Shopping for a Shop

[ThomasC]

The time has come for me to expand my shop space. I'm currently working out of an area that is roughly 26' x 22'. It is well-orgainized, but it's so full of machinery and materials that I don't have adequate space for assembly. Once I actually build something of decent size, there is almost no room left to move around. So I've decided to hunt down some shop space. My problem is, I don't know what I should expect to pay. Are most spaces rented by the square foot, or some other method? Are utilities extra, or included? I'm sure that the answers to these questions vary greatly from one geographic region to another. I'm just trying to educate myself a little bit. This isn't something I need to move on immediately, but soon. My plan is to build a shop in the summer/fall (I already have land), but I'd like to get an idea of how I want the shop to flow before I start pourin' concrete (or having someone else pour concrete 8)).

Thanks for your help. If I can add anything that would make it easier for you to answer my questions, let me know.

TC

 

[erock]

TC
  a couple months ago I bought the book "Jim Tolpin's guide to becoming a Professional Cabinetmaker".  $7 at a second hand book store.
He started his company in his garage and talks about his road to becoming a professional.  In it he covers the shop location, work space, layout, tools.  The process of production  and the structure of the business.  I found this book very usefull.  As the utilities go, I think if you are to lease a space you are responsible for the bill,  make sure the incoming power has the amp/volts needed to run your tools.  If it's not, then you would have to pick up that bill as well.  As the price per square foot its like you said, it's geographical.  Good luck!  Hope I could help a little.

Eric

 

[ThomasC]

Eric,

That sounds like an interesting and educational book - I'll look for it. Thank you.

TC

 

[Tim Sproul]

You need to get hold of some commercial real estate brokers.  Talk to a few to get a lay of the land.

It probably wouldn't hurt to ask for references for a lawyer that deals with commercial leases while you talk to the brokers.

 

[Wonderwino]

Depending on the size of community you live in, you may be able to purchase & refurbish an old commercial building to use as a shop.  I live in a small rural community in Kansas and was able to land a 2200 sq ft joisted masonary building with oak floors for $7,500, but it needs about $30,000 in electrical, plumbing, windows, HVAC and insullation to make it useable.  It would cost about $50,000 to build and outfit a suitable 2500 sq. ft. building around here.

 

[joraft]

Depending on the size of community you live in, you may be able to purchase & refurbish an old commercial building to use as a shop.  I live in a small rural community in Kansas and was able to land a 2200 sq ft joisted masonary building with oak floors for $7,500, but it needs about $30,000 in electrical, plumbing, windows, HVAC and insullation to make it useable.  It would cost about $50,000 to build and outfit a suitable 2500 sq. ft. building around here.

Alex, that was definitely a good deal, and not one you'd find anywhere in L.A. county, where industrial zoned land sells by the square foot.

I was kicked out of my home garage a few years ago, so I leased a 1400 sq ft shop in an industrial park, where the current rent is $1 per square foot. It has an office, bathroom, and is wired for 3 phase.  I get 4 parking spaces in the lot. Being in an industrial area where businesses often run 2 or 3 shifts, I can work and make as much noise as I want 24/7.

I have to pay all utilities, plus pay insurance for my portion of the building which is currently about $550 per year.