I need to construct this mezzanine?
This project requires a principal designer and contractor. Your designer will help ensure that all health, safety, maintenance and efficiency considerations are taken into account prior to construction. As you will require multiple trades to work on your site, you will need a contractor to look over all the sub-contractors who will be working on the project.
If you need more information, you can call us for advice. We have created warehouse mezzanine offices for businesses across Australia. Customising our mezzanine offices, we fit our structures to fit around existing equipment columns and other obstructions.
To optimise your warehouse space, contact Adex Group today.