What Does it Take to Build a Gas Station?

What Does it Take to Build a Gas Station?

There are over 150,000 gas stations across the United States, with more opening all the time. But what does it take to actually build a gas station? In addition to offering gas pump repair in Central Texas, PumpTex also provides a range of A/B licensed construction to build gas stations from the ground up. We can handle gas station construction projects of all sizes to meet your needs, including dispenser installation, sump & spill bucket replacement & repairs, tank replacement, entry boot replacement, line repairs, bollard replacement, riser replacement, and more.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the steps involved in building a gas station.

1 - Let’s Talk Location

When it comes to real estate, location is everything, and deciding where to build a gas station is no different. Choosing the right location is a crucial factor when building a new gas station, as it can impact gas prices and the amount of traffic likely to come through the gas station when it is ready to open. Looking at statistics, the best location for a gas station is the corner on the right of a four-way intersection right after the light. This comes down to driver preference of wanting to avoid making a left-hand turn and wanting to get through the light before pulling in to refuel! Of course, other factors come into play when choosing a location, including the size of the lot, traffic, and the potential market in that area. Gas stations often appear in clusters. That’s because everyone is looking at the same factors when choosing a location. However, it also means that you will have direct competition - potentially right across the street, so it will be important once open that you have a trusted petroleum service company on hand for gas pump repair in Central Texas to ensure your dispensers stay in good working order.

2 - Starting construction

When the time comes to start construction, it is crucial that you work with a reputable petroleum service company that can provide A/B licensed construction. This could be the difference between keeping construction on track and finding yourself with a project dragging on because of mounting expenses and complications. There is a massive list of construction tasks required, including but not limited to the following:

  • Excavating & preparing the area for installation of the Underground Storage Tank
  • Installing the Underground Storage Tank & backfilling to the top of the tank
  • Digging trenches for & installing submersible pump sumps for fuel dispenser
  • Running piping from the sumps to the dispenser area and testing the piping for leaks
  • Installing the concrete pad for the dispenser area
  • Installing dispensers on the islands and connecting piping
  • Installing probes & sensors for tanks, sumps, and dispensers

3 - Equipment & Inventory

The equipment you choose will depend on the size and location of your gas station. Aside from deciding on how big your Underground Storage Tank needs to be or how many dispensers you will need, you must select the best model dispensers to meet your needs and a powerful point-of-sale system. Working with an experienced petroleum service company like PumpTex will give you access to a wealth of knowledge about the available technology, and they will help you select the right options for your particular gas station.

It is also worth noting that there are now fewer full-service gas stations around. The majority are convenience stores that also sell fuel. Others also offer additional services, such as a car wash or a service bay, each requiring its own set of equipment. It is important to consider what services you will offer to incorporate these at the construction phase and so your petroleum service company can help you choose the appropriate equipment.

4 - Adding Convenience

Approximately 80% of all retail gas stations also include a convenience store. This is an excellent way to maximize profits as it allows you to sell a variety of additional products in addition to fuel. Everyday items offered by gas stations include lottery tickets, drinks, snacks, coffee, groceries, and tobacco. Offering an expanded line of products will help to improve customer satisfaction and will help you to boost profits since the profit margins on fuel are very tight!

5 - Permits, Licenses, and Insurance

One thing that you must know before embarking on building a gas station is that the petroleum industry is strictly regulated. You will need a number of permits and certificate to show your compliance with environmental regulations. Your petroleum service company will be able to walk you through a compliance checklist to make sure you meet those requirements. You will also need to submit any business permits required by the State. Some of the permits you may need to provide include:

  • Fire & Building Inspection Permits
  • Water Discharge Permits
  • Pump & Tank Inspection Permits
  • License to Sell Alcohol, Tobacco, or Lottery Tickets
  • Motor Fuel Outlet License

We Keep You Pumping!

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PumpTex, Inc. was founded in 1997 in the back of a garage with the dream of bringing a new level of customer service to the retail petroleum service industry. Over the years, we have grown to become a valuable resource to our customers. Many consider us to be the first responders of the retail petroleum service industry!

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