Rent - just right?

[wifpd4]

Keeping in mind this is a hobby and I'm a bit of a noob in training, one of my neighbors introduced me to a gentleman who rents out space in one of his buildings. The building is an older building that in one of it's previous lives was a car dealership.

So for a $100 per month, I get water, electricity, 55 degrees heat, and one parking space.

So for January, February, and March, I can continue to work on my apprenticeship.

This didn't seem too bad to me. What do you think?

[HCAD]

Re: Rent - just right?

I did the exact same thing last winter. Actually split a space with another detailer. Our $145 total price was definitely worth it to keep working, although we didn't do a ton of work. Congrats on a good find.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Rent - just right?

David, even if you do just a single "good guy discount" detail each month you'll cover your rental costs and be able to continue working on your skills development. Sounds like a great idea, actually, as long as there is sufficient room to work around the vehicle when parked in this one car space. Seriously, we've seen some two car garages that could barely accommodate a pair of MINIs.

[cnfowler]

Re: Rent - just right?

Sounds like a steal to me. Like Michael pointed out, one detail a month could cover the expense. I wish I could find something like this. I'd rent it year round.


Colin

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Rent - just right?

Sounds like a very good deal to me. Good luck. Hope you stay busy.

[Andy M.]

Re: Rent - just right?

Sounds like a steal to me. Like Michael pointed out, one detail a month could cover the expense. I wish I could find something like this. I'd rent it year round.


Colin

That makes two of us. I would take that deal in a heartbeat.

Andy

[wifpd4]

Re: Rent - just right?

Thanks for the responses. I'll go meet with him again tomorrow and make sure I can get in on the weekends too and seal the deal.

As a hobby, I've been giving away my labor and barely covering material costs. That may need to change. Cleaning microfibers and pads puts a lot of wear and tear on the washer and dryer.

Thanks again.

[wifpd4]

Re: Rent - just right?

Sorry for bumping this old thread, but I wanted to give you an update on my rental situation.

It's great and well worth the $100.

Here is a picture of the wash bay. I brought my residential type of high pressure washer from home.



This is my work space. Just large enough to get around the vehicle with a stool or step ladder.

Only problem is if someone else wishes to use the wash bay, the overspray hits the car I'm working on.

So I move while the wash bay is being used.




Check out the background of this photograph. Car lifts! The thought of raising up a car to work on it appeals to me.

Is it a good idea or more trouble than it is worth?




Thanks and again sorry for the bump.

[Andy M.]

Re: Rent - just right?

Using the lift would certainly save some wear and tear on your back and legs. No more stooping or kneeling!!! They aren't that difficult to use either.

Andy

[HCAD]

Re: Rent - just right?

Looks a lot like the garage we used to rent last year. One idea for the overspray from the wash bay ... Can you hang a clear tarp from the ceiling?

Well worth the $100.

[Shawn T.]

Re: Rent - just right?

That looks definitely worth the $100. Nice set-up.

[wifpd4]

Re: Rent - just right?

Looks a lot like the garage we used to rent last year. One idea for the overspray from the wash bay ... Can you hang a clear tarp from the ceiling?

Well worth the $100.

Yes, the owner had mentioned he wanted to make that improvement. It would need to be clear plastic since that corner is fairly dark on the side of the car towards the wall(left). I moved some halogens over to that side on the last black vehicle I clayed and corrected.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Rent - just right?

That set up looks great David!

If you ever get the chance to put a car on a lift when detailing it, do it. There's nothing like buffing the lower areas of a fender or door, or even down to the rocker panels, while standing up and holding the buffer comfortably at chest level.