sbogart

Ok. That gives me a general idea that I WILL have to have more power.

sunsally

1000 s.f. -- what are the dimensions of the space? Needs to be about 20-22 feet wide ideally. But as dwhite said, for that size, IF it is the right dimensions, I'd guess 7-8 beds tops.

No HP or two level 3's at that size JCL. With 7-8 beds, I'd guess 3 base beds, 3 level 2 and 1 level 3 for a pretty high-end upscale set-up. MAYBE a stand-up, but only if nothing else would fit in the space. Figure 260-300 amps for the beds --- 400 amps total should be enough for AC, W/D (if you can fit them!), lights. 7 tons MIGHT do it, but in N. Georgia, I'd be more comfortable with closer to 10. Will depend on which way the windows are - North facing is great, West or South can be a killer with the sun heating things up!

If the "near" Wal-mart is on the main route, has good visibility, parking, access, etc I might go with that space. Within the Wal-mart strip itself CAN be great, but depending on where you are, they can eat up your parking (and tanners are lazy!).

Figure 25K to pay yourself to "break even" (are you giving up benefits to do this?), another 10K at least in other payroll, 10-15K in rent, the cost of any loans/leases, advertising, etc. If the loans/leases are big, you may not make it. If you can pick up nice used stuff and dad does a significant portion of the build-out at cost, not so bad.

In a small town, EVERYone will become your "friend" for a "discount". Careful on that one.

Not trying to discourage you, nor encourage you. Just giving you some food for thought. You know your location and existing competition better than any of us!

sbogart

I would need to make enough to pay me my current salary and pay all the bills and staff to begin with. I have a pretty good feel of what it is like to run you own business. My in laws have cabin rentals and its a three man show. I worked for them for 4 yrs and know the pros and cons of running your own business. After working for them and pretty much making the decisions and not having your boss looking over your shoulder, I am finding out that I don't want to work for someone else. They are planning on selling their cabins and I don't want to run or buy them.
As long as I pay my bills, the salons and put a little extra in savings (after the 1st yr or 2) I would be happy.
I do know this...
That very few people who have their own businesses are stinking rich. Most have enough and don't want to work for someone else. The stinking rich part would help but I just want to be my own boss and pay my bills.

DWhite6872

Keep researching and I wish you all the luck!

sunsally

Ditto - let us know how it all works out!

sbogart

Thanks all!