Okay, so you are ready to get started. You have probably heard the saying “location, location, location” and it truly applies to the car wash business. Selecting a location that is going to cash flow your investment is key to your success. Traffic counts, zoning and existing competition are also important factors that must be considered.

Research is essential in selecting a site for your center. Be objective and realistic in your approach. Locate in a growing area. Demographic analysis through your local planning & zoning boards is a good place to start your preliminary research. D&S factory-authorized distributors can also help you evaluate a potential site and help you determine total return on investment.

Lot Size & Placement

The lot size and placement of your building are important factors when considering a possible location. The property must be large enough for the building, stacking of cars in line, vacuum/detail areas and easy ingress/egress. A corner lot is best, although an inside lot will be less expensive (less width is required on a corner lot). The building should be parallel to the street if possible. The exact size of the property required will depend upon the number of proposed bays and future expansion. Whether you have questions about traffic flow and speed limits, lot sizing, turn radiuses or proper locating of vacuum islands and vending areas, our team is available to guide you through the process.

Click here for more specific site planning assistance.

Click here for a Site Analysis Survey.

Along with the help of our factory-authorized distributors, we can help you select the right location or evaluate your proposed site to ensure a maximum return on investment. Should you build five self-serve bays and one automatic, or would a combination of four and two be more appropriate? How many vacuum islands should be installed on the property? Where should they be located? Where should the surveillance cameras go? These are very important questions that require special consideration.

Other Factors to Consider

Zoning
The property for your site must be properly zoned. A piece of property that you currently own may not be suitable for your proposed site.

Traffic
Medians and heavily traveled streets may interfere with accessibility to your lot. Choose a location on a street with a speed limit between 25 and 45 MPH.

Land Costs
Land will appreciate over time and help drive up the value of your wash. Don't pay too much for the land. Try to justify the cost of your property with the amount of gross income you expect to make.