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Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Owner's Circles => Niteshade Audio => Topic started by: Niteshade on 24 Oct 2012, 01:42 pm

Title: Sold old shop- getting ready for the new one.
Post by: Niteshade on 24 Oct 2012, 01:42 pm
The housing inspector stopped by yesterday. The last three tests are for the well, radon and septic. So far, I believe the structural inspection went well.

I have mixed feelings about the sale: It was grandparent's house and I'm going to miss it. This was like my home since I spent allot of time with them. As many of you know, I spent MONTHS fixing this, that and the other thing on it over the past two years. It took allot of time.

What's going on now:
1) A new shop will be constructed where I live. We have 13 acres- not a problem.
2) The problem: Our original contractor said the shop could not be made until December. We're going to look for others who can do it quicker, yet still do a good job.
3) Orders: The present shop that is sold is where we do most of the mechanical work & painting. I am going to do my best to get ALL enclosures ready for outstanding orders before it's moving time. I have a new wiring shop in the house- so work will not be permanently interrupted while waiting for a new shop.

Time frame for new shop: I hope to get it 100% functional by mid-late January. The shell will be put up ASAP, then it has to be wired, insulated, walls installed, painted, etc..  The unknown is if I can get the exterior put in before December.

I'll keep you posted on what's going on.

Title: Re: Sold old shop- getting ready for the new one.
Post by: finsup on 24 Oct 2012, 11:23 pm
Wow, sounds like a lot on your plate, especially this time of year.  Good luck with everything.
--Mike

1
Title: Re: Sold old shop- getting ready for the new one.
Post by: Guy 13 on 27 Oct 2012, 07:59 am
Hi Blair and all Audio Circle members.

If you are moving to a new (larger) place,
that means business is good, despite the bad economy.

Hope the move run smootly.

Guy 13
Title: Re: Sold old shop- getting ready for the new one.
Post by: Niteshade on 27 Oct 2012, 01:57 pm
All the tests went well except for the radon test, which shows 25 and should be 4 or under. It is getting fixed soon.

They use a system that creates a vacuum under the basement slab and pipes it out through the side of the house or through the roof.

Central NY appears to have allot of radon in it and the US uranium concentration map has this area in red.  Another house in the same area showed 75.

The new shop: We're going to save money in many ways:
1) MUCH lower taxes- as in saving thousands!
2) MUCH lower utility bills.
3) No more commuting!
4) Fewer & lower maintenance costs
etc...

Does this mean business is good? It certainly isn't bad!  Something else: It DOES mean allot regarding keeping prices down, which gives us a big advantage.
Title: Re: Sold old shop- getting ready for the new one.
Post by: dangerbird on 27 Oct 2012, 02:19 pm
Congrats,,
Title: Re: Sold old shop- getting ready for the new one.
Post by: decal on 27 Oct 2012, 03:54 pm
Use two words "a lot" not one :icon_lol:. Congrats on the new digs. Hope business continues to be good for you.
Title: Re: Sold old shop- getting ready for the new one.
Post by: Ericus Rex on 27 Oct 2012, 04:33 pm
The under-slab radon mitigation system works quite well.  We had a rating of 15 and got it down to 2 after installation.

Congrats on the new place!  Pics soon?
Title: Re: Sold old shop- getting ready for the new one.
Post by: Niteshade on 27 Oct 2012, 11:39 pm
There will be pics once it's set up. All you'll see now is grass where it's going to go. I'm thinking of either a 24x32 or 24x40 building. Larger would be better! Naturally it will be well insulated. I am trying to decide on what to use for a furnace. More than likely it will be propane. Pellets or coal would be nice, but since I have to paint, it would be better not to have dusty fuel around. (ashes, etc...) I heat the house with coal and it's not pleasant. The heat it great, it's VERY inexpensive, but the dust is not so good.

The move should go smoothly. I am moving all the electronics myself and someone will be hired to move the furniture.
Title: Re: Sold old shop- getting ready for the new one.
Post by: Niteshade on 1 Nov 2012, 10:00 pm
It's too much right now, but exciting too. We're getting the radon issue fixed next week.

Looks like the shop will be 24x40 instead of 24x32! The work area will be the largest. There will be two smaller rooms, one for painting and one will be a den for listening, testing and showing off equipment. I don't know who's going to come all the way out here to listen, but it will be available.

Wow, sounds like a lot on your plate, especially this time of year.  Good luck with everything.
--Mike

1
Title: Re: Sold old shop- getting ready for the new one.
Post by: Guy 13 on 2 Nov 2012, 10:18 am
It's too much right now, but exciting too. We're getting the radon issue fixed next week.

Looks like the shop will be 24x40 instead of 24x32! The work area will be the largest. There will be two smaller rooms, one for painting and one will be a den for listening, testing and showing off equipment. I don't know who's going to come all the way out here to listen, but it will be available.

Hi Blair and all Audio Circle members.

I might go, if you pay for the BigMac,
in exchange for the purchase of a NS-SEP20 ? ?  ?

Guy13
Title: Re: Sold old shop- getting ready for the new one.
Post by: Niteshade on 27 Nov 2012, 11:57 pm
1) The present shop is in a 'sale pending' state with the possibility of only a couple weeks left.
2) Most of the equipment is being placed in storage....NOW
3) I'm TRYING to squeeze one or two things out in the meantime.
4) We received word the the exterior can be put up in late December.
5) The building permit might be purchased tomorrow (barring any issues from the city, etc...)

Yes- it is driving me nuts! It would have been nice to have the new shop already in place, but we can NOT afford to dump that kind of money into it until old shop sells and we have the money in our hands.  Thus far, the sale is pretty much guaranteed, but not 100%. Just the exterior costs around $28K.



Title: Re: Sold old shop- getting ready for the new one.
Post by: StereoNut on 28 Nov 2012, 12:02 am
Congrats, Blair!  :thumb:
Title: Re: Sold old shop- getting ready for the new one.
Post by: Niteshade on 4 Dec 2012, 02:08 am
OK! We have a closing date- December 12th.  :D :(

I needed a new direction for Niteshade Audio and a 960 sq. ft. shop is the first step.  Once the shop is up (construction is due to commence in January), there will be plenty of photos.

Current orders will commence as well.

We were trying to sell this house, which belonged to my long departed grandparents for two years.  It makes me sad as well because this house was like home to me. I was running Niteshade from there for nearly 8 years.  It means allot to me since I was there ever since I can remember. They moved into their new house when I was born.  I spent allot of time with my grandparents and will never forget them.



Title: Re: Sold old shop- getting ready for the new one.
Post by: Niteshade on 13 Dec 2012, 10:44 pm
Latest News:

1) The new shop will be made by Morton Buildings: http://www.mortonbuildings.com/
2) Date: Scheduled construction will be around January 21st.
3) Size: 960 sq ft.
4) Finish Date: TBA, but ASAP. 
5) A separate contractor will be responsible for electrical, insulation, rooms, etc...

Rooms:
1) A 12x16ft burn-in & listening room
2) One room specially made for painting, cutting, tooling and inventory, also 12x16
3) The remainder of the space will be for construction, testing, tools, etc...

I will keep you posted as time progresses and provide photos. 
Title: Re: Sold old shop- getting ready for the new one.
Post by: Niteshade on 18 Dec 2012, 07:13 pm
The latest:

I have some work that SHOULD be started now, before the shop is present. I am working on delegating fabrication and finish work (painting, etc...) to two local shops. I want this to _continue_ after I am back up and running 100% as well so an inventory can be established and lead times dramatically reduced. It has been extremely difficult orchestrating all steps of manufacturing by myself, especially custom orders. Delnero has always done all my wood work.

On the building: It looks as if the foundation will be in place this week. A buried 200 amp service will be installed as well shortly after.
Title: Re: Sold old shop- getting ready for the new one.
Post by: dangerbird on 22 Dec 2012, 02:08 am
The latest:

I have some work that SHOULD be Finished  now, before the shop is present. I am working on delegating fabrication and finish work (painting, etc...) to two local shops. I want this to _continue_ after I am back up and running 100% as well so an inventory can be established and lead times dramatically reduced. It has been extremely difficult orchestrating all steps of manufacturing by myself, especially custom orders. Delnero has always done all my wood work.

On the building: It looks as if the foundation will be in place this week. A buried 200 amp service will be installed as well shortly after.

Fixed it.
Title: Re: Sold old shop- getting ready for the new one.
Post by: Niteshade on 3 Jan 2013, 09:52 pm
Progress!

1) So far, farming work out seems to be working on two different orders, soon to be more.
2) The shop project manager says they're on target for Jan. 21st.
3) I am still doing the wiring & testing- and even a little fabrication

Outsourcing is costing me a bundle now- but it will be worth it if completely eliminates back orders now and later on as well. Doing things completely on my own took way too much time and was extremely stressful.

Once the new shop is 100% functional, I still plan on outsourcing locally to avoid falling behind when I feel overloaded.

Other news:
We're still doing repairs and upgrades in the remote wiring shop here at home.
All design work is still going on.
Title: Re: Sold old shop- getting ready for the new one.
Post by: Niteshade on 6 Feb 2013, 11:39 pm
The new shop is sort-of here. The exterior is up and it needs ALLOT more work- basically, everything to make it usable. One contractor has been canned since he went nuts and thought he would quote me 300 hours to complete.  :roll:

It's a 960 sq. foot building- not exactly a huge place to work on. The requirements are minimal.

We're looking into Spring now due to weather related delays & contractors.

The good news: Old orders are being completed and new orders are welcome. The people doing some of my shop work are doing a great job.

Title: Re: Sold old shop- getting ready for the new one.
Post by: dangerbird on 6 Feb 2013, 11:55 pm
Keep a stiff upper lip-- you'll get moved in--positive thoughts. :D
Title: Re: Sold old shop- getting ready for the new one.
Post by: Guy 13 on 7 Feb 2013, 12:21 am

Hi Blair and all Audio Circle members.
Soon all that will be a thing of the past
and you will enjoy your new place
and by that time, hopefully,
the economy will have return to normal.

Guy 13
Title: Re: Sold old shop- getting ready for the new one.
Post by: steve f on 25 Feb 2013, 05:51 am
It's getting a little too quiet around here. What's new?

steve
Title: Re: Sold old shop- getting ready for the new one.
Post by: Guy 13 on 25 Feb 2013, 06:54 am
Hi Blair and all Audio Circle members.
Yes, it's quiet in Blair's circle.
What's up doc ?
While I'm in your circle why not ask you a question that I had in my mind for some time.
With a tube amplifier (Niteshade NS10), for how much time can you leave it running with the volume control to minimum without any speakers connected?
Will it damage something?

Guy 13
Title: Re: Sold old shop- getting ready for the new one.
Post by: Niteshade on 25 Feb 2013, 09:48 am
It is better to have speakers attached while your NS-10 is running, but typically no damage will occur if you do not as long as music is not playing.

Good to hear from you both!

Yes, it is quiet here. We're in operation and making necessary changes to adapt to new things while we find someone to complete the new shop. It's a form of retooling.
Title: Re: Sold old shop- getting ready for the new one.
Post by: steve f on 26 Feb 2013, 04:58 pm
Hope all goes well. Contractors are really quite variable in both on time & quality. I personally dread hiring people for projects.

Blair, Are any of your amps going to be used by exhibitors at the AXPONA show in Chicago?

And... Is your product line unchanged when the new shop is up & running?

Steve
Title: Re: Sold old shop- getting ready for the new one.
Post by: Niteshade on 27 Feb 2013, 10:43 am
There are going to be several changes and it will be latter on in the year regarding products, the web site and a few other things.

I don't know whether any amps will be exhibited there or not.

Don't get me going on contractors.  :evil:
Title: Re: Sold old shop- getting ready for the new one.
Post by: Guy 13 on 27 Feb 2013, 10:56 am
There are going to be several changes and it will be latter on in the year regarding products, the web site and a few other things.

I don't know whether any amps will be exhibited there or not.

Don't get me going on contractors.  :evil:

Hi Blair and all Audio Circle members.
What kind of changes and what what kind of (New) products ???

Guy 13
Title: Re: Sold old shop- getting ready for the new one.
Post by: djbnh on 28 Feb 2013, 11:20 am

Don't get me going on contractors.  :evil:
I could see how you could feel that way.
Title: Re: Sold old shop- getting ready for the new one.
Post by: Niteshade on 28 Feb 2013, 11:52 am
I'll go over the changes in the future- after they are finalized. It's going to take a little time.


Contractors: More on that some other time.

Thanks for stopping by- I hope you're all doing well.

Title: Re: Sold old shop- getting ready for the new one.
Post by: Niteshade on 12 Mar 2013, 12:20 pm
I decided to go with a concrete floor- A plank style floor is considerably more expensive than concrete. Not only that- but the people who were going to install the floor were not going to do it appropriately.

The major issue right now: When the pad was made (using runner crush as a final application) the area was not graded properly and/or it was damaged during snow removal prior to erecting the poll barn. I believe the contractor will re-grade the pad. Afterwards, more stone will be brought inside and a 4" concrete floor reinforced with fiber will be installed. So far, I have not been guaranteed the pad will be graded. If not, I'll have to see what can be done to make them do it.

Moral of the story: When getting a building constructed, make sure you KNOW how it's supposed to be constructed! I am not a carpenter or mason and have been putting in time learning how it's supposed to be designed and built. Some good advice has helped as well. One more thing: When in trouble, get several estimates to get the job finished and/or repaired.
Title: Re: Sold old shop- getting ready for the new one.
Post by: Peter J on 12 Mar 2013, 02:36 pm
Might be too late, but I'd consider insulating under a concrete slab for an occupied structure a must...it'll pay for itself in time.

BTW, I'm a no BS remodeling contractor and would be happy to offer advice /opinions on casual basis if you have ongoing questions. Either here or offline.
Title: Re: Sold old shop- getting ready for the new one.
Post by: Niteshade on 13 Mar 2013, 04:23 pm
I do appreciate your input and suggestions! I will post some photos soon of the interior and exterior.

Someone else suggested vertical perimeter insulation as well as the horizontal kind you mentioned. Two inch styrofoam for both. The horizontal would go in 2ft while the vertical will go up 6 inches.

The building is 24ft x 40ft.

After the floor is in, I want to have it wired.

Might be too late, but I'd consider insulating under a concrete slab for an occupied structure a must...it'll pay for itself in time.

BTW, I'm a no BS remodeling contractor and would be happy to offer advice /opinions on casual basis if you have ongoing questions. Either here or offline.