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Flex Space for Modern Businesses & Self Storage Developers

MakoRabco designs and builds high-performance flex space buildings for developers who want to maximize land use, attract a broader tenant base, and create new revenue streams beyond traditional self-storage. Whether you're adding a flex space building to an existing facility or developing a full flex-space project from the ground up, our team delivers durable, scalable solutions engineered for long-term ROI.

What Is Flex Space?

Flex space, sometimes called contractor bays, artisan units, shop space, or self storage flex space, refers to multi-use commercial units designed to accommodate a wide range of business, trade, storage, or hobby needs. These units typically include oversized doors, insulated walls, tall ceilings, optional storefronts or offices, and the ability to customize utilities such as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.

large flex space facility


Flex space provides the perfect hybrid between traditional warehousing, light industrial workspace, and storage—making it one of the fastest-growing asset types in commercial real estate.

A Multi-Use Hybrid of Workspace + Storage

Common flex space features include:

  • 14'–20'+ clear heights

  • Large roll-up or sectional doors

  • Durable slab floors

  • Insulation packages

  • Power and lighting options

  • Optional mezzanines

  • Optional storefront/office fronts

  • High-security access systems

Why Flex Space Is Growing in Popularity

Demand for flexible workspace has surged as trades, small businesses, e-commerce brands, and independent creators look for a professional, affordable place to work or store equipment. Flex space offers practicality, affordability, and scalability, often at a lower cost and with fewer restrictions than traditional office or retail space.

For developers evaluating a potential flex space project, understanding local market dynamics and tenant demand is critical. Flex Space Nation’s comprehensive market analysis offers deeper guidance on supply, rental trends, and competitive factors that influence successful flex space investments.

 

Flex Space Use Cases

Flex space serves a remarkably diverse user base. These use cases help prospective tenants picture themselves in the space, and signal relevance to search engines.

Contractors and Trades

Electricians, plumbers, HVAC companies, landscapers, remodeling crews, and other skilled trades use flex space as a secure base of operations. Units can store vehicles, tools, and materials while serving as a small office or dispatch center.

E-Commerce and Small Business Operations

Growing online sellers and small businesses need space for inventory, packaging, shipping, and light assembly. Flex space provides a perfect middle ground between home-based setups and full warehouse or retail leases.

Light Industrial and Workshop Users

Fabricators, equipment repair services, and workshop-style businesses benefit from tall ceilings, robust slabs, and flexible utilities that support light industrial activity.

Automotive, Hobby, and Recreational Users

Car collectors, off-road vehicle owners, and hobbyists appreciate the oversized doors, large slabs, and the option to install lifts or mezzanines within flex space units.

Startups and Entrepreneurs

Early-stage businesses use flex space as a professional home base without committing to large, long-term office or industrial leases.

Makers, Creators, and Studios

Woodworkers, artists, photographers, and content creators gain a combined workspace + storage solution at a fraction of traditional studio or retail space costs.

Flex Space vs Traditional Self Storage

Both flex space and traditional self storage play important roles in a modern commercial site plan. Many developers find that the best strategy is a hybrid approach that combines flex space units with conventional storage buildings.

Flex Space Advantages

  • Workspace + storage in one unit

  • Larger bay sizes and taller clear heights

  • Higher rental income potential

  • Customizable utilities and interiors

  • Office or storefront options

  • Industrial-grade slabs and infrastructure

  • Attracts long-term business tenants

Traditional Self Storage Advantages

  • Lower construction cost per square foot

  • Simpler building requirements

  • Primarily storage-focused

  • Shorter rental cycles

  • Lower utility demands

  • Ideal for household and personal goods

  • Highly configurable

Flex Space FAQ

Are flex space units climate controlled?
Flex space units can be designed with a range of insulation and climate options depending on the intended use and local climate. Some developers choose fully conditioned spaces, while others offer insulated-but-unconditioned units with ventilation. The design can be tailored to your market and tenant expectations.
Who typically rents flex space units?
Flex space attracts a wide range of users, including contractors and tradespeople, e-commerce businesses, light industrial operators, automotive enthusiasts, makers, creatives, and startups. These tenants value the combination of workspace and storage, along with features like tall ceilings, large doors, and secure access.
What size are typical flex space units?
Flex space units commonly range from 650 to 1,500+ square feet, though sizes can vary based on market demand and site layout. Units can be designed with single or multiple bays, optional mezzanines, and office components, allowing developers to tailor unit mix to local needs.
Is flex space a good investment for self storage developers?
Yes. Flex space has become an increasingly attractive investment because it diversifies income, increases rent potential, and often results in longer tenant stays. Many developers use flex space as a complement to traditional self storage, allowing them to maximize land use and capture demand from small businesses and trade professionals that standard storage does not serve.
What is flex space in the self storage industry?
Flex space in the self storage industry refers to multi-use commercial units that combine storage with functional workspace. Unlike traditional storage units, flex space typically includes oversized doors, taller ceilings, optional offices, and utility access, making it ideal for contractors, small businesses, light industrial users, and entrepreneurs. Many self-storage developers add flex space to expand their tenant base and increase revenue potential.
Can flex space be built as part of an existing self storage facility?
Yes. Many developers add flex space buildings to existing self storage sites as an expansion or redevelopment strategy. Flex space works well on underutilized land, perimeter parcels, or future expansion areas and can be phased in over time to reduce upfront risk.
What features are commonly included in flex space buildings?
Standard flex space features often include clear-span steel construction, 14’–20’ eave heights, oversized roll-up or sectional doors, durable concrete slabs, insulation, and electrical rough-ins. Optional upgrades may include offices, mezzanines, plumbing, HVAC readiness, and smart access systems.
How does zoning affect flex space development?
Zoning requirements for flex space vary by municipality and are often tied to light industrial, commercial, or mixed-use classifications. Because flex space blends storage and workspace, early planning and local code review are critical. Working with an experienced flex space builder helps ensure the project aligns with zoning, fire, and building code requirements.
How is flex space different from traditional self storage?
Traditional self storage is primarily designed for storing personal or business belongings, while flex space is designed for active use. Flex space units often allow tenants to work inside the unit, operate small businesses, store vehicles or equipment, and customize interiors. From a development standpoint, flex space generally commands higher rents per square foot and attracts longer-term tenants compared to standard self storage units.