Oftentimes, businesses add mezzanines and similar structures to industrial spaces to create additional room for offices, equipment, or storage. The exact terminology for these structures can be confusing, and getting it right can have serious consequences for things like permits, taxes, and even construction costs. For example, “work platform” and “mezzanine” are two commonly confused terms, which makes sense since they look identical in many cases. In this article, we’ll clarify the differences so you can choose the best option for your space and avoid the headaches caused by permit or tax issues.
What is a Work Platform?
A work platform, also called an equipment platform, is a mezzanine-like structure used to carry machinery and allow access to specific areas. Unlike a mezzanine, it’s technically a piece of equipment, and not a permanent part of the building. In other words, this means you can move or remove it without changing the structure of the building.
Benefits of Choosing Work Platforms
- Easy permit approval: As we mentioned already, they are classified as pieces of equipment (as opposed to mezzanines), and because of this the permit process is much more simple and straightforward. (See IBC regulations here.)
- Tax benefits: Another major benefit is that you can depreciate the cost of them over 7 years instead of 31 years (which applies to permanent structures).
- Flexibility: Work platforms can be adjusted, expanded, or relocated altogether.
What is a Mezzanine?
A mezzanine, on the other hand, is a permanent structure that adds an intermediate floor level to a building, such as for storage or office space. It’s considered part of the building itself, which is why mezzanines have stricter rules when it comes to building codes and permits. For instance, mezzanines must follow additional fire safety regulations, which includes having a certain number of exits and specific standards for evacuations.
Other Limitations of Mezzanines
Mezzanines also have a few other design limitations as well. According to International Building Codes, mezzanines can take up a maximum of one-third of the space below them. They may also require you to add modifications to the building, such as bathrooms, handicap access, and more.
Benefits of Mezzanines
Though from what we’ve said already, it would appear as if mezzanines are more of a hassle than work platforms. Still, they add valuable extra space within buildings, especially when you need areas that are “occupied,” or regularly used by people. In places like cluttered warehouses or factories, expanding with vertical space can really improve a workspace, both physically and psychologically.
What is the Difference Between a Work Platform and a Mezzanine?
Both work platforms and mezzanines add extra vertical space, but the essential differences between them are how they are used and how they are classified. Here are some of the main differences between them.
Permanent vs. Temporary
Mezzanines are considered to be permanent parts of a building, but work platforms are seen as temporary (or at least this is the way that regulators see them). In truth, both structures can be moved, adjusted, and relocated. But mezzanines are considered attached to another structure, which is why they are seen as fixed.
Permits
As a result, getting a mezzanine approved requires a stricter permit process. Work platforms, on the other hand, have a simpler approval process because they’re classified as equipment.
Size Restrictions
Some other regulatory restrictions are that mezzanines can only cover up maximum one-third of the space below them, while work platforms can cover up to two-thirds.
Tax Depreciation
Furthermore, as we mentioned earlier, mezzanines are depreciated over 31 years (as they are considered part of the building), while work platforms count as equipment, and therefore can be depreciated over 7 years.
Fire and Egress Regulations
Finally, mezzanines have to meet egress requirements and are counted as part of the building’s fire area. Work platforms are not included in these calculations and don’t require any additional exits.
The Bottom Line: Which is Right for You, a Mezzanine or a Work Platform?
Now at this point it may seem that we’ve painted mezzanines as sort of a headache to deal with, but to be honest, your choice will always have to do with what you will use the structure for, as well as your long-term plans for it.
- Choose a mezzanine if you are adding a permanent structure that will hold a lot of weight, such as a mezzanine office or other structure that will have a lot of occupants. But keep in mind that mezzanines can only take up one-third of the space beneath them, and that you’ll have to follow stricter building codes and regulations.
- Choose a work platform if you want a simpler and straightforward permit process. Work platforms usually carry lighter loads, but they can take up to two-thirds of the space beneath them. They are also great in terms of tax benefits, since they can be depreciated over seven years.
Ready to get started? Reach out to the experts at Allied Modular to get a free quote on a mezzanine or work platform today!
