crawl space that can house hoses
Other Factors to Consider
and cables needed for each bay.
The crawl space keeps you out of in-
Zoning
climate weather if service is needed
Your selected site should be properly
in that area.
zoned. Legalities in zoning ordi-
nances should be reviewed.
Jim Coleman Company and your
Speed Limits
local distributor can provide you
A high speed traffic area may not be
with building plan options and ideas.
the place for a car wash because it
They will work with you to insure
may be difficult to enter and exit the
your structure meets local building
wash. The ideal speed limit is 25 -
codes and equipment requirements.
40 mph.
Refer to Jim Coleman Company’s
Traffic
“Car Washes Around the World” for a
Though a high traffic area may be
variety of design ideas.
ideal, a very heavy traffic in urban
areas may not, especially near
Steps to Building a Car Wash
intersections.
The following is a list of the typical
Property Costs
Sizing Your Lot
steps you will follow when building a
You may buy or lease your property.
Not including setbacks
self-serve car wash. (Proper zoning is
Usually, a property purchase is a and easements.
assumed.)
good investment. However, leasing
4 Bays w 1 Automatic = 16,500 sq. ft.
1) Estimate cost of construction at
commercial property is an alterna-
(110’ Frontage x 150” Deep)
$60-75,000.00 per self-serve bay
tive choice if you have limited capital
5 Bays w 1 Automatic = 18,900 sq. ft.
and $120-150,000.00 per automatic
resources.
(126’ Frontage x 150” Deep)
bay (includes equipment) and com-
Commercial property prices vary
plete site analysis questionnaire for
6 Bays w 1 Automatic = 21,300 sq. ft.
from city to city and street to street.
return on investment estimates.
(142’ Frontage x 150” Deep)
Because the property itself may
2) Obtain a water, sewer, electric and
7 Bays w 1 Automatic = 23,200 sq. ft.
appreciate rapidly, it may be wise to
gas availability letter from local utili-
purchase a more expensive lot in
(158’ Frontage x 150” Deep)
ty authorities.
order to get that “perfect location.”
8 Bays w 1 Automatic = 26,100 sq. ft.
3) Select equipment supplier.
Of course, you must justify the prop-
(174’ Frontage x 150” Deep)
4) Work with local architect/engineer
erty cost with your gross income.
4 Bays w 1 Automatic = 28,500 sq. ft.
and equipment supplier to discuss
Lot Sizing
(190’ Frontage x 150” Deep)
local building codes and necessary
To calculate the number of bays
10 Bays w 1 Automatic = 30,900 sq. ft.
utility requirements.
your car wash will have, you must
(206’ Frontage x 150” Deep)
5) Architect/engineer draws com-
consider the size of your lot and the
plete set of building plans.
demographics. Lot sizes must factor
6) Submit plans to city for permitting
in setbacks and easements. See
and to potential contractors for con-
chart for estimated property sizes.
struction bidding.
7) Finalize equipment order and
Turn on the Light
select building contractor.
Since car washes operate 24 hours a
8) Obtain building permit and start
day, good lighting is important to
construction
generate attention at night and to
9) Make application for utilities...gas,
make customers feel safe.
electric and water/sewer.
There are two basic types of lighting
10 ) Complete construction and install
used in a car wash. Fluorescent
car wash equipment.
lighting is the most economical but
11) Utilities turned on and car wash
must be protected by some type of
equipment started up.
enclosure due to the overspray from
12) Obtain occupancy permit and
the car wash. The other type of
open your car wash for business!
lighting is HID (high intensity light
discharge). If you choose to use HID
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