Whether you need an architect to install one of our self-build storage buildings is not a simple yes or no answer. In most cases, an architect is not necessarily required. However, it depends on your preferences and whether you need a planning permission (formerly known as a building permit) to install our self-build storage building. In this blog, you will learn more about when it might be helpful to hire an architect.

Check if you need planning permission for your storage building

Always check on the environmental permit online whether you need planning permission to install a storage building. This site often refers you to your municipality's zoning plan. Always check this as well. If you do not need planning permission, then an architect is not required.

If you need to apply for planning permission, you will need the following documents:

• Construction drawings: You can download these for free from our website. Therefore, you do not need to hire an architect for this.
• Strength calculations: You can request the general strength calculations from us. Again, you do not need an architect for this.
• Foundation data: If you place your self-build storage building on a concrete foundation, the contractor laying the foundation can provide this data. If you lay the foundation yourself, you can ask a structural engineer to provide this data. It is mainly important to demonstrate that the foundation is strong enough to prevent subsidence. Municipalities consider a safe foundation very important.
• Site plan: For this, you could hire an architect. However, if you are only going to install a self-build storage building, you could also make this site plan yourself. For example, you can use a site like Planviewer. On this site, you can also view the zoning plan applicable to your plot. You can download a site plan of your plot for about 20 euros. You draw the object you want to install, in this case, the storage building, to scale. Your drawing must meet the submission requirements decision. This means, among other things, that the scale, north arrow, and cadastral data must be included.Also, always draw the distance from the storage building to the property boundary. Our storage buildings do not have fire-resistant facades. This is also not mandatory for buildings with a 'light industrial function' like our storage buildings. However, a safe distance to the property boundary must be maintained to prevent a fire from spreading. To prevent this, the radiation from a fire on the opposing buildings must not exceed 15 kW/m2. The bureau PH Bouwadvies has performed a so-called 'radiation calculation' for our storage buildings. This calculation shows that 3 meters from the property boundary is a safe distance. If you adhere to this, no further requirements will be imposed on the fire resistance of the facade. Always mention on the site plan that it concerns a warehouse with a 'light industrial function'. This means that many requirements no longer apply. Think, for example, of requirements in the areas of ventilation or daylight admission.

When do you need an architect for building a storage building

If you are only installing one of our self-build storage buildings, you generally do not need an architect, even if you need to apply for planning permission. With the documents provided by Kroftman, information about the foundation from the construction company or structural engineer, and a site sketch you can make yourself, you could apply for planning permission without an architect. If you want to make more changes with the arrival of a storage building, such as demolishing buildings, cutting down trees, laying a driveway, etc., then the site plan becomes more complex, as does the planning permission. In that case, it is advisable to hire an expert, such as an architect or architectural draftsman.

We hope the above information helps you make an informed choice. If you want to know exactly what the storage building of your choice costs, please fill in our quotation tool without obligation. In the last question, enter your postcode so that we can calculate the transport costs. From this, you will receive a quote by email, showing at a glance what your storage building will cost, including the transport costs. You can request multiple quotes and select different options. This way, you can compare them thoroughly.