Band rehearsal rooms in a small unit

Local bands, solo artists, cover groups, music students and small performance groups.

Hourly room hire, with discounts for block bookings or regular weekly slots. Extras include drum kit hire, storage lockers and selling cables, strings and drumsticks.

• Basic sound and PA knowledge
• Equipment maintenance
• Booking and customer service
• Getting on with musicians

• Check with your local council that the unit's zoning allows a rehearsal studio and whether you need development approval
• Noise: soundproofing quality and neighbours matter, so check council noise rules and the lease terms
• Public liability and contents insurance, as gear can be expensive and may be stolen or damaged
• Electrical safety: check equipment testing and tagging requirements in your state
• Lease length and rent, as fit-out costs are hard to recover if you leave early
• Get several quotes for proper soundproofing and equipment before signing a lease, as these are often the biggest costs; a lease bond and the first months of rent also need to be covered

Startup costs are typically around $30,000 to $100,000, depending on your soundproofing, equipment and lease. These are estimates only, so get several quotes for soundproofing and gear before signing a lease.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many rooms you run, how often they are booked and your hourly rates. These are estimates, not guarantees. The idea needs around 15 hours a week or more.

Check with your council that the unit's zoning allows a rehearsal studio and whether development approval is needed. Also check council noise rules, your lease terms, and electrical testing and tagging requirements in your state.