Truth be told, the amount of land you need for your car wash business will vary depending on numerous critical factors. However, a good yardstick to use when deciding the amount of land you need for a car wash business is 100 – 120 feet deep by a minimum of 75 feet wide – although it will depend on the number of bays you want.
Note that a typical four-bay self-serve car wash would require a lot that is 120 feet long by 100 feet wide – minimum. Real estate is indeed a very important component of the car wash business.
Prior to starting your car wash business, you will have to purchase land, and most often this land will need to be free of already existing structures. Ensure to opt for properties that have the sort of traffic you need for your car wash business to attain success.
It is imperative that you go for a land or location that is big or adequate enough to contain all the amenities you need to draw clients to your business.
Don’t forget to take into consideration your future plans and expansion to ensure you don’t have to start moving because the location isn’t affording you the platform to expand.
Where you establish your business is an essential factor that will cause your car wash to either succeed or fail, so it’s critical for you to choose the right location.
Factors That Influence the Size of Land Needed for a Car Wash
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Type of Car Wash Facility
You have to understand that there are different types of car wash facilities. Ideally, there are three well-known types of car wash, which include self-service, automatic/in-bay, and tunnel/car washes.
If you’re going to run an in-bay automatic car wash, then you will need around 7,000 square feet of land for one bay. If your plan is to run a full-service car wash, then it is imperative you purchase enough space to create a waiting area for your clients.
Note that this waiting area could also be a retail area where clients can shop or make purchases while your employees attend to their vehicles.
If your intention is to combine an in-bay automatic car wash with self-service bays, then consider purchasing around 18,000 square feet for two automatic car washes and two self-serve bays.
Aside from that, you will more or less need around 22,500 square feet if intend to have the same number of in-bay automated car washes and four self-serve bays.
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Equipment and Layout
This is another vital factor that will impact the amount of land you need for a car wash business. Truth be told, no two car wash businesses are ever the same especially when you take into consideration their layout and the sort of equipment they use.
However, regardless of the sort of equipment you purchase or the way you choose to design your car wash layout, have it in mind that they both play a vital role in dictating land requirements. Have it in mind that having adequate space planning will most definitely guarantee seamless workflow and customer convenience.
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Traffic and Accessibility
Have in mind that a car wash situated in a high-traffic area with convenient access roads and good visibility will need more land to accommodate the steady influx of clients.
If possible, consider going for land on a roadway that has a speed limit of 40 mph or less. Have it in mind that by placing your business in a location with a lower speed limit, you will ensure that drivers will easily sight your business sign, potentially motivating them to make a planned or impulse decision to have their vehicles cleaned at your establishment.
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Local Zoning and Regulations
Since local zoning regulations and ordinances in the United States tend to regulate land use and stipulate requirements for businesses, it is imperative you understand this and how it will impact your choices. Have it in mind that these regulations may indicate minimum setback distances from roads and certain structures.
Most often, people utilize a real estate agent when seeking to buy or build a house, and it is recommended that you also do the same when looking for commercial real estate. Ensure to reach out to a local broker, engineer, and developer with car wash experience.
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Additional Facilities
Depending on the sort of car wash you intend to open, note that you may need enough space to create a waiting area for your clients.
Aside from waiting areas, you might want to inculcate administrative offices, restrooms, storage rooms, employee facilities, or even utility connections. It is imperative you realize that all these factors will impact the amount of land you need for your business.
If you also intend to provide other necessary car services such as car detailing, oil changes, wheel alignment, or repair services, then take into account the extra space you need.
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Future Expansion Plans
This is another important factor that will impact the amount of land you need for your business. Don’t forget to take into consideration your future plans to ensure you don’t have to start moving because the location isn’t allowing you to expand.
If you have intentions to expand the business and inculcate more services or equipment, then it is necessary you consider the extra land needs right from the very beginning.
Conclusion
Where you establish your business is an essential factor that will cause your car wash to either succeed or fail, so it’s critical for you to choose the right location. The amount of land you need for your car wash business will vary depending on numerous critical factors.
Ensure to reach out to a local broker, engineer, and developer with car wash experience to guarantee you understand the local codes and requirements.