posted
I ran across a deal from a businessman I've known for years. He has a 2 year old metal shop building empty and has offered to lease it to us. Our place now is 1200 sq. ft including office. His is 6480 sq. ft and he is willing to lease for about the same amount we are paying now. (almost a no-brainer, there) It has (2) 14' tall doors big enough for semis and a 12' tall door, some office and storage space, 16' sidewall height, storage above office, plumbed in air lines and lots of lights and outlets. It is well insulated, also. We would have room to build a sandblasting area and for later expansion. Location is 1 block off of Main st.
I'm thinking I might get lost in this shop and maybe it would be hard to heat in the winter, making up for the cost in rent with the gas bill.
Anyone else working in something this size, and what are your utility costs? I just can't help thinking about the possibilities with this facility.
posted
Hiya Mark, Ya gotta go o it if the numbers are right. Check with the local utility company about heating & cooling it. They should have the history on file. The 2 bigest concerns have to do relocating. What's the exposure of the new location as compared to your curent one? And, do you have a clause in your lease that prevents another sign shop or related business from moving into your current location and stealing your less intelligent clients? All the good things about moving to a larger space can be the cons too... More space Cons - higher utility bills, more room for junk, more to keep clean Pros - room to work, take on larger projects & grow Large bay doors Cons - any time you open the bay doors your utility bills will skyrocket Pros - you can fit almost anything inside, out of the elements New location Cons - Have to do mailing to inform clients of new location Pros - don't have to tell bad clients you moved Good excuse to get in touch with old clients to inform them of the expansion I say go for it and have fun! If you can afford it, keep both locations going for a month or 2 so you can move into the new place right.
Havin' fun,
Checkers
-------------------- a.k.a. Brian Born www.CheckersCustom.com Harrisburg, Pa Work Smart, Play Hard Posts: 3775 | From: Harrisburg, Pa. U.S.A. | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
mark, my shop is 60x100. i have a 14' door and a 10' door. i never thought i would use all of my space, but i am glad that i built as big as i did. i can pull in a eighteen wheeler or several other vehicles at once. i heat with a hanging gas heater that has a thermostat and it is not too bad. i keep it low when i don't have vehicles in the shop. i move off of a main hwy to a secondary road and didn't see much of a drop in business. it is back up and above what it was. if you have any more ?s let me know.
posted
If the size is worrying you...ask for a sublet agreement and let someone else pay half your rent and utilities. Put it on a short term lease...then if you find you need it later you can have it.
There are plenty of "compatible" bussiness's out there (window tinters,house painters,welders, etc.)
Just an idea...I'm doing it ith the new building and it sure does feel good.
"werks fer me it'll werk fer you".
-------------------- "Werks fer me...it'll werk fer you"
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Good excuse to get in touch with old clients to inform them of the expansion
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