https://www.reddit.com/r/houston/comments/1j7kh6d/diy_auto_shop_in_houston/
created by matte_blaqk on 09/03/2025 at 23:10 UTC*
14 upvotes, 15 top-level comments (showing 15)
Hey y'all, I'm opening up a DIY auto shop in the Houston area with bays available for rent along with an assortment of tools to support preventative maintenance, repair work, light bodywork and some restoration activities. We will also offer occasional DIY classes, short-term car storage (up to 3 months), consumable parts and fluids for sale and a car wash. Trying to assess the needs of the Houston folks. **If/when we open, is this something you would be interested in?** Any and all feedback would be appreciated. TIA
Comment by yepimtyler at 09/03/2025 at 23:13 UTC
7 upvotes, 1 direct replies
How would the liability aspect of something like this work?
Comment by Main-Space6711 at 09/03/2025 at 23:41 UTC
5 upvotes, 2 direct replies
I would be all about this. There was a guy who opened one a handful of years back, and then two other locations. It was super helpful. But I think he eventually found it just wasn't profitable. Ended up turning them into regular shops. When they first opened they used an hourly rate, and then it was strictly a membership setup where you would pay so much for access to six hours a month. And then it was done for. It was legit while I lasted. I swapped a couple transmissions there. I wanna say it was U do it Auto?
Comment by For_My_Girls at 09/03/2025 at 23:37 UTC
3 upvotes, 1 direct replies
I was actually looking for something like this recently. The military has shops like this on larger posts. I used it a few times and loved it. You might even consider trying to get in touch with one of them as part of your planning. They are operated by MWR.
Comment by AdMysterious331 at 09/03/2025 at 23:46 UTC
2 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Crazy, I picked this to a friend with a shop based on my experience being stationed in Oklahoma. Couldn’t get passed the liability part, so never pulled the trigger.
Comment by schlingfo at 10/03/2025 at 11:14 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
That's probably one of the biggest things I miss about being on active duty (the auto craft shops).
I would LOVE to see something like that open up here.
Comment by UhOhPoopedIt at 10/03/2025 at 12:30 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Best of luck to you! Growing up on military bases, the MWR auto hobby shops were the best. Hopefully the general public doesn't shit it up for you!
Comment by MasterofTheBaiting at 10/03/2025 at 13:29 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Wish you the best but the business insurance will be a nightmare.
Comment by surferbum618 at 10/03/2025 at 13:44 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I have been looking for something like this. Please let us know if/when it opens.
Comment by firestorm_v1 at 10/03/2025 at 14:47 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
This would be amazing. I'm looking at needing to do some frontend work on one of my cars that would be so much easier if I had a lift (suspension and front axles). I just can't take the bending over very well anymore.
Comment by smooze420 at 10/03/2025 at 16:17 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I don’t live in Houston but this is a cool idea. I gotta get up under my car this weekend and I hate doing that. Having it up on a lift to do maintenance has to be easier than crawling under.
Comment by TJ2 at 10/03/2025 at 16:23 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Your Dream Garage DIY Auto Shop in Fullerton, CA might be a good place to contact to learn about the business.
Comment by RSX11MPLUS at 10/03/2025 at 16:59 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
It's an old idea. Shell used to do this, nationwide. There was one in Houston, across the freeway from where the Summit was built (it was ebfore the Summit was built). They rented lifts and tools. The program ended decades ago.
Comment by IRMuteButton at 10/03/2025 at 18:09 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I have been reading /r/houston for several years and about once a year someone will ask if there's a DIY mechanic shop where they can work on their car. Typically these people don't have room at home, or they live in an apartment. They need access to the space to put a vehicle and may also need larger or more expensive tools to complete a project.
So there is some demand for this but I don't know how strong it is.
I think this could be a really cool business if it worked financially: A bunch of shade tree mechanics, some helping each other, sharing tools, etc. It could really become a center for people to meet and get good work done. But it'd have to turn a profit for the owner.
Comment by CrazyLegsRyan at 10/03/2025 at 00:28 UTC
1 upvotes, 1 direct replies
You’ll never be profitable.
The people who can’t afford, or don’t want to pay, the cheapest mechanics aren’t going to pay enough to keep the lights on and insurance.
Add on top the headache when someone breaks one of the shop tools and doesn’t want to pay to replace it.
Comment by redditsunspot at 10/03/2025 at 01:39 UTC
1 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Yes when i only need a lift for 30 min, it would be nice. I almost would rather do a hybrid shop. Half lifts for full service and half the lifts for rental.
But you need some kind of depsit and plan to remove broken cars. How will you get it off a lift, if in pieces and customers time is up? You are going to need a forklift and a signed damage waiver so you can use the forklift. You also need a deal with a tow/impound place to remove cars to.
I would make people use their personal insurance or buy 3rd party inusance that covers their car, your equipment, and anyone elses car inside the building. They could start a fire easily.
The idea is great but a few bad people will screw you. You need to be fully protected. Then with that full protection can it be profitable?