Joe DownsCEO & Co-Founder, Belrose Storage Group. Founder, Storage Moguls.

Due diligence how to really evaluate drive aisles

2 May 2026 · 1 min

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The speaker provides a practical, step‑by‑step due‑diligence checklist for assessing the usability of drive aisles in a storage or industrial facility. First, he stresses the importance of an in‑person walkthrough with a tape measure, measuring the actual clear width of each aisle rather than relying on photos, aerial images, or the seller’s description. He advises marking these measurements on the site plan and paying special attention to overhangs, mirrors, and any obstacles that reduce usable space. Next, he highlights the need to locate pinch points—tight corners, gate approaches, and transitions from the entrance to storage rows—where narrow spots often hide. Finally, he recommends interviewing existing tenants during due diligence to uncover practical issues that sellers may omit, asking directly about any difficulties moving vehicles in and out of the facility. The overall message is a cautious, hands‑on approach to ensure the facility meets operational needs before purchase.

Chapters

When you go walk the facility yourself, every time, don't rely on photos, aerial views, or the seller's description of the aisles. Bring a tape measure and measure the actual usable width, not the space between the fences, the actual clear width, accounting for overhang mirrors and any obstacles. Get the site plan and mark every aisle width. Look for the pinch points, corners, gate approaches, the transition from the entrance to the storage rows. Those are where the narrow spots hide. Talk to the existing tenants if you can during due diligence. Ask them directly, is there anything about the facility that makes it harder to get your vehicle in and out? Tenants will tell you things the seller won't.