Car Wash Cost Information

 

Land Costs:
There are no hard and fast rules; however, the income of the car wash must be sufficient to justify the cost of the ground.  The cost of the land will be based upon several factors such as location, lot size, and real estate values in the area.  Land cost is perhaps the largest expense of the project and should be accorded the careful consideration it deserves.

 

Building Costs:
The cost of the car wash building varies with car wash size, type of constructiuon, size of driveway/parking lot, development costs, city mandates, etc.  We recommend that buildings be constructed of brick or covered block and that the parking lot be paved with concrete, at minimum for the entrance side apron.  It is important to consider future maintenance as well as the initial cost when making informed decisions about the type of structure to build.

 

Equipment Costs:
All car wash equipment is not the same!  There are significant differences in the design, quality of components and workmanship.  Many manufacturers will offer low cost systems that return frequent/difficult maintenance, low durability, and below desired levels of performance.  Quality and reliability are a must in order to insure the continued profitability of the car wash operation.

 

Water and Sewer Tap Fees:
An additional expense, which varies from site to site, is the cost of water and sewer taps.  Tap fees can be substantial.  It is important to know these costs before making a final decision on a potential car wash site.

 

Architectural and Engineering Costs:
Municipalities usually require soil sample reports and a complete set of building plans before construction is approved.  Additional requirements, such as site drainage surveys, zoning changes, curbs and gutters, and landscaping can also add significant costs to the project.

 

Typical 4-bay Car Wash Project Costs
Land	$350,000-$500,000
Building	$500,000-$550,000	Approx. $100-110K per bay and Equip Room
Equipment	$92,000-$180,000	Approx. $25-45K per bay
Tap Fees	$10,000-$200,000
Design & Construction Interest	$25,000-$65,000
Total	$977,000-$1,495,000
.
High Pressure Automatic Addition
Equipment	$145,000-250,000
Building	$130,000
Tap Fees	$5,000-20,000
Total	$280,000-$400,000