Clean Run Magazine - June 2009 - 76

impoRTanT exTRaS If you search on the Internet, you’ll find many suppliers of each of these styles of construction. Websites will often give you cost estimates for the building style they support. Keep in mind that there are many other costs to a project of this kind as well as the initial cost of the building itself. Here are some of the main ones: Electrical/Lighting: It could cost from $0.50-$1 per sq. ft. to properly light your arena. Running surface: Dirt is cheap but you’ll still need to buy sand to create the right mix for you and your dog. Since buying a lot of sand can be expensive, check the cost in your area. Artificial turf: If you chose to install artificial turf you can spend from $3.50 to $7 per sq. ft. Excavating: You’ll need a large flat area, free of topsoil. Depending on how flat your area is and how much fill you will need, this could cost you up to $0.50 per sq. ft. Extra features: Any features you might add like windows, large overhead doors, and other doors are often not included in the initial cost. This could easily add $1,000 or more to your project. Ventilation: You need to have air movement in any of the buildings. In cold climates, condensation can be a problem. Moisture can form on the sheet metal or fabric. It then builds up and freezes. When temperatures rise again, the melting ice can begin to drip on the inside of the building, onto your training equipment and running surfaces. Good ventilation is essential to keep the humidity low and minimize these effects. In warm climates you need fans to pull the warm air out. Do not shortchange yourself when it comes to installing the proper ventilation system. It is a vital component of a comfortable training facility. Heating/Cooling: The problem with climate control is that you’ll want to use it and the monthly bills can get high. In cold climates the two major types of heating systems are forced air and radiant heat. Forced air systems heat the entire space by warming the air, just like in many homes. Radiant heat warms the space by first warming the objects under the heat source. We chose this system, and we only turn on the heat when we’re using the building. People stand near the overhead heaters to keep warm. It’s not as comfortable as a true climate-controlled environment but it’s an affordable compromise. HoW do i geT STaRTed: We started by talking with people in the sport. Someone out there has most likely already built your dream building. As they did, they made some great decisions and probably some mistakes as well. Find them and learn from them. Visit facilities that appeal to you and see firsthand if the buildings you examine fit your needs. Talk with the owners and the builders if possible. Then put together a complete budget for your cho- If you want an agility dog that… • • • • • • Is conﬁdent and comfortable on the equipment Understands his job on each obstacle Performs each obstacle on a single cue Performs each obstacle independently Has a ﬂuent, consistent, and automatic performance Is enthusiastic in his performance then you need to get IN FOCUS and get your dog “in the game” with you. ® IN FOCUS Try these other favorites www.cleanrun.com 76 Clean Run | June 09

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Clean Run Magazine - June 2009

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run Magazine - June 2009