Wash Site PlanningSome things to consider as you build your wash
ACCESS
Traffic Flow
How easy will it be to access your wash? Note the traffic flow. Try for a location with the speed limit at 35mph or lower. If it is above 30mph, there should be turning lanes, de-cel lanes, and/or curb-ins. Also, make sure that the layout of your wash will be convenient to the customer.
Visibility
Concentrate on sites with frontage, one block off a main road, or at least a view from 500 feet. Are there bridges, signs, or other barriers that will obstruct the visibility of your wash? Will your location be visible from a main road/highway or is it tucked into a neighborhood? This will affect your marketing plan and the money you spend promoting your location.
Corporate Anchors
Any extra traffic flow is obviously a plus. Look for potential 'extras' when deciding on a site, as well as the proximity of your wash to these potential accounts. Anything that can make your site self-sustaining is very important. Remembering to create a cross-marketing plan will be immeasurable to your success.
THE PROJECT
Realtor
If you choose to use a realtor, make sure that the realtor has closed land for carwashes. There are many contracting dates that must be accommodated. Do not breach a contract or your soft/earnest money may be lost. Remember to use a realtor that works for you and not the seller!
Proper Zoning
Does it meet proper zoning requirements? Each city has its own codes. Call the city's zoning department for details. Just because it may be zoned properly does not mean the city will automatically let you build. Speak with the Development Department to get an idea of building allowance. Look at any planned access improvements and changes in city and neighborhood zoning regulations.
Lot Size and Price (22,000 to 44,000 sq. ft.)
The size and price of the lot depends on several factors. Lot size: The lot must be large enough to build a facility that will not only pay its debt, service, and operating costs, but will also turn a profit. The price should not exceed profitability projections. With the high price of land, many owners are buying larger parcels and subdividing after purchase.
Construction
There are many different materials you can use in the building of your wash. Research the possibilities and their estimated costs. Bids from car wash builders will give a good scope of costs. Most banks will require two bids.
RESOURCES
Take advantage of the help offered to you! As you've hopefully already seen, Comtec Wash Systems has a wealth of knowledge for the taking. Ask for proformas and demographics, provided at no charge. Let us recommend real estate agents, architects, and other professionals you will need along the way. We can give you numbers to city and county zoning departments, water departments, and the Department of Transportation. We are here to make the process easy and fulfilling. Just ask!
- Why I Have to Wash
- Car Wash How To
- City / Area Selection
- Wash Site Planning
- Equipment Selection
- Equipment Selection Pros and Cons
- Automatics Which One!
- Automatics - Friction or NO
- Self Service Criteria
- Published Wash Articles
- Car Wash Glossary
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"Combining Technologies for the Car Wash Industry"
