DIY garage.

[tomd1338]

Just wondered peoples opinions on this..

Looking at starting a small business that would effectively be a mechanics garage available to rent by the half day or day. I know that U-spanner in essex already does this and I would be aiming for something similiar

Providing a two-post lift and air tools. Obviosuly anyone renting the space would need to sign a disclaimer.

Thoughts?

[MarvGTI]

If something like this existed around where I live, I'd definitely use it!!

[kambites]

I suppose the question is how much you'd need to charge to make a profit. To be successful, I think it would have to be a lot cheaper than simply paying a garage to do the job.

You'd also presumably supply the tools, since I doubt many people have a decent tool set but no space to work on cars on their own property? If so, how would you stop people pinching them?

Edited by kambites on Friday 11th April 12:09

[Mr MXT]

I love the theory

[supertouring]

I think it is a great idea and I have seen it elsewhere locally in Manchester, but if it was such a great idea, why has it not taken off big style?

I think I would use it but then I never have, so do many people think it a great idea but never use too?

Are most people happy doing stuff on the driveway with a jack and some stands, and those who are more serious have their own equipment anyway?

See where I am coming from?

[LuS1fer]

I think I pay £40 plus VAT an hour labour so any garage would need to be a lot less, not least because a mechanic can do any job I could do in half the time and imagine needing an unexpected part and having your car stranded on a lift - suddenly the costs start racking up.

You're also at risk of people abusing your equipment or of something going seriously wrong and your liability is going to be sky high and you will have to cover the cost of such eventuality and comply with health and safety requirements.

In short, I can see the pitfalls (see what I did there) far exceeding the profitabilty of such a venture, given there is going to be a very limited pool of people willing to get ther hands dirty. As noted, most jobs are achievable on the drive, I can't think of too many that would require a lift or air tools that wouldn't be very long jobs to start with.

[mini1380cc]

I'm sure a PH'er looked into this a business idea and soon discovered big pitfalls. I vaguely remember there being places like this but they didn't succeed.

[xstian]

There is a place down the road from me that does this. I think the cost is £15 the 1st hour and then £11 an hour there after. It's quite handy and I use it sometimes, but when weighing up the cost and the cost of your own time, you have to be fairly keen not to just pay a garage.

[joema]

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=118...

Think it went tits up fairly quickly.

Not surprising. £35 ph is almost indy rates so youre not saving yourself any significant amount of money. Easier to do what you can on the driveway, especially as jobs seem to take me 4 million times as long as a mechanic...

If it is DIY, it has to be at home where time isnt being charged to you as very few jobs seem to be quick.

[roverspeed]

This place has been going over here in Northern Ireland for quite a few years now.

Most users are not clueless eejits, but just experienced folk without all the tools for the biggest jobs

http://www.themotorgym.com/

Pricing

DIY Hire of Lift Bays £12.50 per hour plus vat

DIY Hire of Floor Bays £8.50 per hour plus vat

DIY Hire of Motorsport Bay £12.50 per hour plus vat
DIY Hire of Floor Press £10.00 per hour plus vat

I think the overall difference is that it is an actual garage with mechanics too.

[Escy]

I love working on cars, I have most of the tools I need but I'm finding these days there are some jobs where having a 4 post ramp would be ideal. For many cars it's easier to lift the chassis up from the drivetrain to get access to parts (typically big 4x4's) rather than to pull the engine out with a hoist (sometimes I think there is no option but to lift the chassis up). For big job's like that i'd consider renting a ramp in a garage.

I have undercover space to work on cars, many of my friends do not, I'm sure they would consider it also. There is nothing worse than having to fix your car in the rain, having cold water drip straight into your ear.

The only thing that would put me off a bit is the pressure of getting things done on time. I always end up needing some sort of part I don't have, what happens if you need to wait a day for something and your car is stuck on the lift?

If you had tools like a press, i'd be more inclined to do jobs like wheel bearings there as I don't want one and they are usually loads of hassle.