Starting a small business in your garage can be quite advantageous. It results in financial savings by preventing the need for office space and eliminating commuter expenses. Unlike renting an office where you must adhere to some guidelines, running a business in your garage allows you to customize the space to match.
With a garage, you aren’t limited to one particular business type. There are numerous businesses you can operate from your garage. Discussed below are five small business ideas you can start in your garage.
1. Personal Training or Fitness Business
If you’re a fitness enthusiast passionate about helping others reach their health goals, a garage is one of the best places to start this venture. Setting up a home-based fitness business in your garage prevents the need for costly commercial space, cutting on overhead costs like rent. In addition, a garage gym offers a private, personalized setting for your clients, which enables them to concentrate on their fitness objectives without distractions. To create a functional and inviting garage gym, consider:
- Investing in durable, shock-absorbing flooring to create a comfortable surface for workouts and to protect your equipment
- Ensuring proper ventilation to avoid overheating and create a comfortable exercise environment
- Ascertaining adequate lighting for visibility and safety during workouts
- Installing storage systems to optimize space and reduce clutter by ensuring the fitness equipment is easy to reach and adequately organized
When getting your garage ready for your personal training business, you must complete the necessary renovations, including repairing garage door panels.
2. Woodworking Business
A woodworking shop is another small business idea you can set up in your garage. Starting this venture in your garage means you can save money on overheads, significantly contributing to your business’s bottom line. Starting your woodwork shop from your garage allows you to start small with small projects and then grow as you gain more experience. When setting up a woodworking business in your garage:
- Determine the amount of space available before shopping for any equipment
- Invest in organizers like assembly tables, tool boxes, and more to make the shop neat. Others, such as cabinets, hooks, and hangers, will help keep things out of the way and keep the woodshop organized
- Power up your garage woodworking shop and ensure electrical outlets are positioned optimally
Before opening your garage woodwork shop to clients, ensure you have the necessary permits and licenses to avoid legal troubles.
3. Appliance Repair Business
An appliance repair business is another venture you can start in your garage. This type of business involves repairing and maintaining household appliances, such as dyers, washers, washing machines, and more. Since appliances break down regularly, maintenance and repair services are in high demand, making it a profitable venture to set up in your garage.
You can niche down by specializing in high-tech appliances or vintage ones. Register your appliance repair business and acquire the necessary tools and equipment. Once your business is up and running, market it to your neighbors and others in nearby neighborhoods to create brand awareness and attract clients.
4. Barbershop
Your garage is one of the best places to start a barbershop on a budget. You can prepare the garage for your business by thoroughly cleaning it and applying preferred colors and finishes. To convert this space into a barber shop, consider:
- Investing in the right equipment and tools
- Creating an inviting barbershop environment by thoughtfully selecting accessories and decor. Installing the right lighting can also help create a dream barber shop
- Installing a storage system for your supplies and other materials
When converting your garage into a barber shop, consider insulating the garage door. An adequately insulated garage door will help regulate temperatures in your shop, keeping you and your clients warm during winter and cool in summer.
5. Laundry Business
A laundry business is another profitable venture you can start in your garage, especially if you live in a neighborhood with many apartment complexes or well populated. A laundry business has low labor costs and is easy to operate. Although it provides a steady flow of income, offering additional services like washing and folding can help increase profits. When renovating and designing your garage into a laundromat:
- Ensure the garage’s water and plumbing line hookups are secure
- Since you’ll be dealing with water most of the time, investing in a suitable water system can help prevent flooding and mold accumulation
- Determine the number of machines (washing and drying) you’ll need to run your small business and how they’ll fit in your garage’s minimal space
- Create storage space for keeping your supplies, such as fabric conditioners and detergents
Endnote
Your garage is one of the spaces from which you can launch and run a thriving business. Personal training, barbershop, woodworking, and appliance repair ventures are some business ideas you can start in your garage.
