From the sounds of things these dudes are serious workers, so we cant piss them around. Lots of planning needs to be done before they arrive and the materials ready for when they get here. As I will not be around to help, I will outline what needs to be done before thy come.
Below is the work required by fire and building control to bring the building up to standard and possibly up the capacity:
http://theforest.org.uk/bb/viewtopic.php?t=2346
Everything is self explanatory in that post.
Below is more work that we should get the army to do.
Toilets:
- Plans need to be drawn up as it is important to get the levels and layout of the plumbing correct. I think it would be wise to get an architect who knows what they are doing. As it stands the existing trunk line is prone to blocking. Although we have not had any problems since the introduction of bins and the toilet paper dispensers, it's not something we want to get wrong.
- Submit the plans to building control for approval.
- Cost and order materials required. If we get a friendly architect they may help.
- This project will require the biggest amount of time/planning/materials and labor. Personally I think it's the most important thing to get done if we want to increase the capacity.
Venting the cafe:
I think the best way to do vent the cafe is to install a massive extraction system above the kitchen that ducts to the street. But to be honest maybe it would be worth getting somebody in who really knows what they are talking about. Although I think this would make a substantial difference, maybe there is a better solution.
- Design system
- Order materials
Sound proofing cave:
Build in a false ceiling.
- Plan ceiling
- Order materials
Build new sound desk???
It could be nice to rebuild the sound desk so it is fixed to the floor. Lockable storage for records, mics, cables. Lockable access to change configuration, and the ability to turn off the mixer (as this stops the buzzing noise).
Perhaps we will want to shut the cafe for a few days while the work is being done? If the toilets are going to be out of action and a hole knocked in the wall above the kitchen, it might be nice to give them some space to work.
Tim