[MysteryTramp101]

Greetings, I live in Denver, CO and I have noticed a great need for space/tool rental for DIYers to create/complete their projects. I am in the beginning phases of starting a company that will provide the space, tools, and guidance necessary to fill this void in the city where many people simply do not have the space or resources at their disposal. We will offer space and tool rental, as well as classes/practicums in most every basic phase of construction. My main question is--does this model exist anywhere in the country that people are aware of? I have not been able to find something exactly like this in the city of Denver. I know of pottery workshops, woodworking shops, etc., but I have not found anything that will offer the space and resources for completing projects in an array of disciplines/trades. Any direction or help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. MT

 

[chandler48]

Many community colleges offer such training/space/tools. You may want to check into how they do it.

 

[roughneck]

It’s a very tall task to get a decent array of tools and supplies one would need for many different projects.
Metalworking, woodworking, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, etc have a tremendous amount of things needed.
Besides colleges and trade schools, as listed above, I’m not certain of any place that offers such services.
What is your business plan for this?

 

[MysteryTramp101]

Thank you for the replies so far...Roughneck, yes it is a tall task to house a comprehensive list of tools necessary for each phase of construction without a doubt. A few things--the very reason it's a tall task is what would hopefully make this business work: who has all handtools/powertools necessary to be set up for success? And who wants to be overcharged by the tool rental office at HD? Offering all these items at the client's disposal, as well as the space needed, will be what hopefully is most attractive for a concept such as this. Secondly, my partner and I are already in the wholesale/remodel industry; we have accumulated a vast tool arsenal to this point. And the funds necessary to purchase duplicate and additional items will be included in our startup investment proposal. Finally, as far as a business plan, we are not there yet; I am just in the market research phase, in order to build a business narrative. The plan/model is the next step. I have seen that there are concepts called "Maker Spaces" which apply this concept to many things such as brewing, painting, pottery, and woodworking; I have yet to find a Maker Space (at least in Denver) that offers the full construction menu that we would aim to provide.

 

[lenaitch]

In addition to colleges, as mentioned, there are a few private woodworking clubs up here that offer this type of space. There is also a motorcycle repair shop that opens up a few nights a week for folks to work on their toys. I don't know what the fee structure is.
Our daughter works on a military base and they have woodworking and auto clubs for members to play; they are really good at that type of thing.

 

[ron45]

Have you talked to a lawyer and the insurance company.?

 

[mathmonger]

Check out this place in my neck of the woods. They seem to make it work. The place is pretty mind-blowingly awesome.

https://www.themakerdepot.com/

I'm not a member. It's expensive. But I go to their MakerFest and check out all the stuff people are doing there. It's pretty epic.

 

[3onthetree]

tools necessary for each phase of construction
And who wants to be overcharged by the tool rental office at HD?
I have yet to find a Maker Space (at least in Denver) that offers the full construction menu that we would aim to provide.

That place Mathmonger links in Joysey is pretty pricey, but really cool. Bet the CNC machine and 3D printing is on 24/7.

So you're saying you want to go beyond the small portable project, and into the construction side? Just thinking about the tools you would rent at HD or elsewhere, most are for tasks around part of a building that cannot be transported to another place. What kinds of projects that are different from the "maker" spaces do you see serving?