DIY Garage

Redefining Auto Maintenance with a Shared Garage Network

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DIY Garage is an innovative platform concept designed to connect homeowners with unused garage spaces to car owners who need affordable, convenient places for vehicle maintenance. Inspired by the sharing economy, DIY Garage seeks to bridge a gap in the market by offering a flexible, user-driven approach to auto repair. The platform empowers car owners to take control of their vehicle upkeep while enabling homeowners to generate passive income, making it a win-win solution for both parties.
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The Challenge

Many vehicle owners face high costs and limited flexibility when it comes to maintaining their cars. Traditional repair shops can be prohibitively expensive, and the lack of accessible space and tools prevents many people from performing simple maintenance themselves. Additionally, apartment dwellers and those without private garage space often struggle to find suitable locations for DIY repairs. This gap in the market presents an opportunity for a solution that combines convenience, affordability, and flexibility.

Solution Approach

DIY Garage was conceptualized as a straightforward, user-friendly platform that brings homeowners and car owners together in a shared economy model. The platform allows car owners to browse and book garage spaces equipped with essential tools, providing a safe, fully-equipped environment for maintenance and repairs. Homeowners listing their garages benefit from a streamlined onboarding process, with DIY Garage supporting setup, safety checks, and equipment suggestions to ensure a positive user experience.

Core Features of DIY Garage:

1. Flexible Booking System: Car owners can search for garages in their area and reserve a space for the time they need, with adjustable hourly or daily options.
2. Equipped Spaces: Each listed garage is vetted and includes essential tools to support a range of maintenance tasks, ensuring reliability.
3. Support and Resources: Users have access to guidance on common repairs and, if needed, virtual support from professionals.

Key Insights and Market Potential

Market research highlighted the demand for a DIY vehicle maintenance solution, particularly among young adults, budget-conscious drivers, and car enthusiasts. With 43 million used cars sold annually in the U.S., and many purchased by cost-sensitive young adults, DIY Garage addresses a growing need for a low-cost, flexible alternative to traditional auto shops. Preliminary feedback from potential users and garage owners validated the concept, revealing that:

• 63% of surveyed car owners were interested in a self-service garage rental model.
• 78% of homeowners were open to renting out unused garage space if provided with a secure, easy-to-manage platform.

Looking Forward

The DIY Garage platform has significant potential for growth. Future plans include developing partnerships with tool providers to make garage setup affordable for homeowners and expanding the platform to include specialty tools and in-person guidance for more complex repairs. DIY Garage aims to become a trusted resource for affordable car maintenance, making DIY auto care accessible, safe, and hassle-free for all.