Car Wash Construction
Car wash construction process
FINDING THE IDEAL LOCATION
CAR WASH CUSTOMIZATION
SIGNING THE CONTRACT
TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION
FINANCING THE INVESTMENT
CONSTRUCTION OF CAR WASH
RECEIVING THE CAR WASH
Finding the ideal location
The plot of land for constructing a self-service car wash must meet two key criteria: an attractive location and sufficient space for the erection of the facility. For a plot to be considered attractive for building a touchless car wash, it should fulfill as many of the following criteria as possible:
- Location near areas with a high population concentration, such as city centers, residential areas, housing complexes, and towns with more than 5,000 residents.
- Location along main roads and avenues, at intersections, roundabouts, or adjacent to key local draws such as gas stations, shopping centers, supermarkets, retail stores, vehicle inspection centers, etc.
- Good visibility of the facility.
- Easy access, with left and right-turn entry and exit capabilities.
- Adequate land area to position the car wash in a way that allows smooth vehicle drive-through traffic, which enhances user convenience.
Sufficient space
The table below summarizes the minimum required land area for constructing a self-service car wash, depending on the number of wash bays and the number of vacuum stations.
| Car wash type |
Lot size for car wash |
Lot size with access |
| 2-bay module car wash | 60 m2 | 470 m2 |
| 3-bay module car wash | 90 m2 | 560 m2 |
| 4-bay module car wash | 120 m2 | 650 m2 |
| 4-bay container car wash | 135 m2 | 695 m2 |
| 5-bay module car wash | 150 m2 | 740 m2 |
| 5-bay container car wash | 165 m2 | 785 m2 |
| 6-bay module car wash | 180 m2 | 830 m2 |
| 6-bay container car wash | 195 m2 | 875 m2 |
Additionally, there is the option to install a vacuum cleaner. We estimate that the space required for cleaning the interior of a car is 20 $m^2$. Therefore, for each such station, you need 20 $m^2$, plus the space required for access paths.
Agreement
Investing in a touchless car wash can be carried out either on self-owned or leased land. However, when signing the contract, it is worth bearing in mind that installing a car wash requires approval from the relevant governmental authority or urban planning department.
Lease duration
It is worth entering into lease agreements for the longest possible duration so that you can operate securely and benefit from the growing popularity of the business. Contracts of this type are typically concluded for a period of 5 to 20 years.
1-Stand
- Turbine power: 1,2 kW
- Power supply voltage: 230 V
- Max air flow: 215 m³/h
- Max vacuum suction: 235 mbar
- Tank capacity (nominal): 32l
- Tank material: chromed steel
- Dimensions (L /W /H): 69 x 69 x 93 cm
1-Stand
- Turbine power: 1,2 kW
- Power supply voltage: 230 V
- Max air flow: 215 m³/h
- Max vacuum suction: 235 mbar
- Tank capacity (nominal): 32l
- Tank material: chromed steel
- Dimensions (L /W /H): 69 x 69 x 93 cm
Car wash customization
The process of customizing the car wash to your needs begins with selecting the number of bays—typically between 2 and 6—based on the size of your plot. Together with our consultant, consider which type of car wash will best meet your expectations. Next, select the necessary accessories from the BKF product line—for instance, a token/change machine, a cashless payment system, and additional optimization systems for your car wash. Also, consider adding an open-air/outdoor bay that allows for washing taller vans, buses, and trucks.
Don't forget to customize the appearance of your car wash. You can do this by selecting the type of structure, colors, logos, and graphics on the banners.
Signing the contract
At this stage, it is time to sign a contract with the manufacturer. You can sign a contract for the car wash itself or a non-binding contract for the project design study.
Remember to choose a proven manufacturer! BKF has been operating successfully for over 20 years. We have manufactured car washes for more than 20 countries across Europe and Asia—totalling over 1,600 car washes, with more added every month. If you would like to join the ranks of our satisfied clients, contact the BKF sales department.
Preparation of the technical documentation
Who takes care of the formalities?
There are two possibilities for handling the administrative and legal formalities. You can hire an architect who will arrange everything on your behalf, or you can manage the procedures yourself and use the architect solely for the adaptation study. In this guide, we will continue to inform you about what you can do on your own and what requires the assistance of an architect. Once you make the decision to sign a contract with an architect, establish a timeline to protect yourself against excessive delays in your investment.
Construction permit
Provided that all zoning conditions are met or the local development plan provides for this type of investment, the architect can proceed with preparing the documentation for the building permits. As part of this documentation, technical studies for water, electricity, gas, or heating oil utility connections must be prepared. Additionally, a detailed site coverage and land-use topographic plan must be drafted. Depending on municipal requirements, an environmental impact assessment (EIA) may also be required. Furthermore, utility supply terms and agreements must be signed with the respective network providers. Once the application for the building permit is submitted, the relevant administrative authority has a deadline of one month to review it. If additional information or documentation is required, this period may be extended up to two months. Following the review of the application, the permit is issued within two weeks. Once this period concludes and the permit becomes final, construction of the car wash can officially begin.
Financing the investment
The most convenient scenario is having your own capital available to finance your investment in a car wash. However, there are alternative options, such as investment loans or financial leasing.
Construction of car wash
Construction work for site preparation of a touchless car wash typically takes approximately 1 to 2 months. The scope of these works includes pouring the concrete slab foundation and installing utility hookups for electricity, gas, and water. Once the concrete floor foundation is ready, the installation of the structural canopy bays and core washing equipment follows, taking anywhere from two days to one week, depending on the layout model and the number of wash bays.
Receiving the car wash
Upon completion of the investment, a completion report and application for project handover must be submitted. The building permit specifies which regulatory bodies and authorities must be notified for final approval. Only after all formal administrative procedures are concluded and the official operating permit is issued can we commission the car wash and begin generating profits.
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