Most Ontario contractors and farmers underestimate what it costs to leave equipment outside. We pulled three years of cost data from clients before and after building a Building Depot engineered fabric building to put real numbers on the ROI calculation.
The Hidden Cost of Outdoor Storage
- UV damage to seals, hoses, electronics — $2,000-$5,000 per machine per year
- Battery replacement (cold cycling) — $300-$800 per machine per year
- Hydraulic contamination from condensation — $1,000-$3,000 per incident
- Theft and vandalism — variable, often $5,000-$25,000 per event
- Resale value loss — 10-20% over a 5-year hold
Real Payback Example
A southwestern Ontario excavation contractor with 8 machines averaging $250,000 each built a 60×120 in 2021 for $165,000 turnkey. Documented savings on maintenance and resale: $48,000/year. Simple payback: 3.4 years. The building has a 50-year structural life.
Insurance Premium Reductions
Many commercial insurers reduce equipment premiums 10-20% when equipment is housed indoors. On a $2M fleet that's $3,000-$8,000/year that goes straight to the bottom line.
Need a quote for your project?
Building Depot — Ontario's Authorized MegaDome Dealer. We'll scope your building, foundation and installation from a 10-minute conversation.
Get a Quote
