Thinking about a studio construction? Have $$ to invest? Ask urself these questions

[Mark Warren]

In response to all the threads entitled things like: 'How do I spend $400,000 to make a studio?' and then proceed to give no parameters other than wanting an answer to that question, I have created this thread. Answer these and stick all the data at the beginning of your next 'Help me spend $1,000,000 on a studio' thread, or more likely into your business plan if you're seriously thinking about opening a studio.

Below is a list of things you need to be asking when looking around for a studio space to buy/rent/lease or even simply opening one in your home.

There's probably a WHOLE BUNCH of questions that could be added to this list, so please feel free to post away. Unlike most threads here this isn't designed as a thread of answers but a thread of questions. (Well answers are okay too but you know what I'm saying).

I recently just completed the process myself, and some of these didn't pop up until along the way, so please ask yourself:


1. Where is the studio to be located? (City, state, city 'area')
. 1a. Is this a good location for a business in general, never mind a studio
. 1b. Is it zoned properly for business commercial use?
. 1c. Are there neighbors that could effect your plans or ongoing business? (Both in units next to or even across the street, should noise leak out or bands want to hang out in the parking lot at 3am)
. 1d. Does the landlord know that you are using the space as a studio (Get this in writing so there's no problems later.)

2. How big is the commercial (or personal) space into which it is to go? (sq footage and cubic footage)

3. Is the space already setup into rooms or is it completely empty and you have to build everything?
. 3a. Does it have HVAC already installed? (HVAC is considered gear, even to audio gear leasers/financers)
. 3b. Does it have plumbing ready to go for a bathroom/kitchen area? (and do you even want/need this?)
. 3c. Does it have adequate power requirements for your needs, and ability to run separate lines/ground points/circuits for audio gear vs. lighting, etc.

4. How much of your budget is set aside for the build out? ('Don't know' is an okay answer)
. 4a. Are you familiar with the layout and proportional dimensions generally assoicated with a studio?
. 4b. Are you familiar with all the construction techniques and materials needed to properly soundproof and isolate various areas of the studio?

5. What kind of studio is it to be? (commercial studio, personal project studio, add on unit to an existing production company, etc.)

6. What kind of music or production is it geared toward? (bands, advertising, video post production, film scoring etc.)
. 6a. If for bands/music is there a specific genre? (heavy metal, orchestra, whatever)

7. If a commercial studio how many staff will it need and how many do you have?
. 7a. Does the person who owns the studio even want to work there? Or just own it?

8. Does the studio need to make money right away? (is it started as a business for tax write off purposes or does it need to be generating revenue as soon as possible to at least break even if not profit) - this will greatly effect how your money is spent, and if you need an advertising budget.
. 8a. Does it need to be or eventually be your main source of income to eat and pay for living expenses, strippers, etc.?
. 8b. If you don't have a built in client base have you budgeted money for advertising?

9. What is the full list of gear that you currently possess that will go into the studio?
. 9a. In regards to new gear to be purchased, will you need training? (say if it's a hi end board with automation?)
. 9b. In regards to new gear to be purchased, will it need installation? (i.e. do you know how to hook up hi end gear, how to wire a patch bay, etc.?)
. 9c. In regards to new gear to be purchased, will you need a maintanence tech (i.e. if you get a tape machine do you know how to maintain it?, if audio suddenly dissappears from one channel do you know how to trouble shoot a signal path?) This effects whethere you will need technical/maintanence staff.

10. What is your long term goal for the studio, where do you see it in 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, 10 years? (this is called a 'mission statement' and is one of the most important, if not the most important questions).

May this help those who are perhaps 'trying to think of everything' in regards to planning out their new studio.

[crna59]

Jules,

We should make this a Sticky: for all the idiots... *cough*.. I mean "entrepreneurs"

Regards,
Bruce

[Robie]

Are ya sure ya don't mean *cough* interlopers...

[kats]

I'd have to say RATES & CUSTOMER TURNOVER projections are #1. Everything else stems from there.

[Ethan Winer]

Originally Posted by Mark Warren

In response to all the threads entitled things like: 'How do I spend $400,000 to make a studio?' and then proceed to give no parameters other than wanting an answer to that question, I have created this thread. Answer these and stick all the data at the beginning of your next 'Help me spend $1,000,000 on a studio' thread, or more likely into your business plan if you're seriously thinking about opening a studio.

Wow, that is excellent Mark!

--Ethan

[ddageek]

go mark

also projected increase in taxes/rent ie can we afford the space 3 yrs from now?
the boring stuff cable , electrical wall plates.
And of course the often forgotten matinence /down time.
of Course we can't forget insurance.

oH yeah and I am realljealouse of yor new place I 'll have to stop by some time when where up in Austin.

[carival]

Parking and access.

[Bob Olhsson]

Who are the clients, where do they want to work, how do they work, what will they need besides recording facilities in order to not disrupt their lives and what will it take to put the kind of crew they need together.

The whole point is to make recording less of a hassle to the client.

[Snatchman]

Please.... don't leave out, ( if you have one)." Do my wife, girlfriend, partner approve".....!..Shesssh.. Don't have time for the un-needed Drama.!..

[HudHudson]

Originally Posted by Bob Olhsson

Who are the clients, [...] what will they need besides recording facilities in order to not disrupt their lives and what will it take to put the kind of crew they need together.

In the good ole days hookers & blow were pretty high up on this list...now it's Starbucks and snacks.

I need a beer...getting ready to build my fourth studio in eight years. Great checklist, Mark!

[James 'LA' Lugo]

Originally Posted by crna59

Jules,

We should make this a Sticky: for all the idiots... *cough*.. I mean "entrepreneurs"

Regards,
Bruce

Assuming a person is an idiot who posts something that doesn't seem like it comes from a place of experience is as questionable as the post itself. Some people on gearslutz are new at this and that's good for gearslutz.

James 'LA' Lugo
Moderator

[transfiguration]

Nice post Mark!

Sure would be nice if we had a forum here on Gearslutz dedicated to the business side of things.

[stevennn]

You could also just look on Craigslist for a studio for sale:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/msg/223658774.html


*** I have nothing to do with this sale ***



Pro Recording studio everything for sale + stable lease (richmond / point / annex)
Reply to: sale-223658774@craigslist.org
Date: 2006-10-21, 2:31AM PDT


To anyone interested. I've been commisioned by a friend to sell his high end recording studio. You get a ten year no hassle lease and all the the equipment that the studio has to offer. The complex is soundproof and secure. Everythings already there waiting for a good sound engineer. Included are; mics, head phones, mixing stations, computers with great software and hardware, pianos, ect. This place has been the birthplace of alot of good albums includeing artist from Mettalica, to Tom Waits, and even Mac Dre. Very versatile professional recording studio being sold as a buisness for $500,000

I'm N.D.
My# (510)910-9953

* no -- it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests




223658774