Creating a Car Wash:  Planning, Site Analysis and Acquisition, Construction Management

by Chuck Howard, CEO / Howco Inc.

Since Howco first began helping customers plan, develop, and operate car washes in 1969, we have facilitated the success of thousands of entrepreneurs with every type of wash.

Often a budding car washer’s first question to us is, “How do I get started?”

In fact, whether you are new to the car wash industry, a promising operator ready for smart growth, or a seasoned veteran hitting your stride with expansion, it is extremely beneficial to have expert advisors along the journey to optimize your success.

Let’s discuss some of the critical first steps in the car wash creation process. 

Planning 

The first and most important step is the planning phase. Abraham Lincoln once said that if he was given six hours to chop down a tree, he'd spend four hours sharpening the axe. That’s our philosophy with planning. 

Good planning and expert advice will give you a solid foundation that goes a long way in making the whole project run smoothly. Howco support during your car wash plan development includes establishing the land, building, equipment, and budget optimal for the type of wash desired. We also work with each municipality during the zoning and permitting process, which can vary greatly from one to the next. 

There is no one-size-fits-all blueprint for developing a car wash.  Every project is different and presents unique challenges and opportunities. 

Site Analysis and Acquisition 

Site acquisition is, of course, a vitally important step, and Howco can play a key role in assisting in this effort. 

If you don’t already have a site, connect with a realtor to identify options. Working with a commercial real estate professional in your target area is key. You want someone who knows the area and, ideally, the owners who are selling. Once you find a viable site, price negotiation begins, including terms for due diligence and the sale or purchase of the property. 

If you already have a site in mind, you can move on to a site analysis. This examination can determine: 

• Traffic counts and patterns (including backups) 

• Optimal side of the road on which to locate the wash 

• Traffic signal placement 

• Ingress and egress 

• Lot elevation 

• Minimum number of square feet 

• Proper number of parking spaces 

• Municipal code navigation 

• Special zones that require additional permits or processes 

These are just some of the key factors that can affect the compatibility of the site. 

Then comes due diligence for new or existing sites -- ownership and title searches, environmental research, and testing when needed.  

For existing sites: 

• Evaluate the building and determine if any maintenance is needed. What is the condition of equipment, parking lots, roof, HVAC, etc.? 

• If a remodel is planned, determine what it will take to bring everything up to code.  

• Research and review building signage code.  

• Research whether there are any legal matters pending.  

For both new and existing sites:  

• The next step is estimating the cost of the project. A set budget can help determine the type and size of your car wash. After your site cost is determined, you’ll communicate with architects, engineers, and builders to estimate the total project cost. 

• Create site and building plans. 

• Plans go for approval to planning departments and public hearings. These departments can include the zoning commission, county commission, etc.  

• Typically, requested changes come back. These can include research on water usage as well as changes to building facades, proposed signage, building colors, and features. 

• During this time, you will also go through an SUP (special use permit) or CUP (conditional use permit) process if the land or building is in a specially zoned area.  

• During the due diligence process, you will also start the bidding process. This will include general contractors and builders. Having help and advice during this time can save you a lot of time and money. Howco will help you look at bids “apples to apples.” To come in low on bids, contractors can sometimes sub in poor materials; the lowest bid is not always the best.  

Keep in mind, every site is a compromise on one level or another, and there's no such thing as a perfect one.

As far as optimal car wash site locations, retail shopping areas are ideal, whether it's an outparcel near a big box retailer or some automotive-related center that has lubes, tire stores, inspection centers, or auto parts. These attract customers from different parts of town and for different reasons. If you are nearby, it makes it easy and attractive to visit your establishment.   

Construction Management

Managing a car wash construction project can be one of the most complex and daunting components for an industry entrepreneur.

Howco offers full-service management services that guide car wash construction projects through every phase from conception to completion, including engineering; architectural; permitting; bidding, vetting, and selection of the client-approved general contractor; reconciling bids; and supervising the entire construction process right up to the certificate of occupancy.

Whatever direction your venture takes, you want to build a good team of advisors with legal, real estate, engineering, equipment, chemical, and operational expertise. We hope you will consider Howco as your car wash partner.

For more in-depth knowledge and insight from the Howco team about services, resources, and strategies we provide to guide entrepreneurs through the journey of building and growing a successful car wash business, be sure to explore the How-To With Howco podcast.