Developing Contractor Garage/FlexSpace

[Bryan Zayac]

Hi all -- I recently purchased 13 acres and built a 10K SF warehouse/office space for my business.

I'm looking to begin developing the rest of the land with some contractor garages. Is anyone working in this space currently? Trying to get an idea of what amenities are being sought, and ideal size of the spaces. I've often seen ~2,500SF per unit, but looking to see what is out there.

Also, the land is not entirely flat, and I'm new to development, so I'm trying to get some ideas on what might be good options for developing with this topography. 

There are a lot of townhomes being built in this area, which is a thought of developing those on one section of the land, and contractor garages separately where they could be slab on grade and more flat area.

Thanks,

[Scott Mac]

The contractor spaces I've seen over the years have always had a big 220 plug where they could plug in an arc welder or a big compressor. Running it through conduit lines.

Sometimes they have big table saws and other large equipment that runs on this big power plug system.

I suppose it would depend on the building code if that was offered or not, or had to be hard wired in.

If I were doing this, I would visit every contractor space for rent personally in my car Within so many miles of the intended project.

I would get out and talk to the contractors. Telling them what I intended to do- pre advertising, and ask them what they like about their space, and what they don't like about their space.

Don't expect to be talking to Prince Charles here with your responses, realized these guys work hard, some of them talk hard, and are not in the best of moods because they're sore or hungover.

Rather than asking non potential customers in here you can get a better result from potential customers, As well as tour of the competition.

While you are there, maybe take some pics, and make a written record of rental rates and what features they have for that price.

In a nutshell, become an expert on this specific investment in your local area and neighborhood, in order to try to reduce the risk of just guessing.

Good Luck!

[Robb Almy]

Chris Ramsey sells a guide/ coaching on the topic of contractor garages. You can check it out here. https://chrisramsey.ck.page/ae6f9f468e

I have not bought the guide or used it and cannot vouch for him or it, just sharing as a potential resource. At the very least you might get his free newsletter or follow on Twitter or Insta for some of his free pointers if not interested in the guide. 

Best wishes!