Careful planning and your continued involvement are absolutely essential to creating the facility you need. That's why you should take advantage of our more than 60 years of accumulated experience and expertise to help you plan exactly the right facility. And putting Wenger on your team doesn't cost you a dime.
It's up to you to know the requirements for your space and advocate your case - before the building process! Plan smart and start planning now!
Congratulations, the referendum has passed! Now the real work begins. This opportunity may only come along once in an educator's career and the decisions you make will have a profound impact on students and faculty for years to come.
The planning committee is formed and goals are defined. It's extremely important to make sure that teacher representatives from music, fine arts, and athletics are included. Meeting the acoustical, rehearsal and performance needs of any new facility is a complex mixture of science and art. And the better prepared the committee is to help your architects and acousticians, the better able they will be to apply their specific expertise.
This is the process of defining the activities and requirements of the spaces to be designed. This is by far the most important phase for the committee and gathering input should begin immediately. The longer you wait, the more it will cost and the less likely you are to get what you need. Compile your "wish list" for furniture and equipment.
TIP: Anyone who's ever been through the new construction process will agree "you never get what you don't ask for."
This is the first chance you'll have to see the architect's diagram of the proposed facility. Be sure it's what you want because it's tough to get changes made once you get past this phase.
TIP: Check out the "Rule of Thumb" page in our Planning Guide for guidelines on how much space you'll need.
Next, the architect creates blueprints: exact room dimensions, ceiling heights, door and window locations, and all electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems are finalized. Inspect these documents carefully. All bidding and construction will be based on this plan and future changes will be extremely expensive.
TIP: Remember, this is your facility and you ought to be actively involved in all phases of the project.
Before discussing the project with the various contractors, the architect will develop detailed construction documents. In this phase all of the products that are integrated with the construction process are specified.
TIP: Double-check to make sure that everything you asked for is included.
After a thorough review of bids submitted by electricians, carpenters, and other subcontractors, the contract is awarded to one general contractor.
TIP: This is the stage to buy products that will be installed during construction, including storage cabinets, acoustical products, and pre-engineered music practice rooms.
This is the actual building of the facility. Visit the site as often as possible. After all, this is your final chance to make sure everything is being built according to specifications. If anything doesn't match the agreed-upon plan, discuss your concerns with the architect and administration as soon as possible.
The furniture and equipment that you indicated in the Programming phase should be specified, bid and purchased to ensure that everything is delivered prior to the opening of your facility.
TIP: Don't buy your music chairs from the same people who sell you lunch tables.
Congratulations! You've made it. You now have a facility where you can feel truly proud to rehearse and perform.
ONGOING NEEDS: Your budget will go farther if you purchase long-lasting products. At Wenger, we have a strong tradition of designing and manufacturing the most durable, reliable and functional products you can buy. Talk with your Wenger representative about how our products can help you make the best use of your budget today, knowing you're supported by a company that will be there tomorrow.
