Are you in the brainstorming stages of building a gas station? When you want to open your own fueling business, the pre-planning can be intense. Unlike other types of retail operations, gas stations require a level of planning that includes construction that will follow local laws, permits and provide for future upgrades.
In addition to selling gas, owners will also need to consider the profits involved with having an expanded convenience store section and drive-through window. To help potential owners to evaluate all the angles that go along with a gas station construction project, an outline of what to expect is compiled below. Keep in mind that with careful planning, your dreams of building your own gas station can be a reality.
Buy the best land for your project
When you want to open a successful business of any kind, having too many competitors nearby could be an issue. To ensure you make the maximum amount of profits your first year, carefully research the surrounding area before you purchase the land. Along those lines, when you buy land for a commercial or retail property, they will indicate if it is zoned for these activities. Nevertheless, consulting with local city building authorities will clear up any misunderstandings created by real estate agents that are anxious to sell as they may not be fully informed about special laws related to gas station building.
Check local city prohibited locations
In some cases, a city may decide that a certain area is not zoned for the construction of a gas station. This could be due to the lack of fire department services in the area or some other concern. In addition to checking online, calling the city planning office to confirm and double-check about your gas station construction idea will meet zoning requirements.
Find the necessary permits for building and operation
Having a permit or license to open a gas station is just as important as getting the construction permit. Some permit applications can be misleading because they are not specific. For example, you may need separate permits for operating a business, selling alcohol, selling tobacco, and selling gasoline. Failure to get all of these permits could adversely affect your first-year profits.
Look for gas and retail merchants
When you operate a business, you will need to sign contracts with suppliers. Retail contracts can be easy to obtain, but finding the best gasoline merchant can be an involved process that takes a significant amount of your time. When you find the ideal gas company to supply your fuel, take into consideration that construction timelines can vary due to local government inspections that will need to be finalized before you open for business.
Creating a business plan and working with financial institutions
Before you can begin construction, you will need funding. One of the best ways to obtain money from financial institutions is to create a business plan. Almost everyone that has success with their business plan consults a professional to ensure that every angle is covered. Some areas that future business owners tend to forget about are the various types of insurance costs they will need to operate a gas station with employees.
Making way for CNG and alternative fueling
Compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric cars are set to be the wave of the future. When you are planning the constructing of your gas station, leave room to have these components installed now or in the future. This will give you an edge over your competitors, and CNG is known for its profitability.
Pick KNOWLEDGEABLE gas station builders
While it may save you money to hire gas station contractors that have no experience in this specific area of retail, you may end up spending more money in the long run. Experienced gas station contractors will know that fuel pumping areas, facility wall construction, and access are all highly specialized areas of building that inspectors examine closely. Experienced builders of gas stations will also be able to find problems in your pre-planning stages that may sink your dream of owning a gas station.
Hold on to your dream
Getting a new gas station up and running when you are building from the ground up can seem frustrating at times. However, with careful planning and a little patience, your dream can become a reality. At Stovall Construction, we have helped individuals and corporations build gas stations that are profitable and successful. If you want to talk more with us about your plans for gas station construction, feel free to call 817-572-1331 or contact us online with your questions. We are happy to help you understand how we operate and our estimated costs.