Prices being crazy and going up and down all the time, in theory renting storage and buying stuff (windows? fridge? tiles?)  seems like a somewhat sensible idea.

 

But what are the practicalities here:

- Is one-garage-worth actually enough to make a dent?  Or do I need *serious* storage

- Are suppliers themselves (e.g. kitchen company) able to store for you instead? 

- Can it be insured? 

- Builders storing equipment such as drills?

- How close to the site does it have to be? Is 10 miles away useless? 

 

Basically - is it worth the hassle?

Why offsite..? Container is safer and easier. Appliances don’t like cold and damp, so consider one of the self store units but watch out you don’t spend more on storage than you save on early purchases. 

 

26 minutes ago, puntloos said:

Builders storing equipment such as drills?

Don’t do it - their kit, their problem. Your insurers won’t accept it anyway as it’s not yours (unless you classed it as hired plant cover)

 

 

Stores are very vulnerable to theft.

At least a container on site is in sight ( if you are staying on site), and will be covered by the project insurance.

But it is pretty obvious to thieves, what will be in there.

 

They get very hot or cold seasonally.

 

Don't hire. Buy a clapped out one from a hire company, that is just too bad too rent out again, but you could live with.

Then you have to get rid at the end, but poss to someone with a similar need.

 

For storing kitchens and windows etc, I think it must be very short term....most outlets will work to your agenda.

 

12 minutes ago, PeterW said:

Don’t do it - their kit, their problem

Absolutely. 

 

Also beware any warranty or quality problems. Suppliers won't give you support for any problems if there's too long since you bought it and you could be out of warranty by the time you install the stuff. I bought loads of stuff just before Brexit. Yes, I saved myself a fortune compared to today's prices with some items, but on the other hand I've now spent a couple of years working round stuff and it's actually got in the way of getting things done and finished. It's a difficult balance.

I bought some stuff pre Brexit others at the start of the first lockdown.

 

I had, MVHR a full system, UFH pipes and all system components, gas boiler, cylinder, solar panel, inverter and mounts for panels, a car and two motorbikes in my garage - couldn't move it was so stuffed.

 

Got the roofer to preorder and store Spanish roof slates, until I was ready, which he did.  Asked the kitchen people to pre order everything, they said they had, but in reality they didn't, so we had a 6 week delay fitting the kitchen.

 

Only things left on site, were in a loft space with hatch key taken off site each day. Except for floor insulation 400m2 of 100mm sheets, a couple of shovels and wheel barrow - the wheel barrow was the only thing stolen.

I rented a council lock up for 1 year to clear my existing garage to allow it to be used for deliveries, working space if raining etc.

cost approx £42 a month, no space for anything else so worked out for me..

Some suppliers store short term..

 

I once bought 200 pieces of CLS from Wickes and collected it 20 at a time over 6 weeks. They put it aside for me.

4 hours ago, PeterW said:

Why offsite..?

Well main reason is that it would be 'separate' and not in the way. 

4 hours ago, PeterW said:

Container is safer and easier. Appliances don’t like cold and damp, so consider one of the self store units but watch out you don’t spend more on storage than you save on early purchases. 

 

Yeah that's why I was effectively looking at some 'parking' sites, people who have a lockable garage available near my house. But @SimonDis not wrong that quality problems, warranty etc are somewhat of an issue, I suppose I might buy a fridge, say, 4 months ahead of kitchen install time.. 

4 hours ago, PeterW said:

Don’t do it - their kit, their problem. Your insurers won’t accept it anyway as it’s not yours (unless you classed it as hired plant cover)

Fair point.