DSMCentral Member Work Shop, The next Level? Options

[awd4kicks]

I have had discussions with a couple other core DSMCentral members and I feel the next level of DSMCentral may be upon us.

More to the point I propose a shop space with a vehicle lift that can be accessible to members on a share plan. I do not want to open up a shop for profit necessarily, but one that will be a support point for DSMCentral members and a place to congregate. The place I have in mind is near the intersection of Rt24 and Rt116 (Between Peoria, E. Peoria, and Germantown Hills). There are a few options to this shop area. I can procure a one stall heated and air conditioned space, or a larger 2 stall long heated space, or a very large non heated or air conditioned space. Any of the locations will include my lift and a garage door to get away from the out door elements. The landlord is pretty laid back performance oriented guy that I am friends with.

The tentative plan would be each member brings their own tools and has the lift for a predesignated amount of time. This time will be preplanned on a calender for the most part, but I'm sure there will be a lot of open time where members can just pull their vehicle on for some quick repairs or check overs. All paying members will be welcome at anytime we designate the shop to be open. ALL DSMCentral members will be welcome to hang out while paying members are there. The local club house so to speak.

The details need to be worked out and the membership fee will vary between $25-$40 a month for full access. Regardless of the final amount or details of the shop, a years worth of membership will need to be prepaid once the details are hammered out. This will ensure our ability to procure the building for a full year and cut down on collecting payments hassles. Depending on the number of paying members, non-paying members may be able to rent the lift and shop space for small periods of time when it is empty (I'm thinking say $25 for half a day...WAY cheaper than going to a repair shop, but more expensive than Full membership.)

For reference the cheapest shop rate I know of was SloPny at $50-$55 per hour. That included an experienced tech to do the work, but at that rate one full day at the DSMCentral workshop can pay for it's self for the full year.

Some may wonder about insurance hassles and I don't plan on having any. The Land lord will have his appropriate building insurance, but all members will be required to sign a waiver for any problems, injury,loss or damage. The price will surely be too high if we have to get some sort of insurance. I will be checking into the legalities and details of this in the mean time.

So please make a selection on the Poll and pass along any ideas or questions you may have right here.

Thanks!
Marcus

[SCCA Stang]

I would be very interested, possably a paint booth could be made as well?

i had this same idea earlyer today

EPA regulations and concerns would be too much to do a paint booth in a Non-for-profit situation...
too many exhaust regulations and insurance would be a must to save the main "host" from any wrongful death suit in the case that somebody passed out and died from the fumes.
I almost think that that would be a concern even with a lift in the shop... what if it fails and someone gets crushed... I understand that is highly unlikely with all of the safety equipment most modern lift manufacturers install on their products... but still possable.... what protects the main "host" from a wrongful death suit or such.... I understand that there was mention of a liability waiver, but does that endlessly protect the "host" or landlord.

I am just trying to help protect Marcus or whomever look at every possable situation here.
I understand that Marcus has run a shop and all, I am just trying to help out here.

As far as all of the suggestions from Xian and KOU... I think it is very commendable that they are looking out for the best interest of DSMCentral, Marcus, and all of the people that are potential "renters" of this shop.
I think that any input from them should be concidered as well as input from Marcus, SPY, and anyone else that has idea's.
The more info you look at before you start a project, chances are overall better plans will be emplimented and bottom line, better chance of success.

Hope this helps,

Ben