The Car Wash Building Process A step-by-step guide of what to expect By Anthony Analetto Chief Operating Officer - SONNY'S The Car Wash Factory WATCH NOW - Our Customers

Your building and surroundings need to scream out to cars passing by at 40 mph that you deliver exceptionally clean cars quickly at a tremendous value. Start looking at buildings closely and compile a list of features you see that communicate those qualities. Look at as many successful car washes as you can (be sure to order your FREE Car Wash Case Study Video from www.SonnysDirect.com). Look at car dealers, gas stations, and any successful business you can find. Talk to other operators. Analyze what architectural features on buildings attract your attention and have strong curb appeal. The clearer the picture of what would be a successful wash, the easier it will be to work with your architect.

Select a General Contractor (GC)
Selecting a General Contractor (GC) is similar in process to finding a good doctor. References are important. There are two basic ways to select a contractor. The first method is by Negotiated Contract. In this method the contractor is selected at the design level and becomes a true member of the project team. The contractor’s fee may be based on a percent cost of construction, cost plus not to exceed, a lump sum, or as a construction management fee. The second method is by a Lump Sum sealed bid. In this method contractors are invited to bid on your construction contract. You will normally limit it to three bidders so that better contractors (approved by your architect) in the market will be more interested in submitting bids.

Select an Architect
Look for architects with strong referrals who have built car washes or buildings that you have seen and like. Some GCs are design-build which means they will provide both the architect and building drawings. Using a design-build GC with an in-house architect will often provide a clearer cost of your building as you go forward – each step of the way. If you use a separate architect, realize that architecture is an art form. Make sure you clearly communicate your objectives and budget so that they do not design a building you cannot afford to build.

Select a Civil Engineer
An independent civil engineer (with strong referrals) who can review site engineering and layout of the property can be an invaluable asset. They will make sure the property lines are set and staked and that all retention issues are addressed. Additionally, they will test the boring of the soil to make sure it can support a car wash. You may find problems that force you to move the building rather than hit costly solutions to rectify an unstable soil problem where you were planning to put your building. The civil engineer gives you a system of checks and balances to make sure you fix problems before going too far.

Begin the Permitting Process
Upon closing your loans and signing a contract, your GC will give you a precise bid for the entire project. This will include site work, grading, underground utilities, pavement, curbing, the building, and landscaping. Your GC will schedule meetings with the building department, fire department, department of transportation, water and sewer department. From the information gathered he can modify and prepare a complete set of plans for the initial permit application. It is common to wait 45-60 days for the municipality to review plans. The greater the town’s involvement prior to submitting the application, the quicker this process will go. Address any changes and comments from the municipality and re-submit as needed.

Finalize your Equipment Package
At this point you should have finalized your equipment package with SONNY’S. We will send your GC all necessary files to be incorporated into the final architectural plans. Send a copy of your final approved construction prints to SONNY’S for review. SONNY’S or the installer will schedule a concrete trench inspection with your GC.

Schedule a Preconstruction Meeting
Once your GC has organized all subcontractors and provided you a construction calendar, immediately schedule a preconstruction meeting. At this meeting you and your SONNY’S representative will meet with your GC and all subcontractors. The division of duties between the electrical, plumbing, and heating subcontractors, along with the installer, should be clearly outlined, agreed upon, and documented. This meeting is critical to avoid confusion and eliminate any miscommunication. Contact your SONNY’S representative for forms you will need to conduct your preconstruction meeting.

What to Expect During Construction

Construction will begin as soon as your permit application has been approved. Even with the most trusted GC, you will need to constantly make sure things are going according to plan. What is on your construction calendar should happen when it is supposed to. It is imperative to stay abreast of all bank drafts. Inspect that items the GC has requested money for are completed satisfactorily and that drafts are made in a timely fashion. Also try to be present at all inspections by the building department. You need to know what, if any, issues must to be rectified.

Site Preparation
This typically starts with a surveyor laying out the site, offsets, proposed structures, trees to be removed, and utilities. Environmental and erosion control measures are installed and the site is cleared, graded, and otherwise made ready for excavation.

Excavation, Utilities, & Fill
Excavation requirements vary throughout the nation. Special requirements for flood zones, frost walls, footings pilings, structural-fill, dewatering, blasting, or any combination of issues must be addressed. This is where the use of an independent civil engineer prior to submitting your final permit application can really pay off. After permitting, you are limited to fixing issues or reapplying for a new permit. This can be very costly if it requires the removal of unsuitable soil, blasting rock, or building water retention areas. It is always better to explore solutions to avoid these issues with careful site planning and building placement prior to getting your permit.

Foundation
The contractor will layout the footings, set forms, lay reinforcing bars, and pour the concrete. Once the footings have cured, the surveyor will return to pin the footing for exact layout of the foundation forms. This ensures the building is constructed dimensionally correct and square. The forms are installed, re-bars placed, and concrete poured. It is important to keep in constant contact with your SONNY’S SSO or factory representative during this process to avoid complications that can cause problems during installation.

Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, & Equipment Installation
Once utilities are in the building and the structure is closed to the outside, the rough MEP work begins. The main issue is to provide coordination between each sub-contractor and your SONNY’S SSO or factory representative. Open dialog, constant review, and advanced planning will provide a seamless installation.

Finishes
This term applies to everything that builds a positive customer experience at your wash. It includes paint, ceilings, trim, flooring, bathrooms, handicap accessories, and more. Opinions vary. Some operators keep it simple. Some operators build themed environments using high-end materials. What you design depends on your marketing direction, type of wash, and services offered.

Paving
Keep in mind that your lot will have more cars on it per day than some roads. Special attention should be paid to compaction to prevent settling and poor drainage.

Signs
Your signage requires careful thought. Its optimum placement in relation to traffic and site plan should have already been planned in the early stages. It should be highly visible and communicate in a memorable way the value your car wash delivers a customer. Designers are readily available through most sign manufacturers and advertising agencies. In many areas a separate sign permit may be required.

Landscaping
Commonly, landscaping is added to meet the minimum amount of “green space” required during permitting. Make sure you take an active involvement in the placement and design of your landscaping. More and more operators are turning to landscape architects to design an attractive exterior. This facet of curb appeal can increase customers' confidence in the quality of the wash you deliver.

Anthony Analetto has over 26 years experience in the car wash business and is the President of SONNY’S The Car Wash Factory’s Equipment Division. Before coming to SONNY’S Anthony was the Director of Operations for a 74-location national car wash chain. Anthony can be reached at 800-327-8723 x 104 or at AAnaletto@SonnysDirect.com