Our storage buildings are specially designed for self-assembly and installation by the owner. You will receive all the documentation from us to make self-assembly as easy as possible. We see that about 70% of our smaller storage buildings are assembled by our customers themselves. For the larger storage buildings, this percentage ranges between 30 and 40%. If you have never assembled a storage building before, it may be difficult to assess how complicated or time-consuming this task is. Do you doubt whether self-assembly is the right choice for you? In this blog, we give you honest answers to the following questions:

1. What do I need to self-assemble a storage building?

You can assemble the storage buildings with standard tools, scaffolding towers, or a small articulated boom lift. For the wider storage buildings (H800 and wider), the trusses are heavier. Then you need suitable lifting equipment such as a boom lift, telehandler, or small crane. And yes, we cannot ignore it, you really need a few handy people. Building a storage building with four people will take you at least three days. So, they must be available for several days. You can't do it alone and not without any skill and technical understanding. Also, consider some assembly conditions. Think about the ground, the construction site, and the workspace.

If you have the handy people and the tools and everything is available to build the storage building, then we will guide you through with our manual. In our comprehensive manual, we provide step-by-step instructions on how to assemble the product. If you want to know exactly how long it takes to assemble the storage building of your choice, check the specifications of the respective product.

2. Who is self-assembly of a storage building suitable for?

As we mentioned in the previous point, self-assembly is only suitable for people who are handy and have some technical understanding. You also need to be able to read the drawings and be in good physical condition. You will occasionally have to lift parts yourself. If you don't have the time, can't get the required supplies and extra help together, or simply dread doing it yourself, consider that outsourcing is always an option.

3. What are our customers' experiences with self-assembly of their storage buildings?

If we look at the smaller storage buildings, 70% of them are assembled by the customer. If you initially choose self-assembly and find it too difficult later on, you can still decide to outsource the assembly. Below you can read how three of our customers experienced the (self) assembly of their storage buildings.

Who: Wennekers Scheepstechniek from Den Helder
Storage building type: Insulated storage building H717h

"I chose to build the storage building myself, mainly for cost-saving reasons. Besides, I am technically proficient and have the knowledge, skills, and equipment needed to build a storage building. I calculated that self-assembly saved me €10,000. I built the entire storage building almost alone. I even placed the large panels alone, with the help of a forklift. So, it took a little longer, but it worked. If I really couldn't do it alone, I would ask a friend for help. For example, with installing the roof. I also laid the foundation for the storage building myself. We poured the concrete on September 10, 2021. When the concrete dried, I started building the storage building. Mainly alongside my regular work. The storage building was ready by mid-October 2021. Including a self-built extra floor and toilet. I did have some contact with Kroftman about some uncertainties in the manual. But you'll figure it out. I would advise other customers to build the storage building themselves as well. You can't really go wrong. I didn't have to adjust anything to the parts myself. Logical too because it's a standardized storage building. So, don't modify parts because you think they won't fit. Just take another look at the drawing. Only for installing the overhead door, you need an angle grinder."

Who: BST Dintelas from Dinteloord
Storage building type: Insulated storage building H812

"We decided to build the storage building ourselves because we thought it would save us a lot of money. Looking back, I wonder if that was indeed the case. Kroftman's website states that the storage building can be assembled in 4 days with 4 people. We didn't come close to that. Even though we have technical people in-house. In my opinion, the assembly manual could be clearer. For example, recommend using a chalk line to mark straight lines on floors. Installing the ground pins was a big job. We used the heaviest drill and still sometimes failed. In that case, we sharpened the ground pins. We spent at least a month building it. Not every day and not always with four people, but still. What I advise other customers? Expect a longer assembly time if you do it yourself. Consider renting equipment and then see if outsourcing isn't cheaper. I am positive about Kroftman and their products. I am considering buying a container shelter from Kroftman."

Who: HDV Steigerbouw from Middelburg
Storage building type: Uninsulated storage building H717h
"We did not assemble the storage building ourselves. We had ordered new electric forklifts, and the storage building had to be in place before they were delivered. We chose to outsource the assembly to professionals we hired ourselves. They worked on it for 1.5 weeks with three strong men. The storage building itself was easy to assemble. What takes a lot of time is leveling the ground where the storage building will stand. Our storage building is on asphalt. The floor slopes to one side for drainage. You have to level the floor on one side, otherwise, the door won't close properly. That was precision work. There should be more attention to that in the manual. What was really complicated was installing the two overhead doors. For that, we hired other professionals who also sell these doors themselves. Installing the overhead doors is a difficult and dangerous job. There are two very large springs, and you have to wind them up. The spring force must be exactly right, and the door must hang perfectly straight. If it's not quite right, the cable comes off. It's quite a hassle to get it right again. We are satisfied with the quality of the storage building. It's a quality product. Sturdy and in perfect condition. I'm glad we outsourced the assembly. Especially leveling the floor where the storage building will stand is complex, not to mention installing the roller doors. As a hobbyist, I wouldn't even start, you really need to know what you're doing."

If you would like to speak with other customers yourself about their experience with (self) assembling the storage building, we are happy to provide you with some references. You can request these from us without obligation.

Extra point of attention for an overhead door with an electric motor
Installing an overhead door is a specialty in itself. You can install it yourself, but if you're not adept at it, you can easily install something wrong. If you have ordered an electric motor with it, the chances of something going wrong are even greater. Installing requires specialized knowledge. We have instructional videos showing you how to install an overhead door. Legally, you must have an electrically operated industrial door installed by a specialist and the door must be inspected annually. That is also the reason why you receive a sticker with the door that you stick on the door after installation with the date of the next inspection (1 year after installation). After each inspection, a new sticker is placed on the door. If you don't do this, chances are no one will check. However, if there is an accident with this door because it is not properly maintained, you are liable. The same applies to our warranty conditions for the door and electric motor. These remain valid only with correct installation and annual maintenance of the door and motor.

6. What does outsourcing the assembly of a storage building cost?

Prices often depend on the size and the number of additional options such as doors and drainage that need to be installed. Expect prices between €5,000 and €20,000 for assembly costs when outsourcing. It is best to request several quotes from different companies.

We hope you now have enough information to make an informed choice between self-assembly or outsourcing. If you want to know exactly what a storage building at Kroftman costs, please fill in our non-binding quotation tool. From this, you will receive a quote by email showing you at a glance what the costs are for your storage building. A nice extra is that you also see the transport costs immediately. You can create multiple quotes and check different options. So, you can compare them well. If you still have questions, we are happy to help you further.