Contractor Garage
A small bay industrial unit designed for trade contractors, combining warehouse space for equipment and materials with a basic office or showroom area.
Definition
Contractor garage is one of many regional names for small-bay industrial space, typically referring to units between 500 and 5,000 SF used by trade contractors like HVAC technicians, plumbers, electricians, and general contractors. These units feature grade-level roll-up doors for vehicle and equipment access, open warehouse space for material storage, and a small office component (often 10-20% of the unit) for administrative work. Contractor garages are popular because they provide affordable, functional space close to job sites without the overhead of larger industrial facilities.
Example
An HVAC contractor leases a 2,500 SF contractor garage with a 12x12 roll-up door. They use 500 SF for a front office and the remaining 2,000 SF to store equipment, vehicles, and inventory.