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Preparation: Things you need to know.
Preparations Adventure courses are subject to their own particular construction rules, laws and standards for insurance. If this is your first step into outdoor and adventure world, you should take time to read through the preparations that you need to make. You will be able to form an impression of the entire process without overlooking anything. The regulations and laws - which can differ from country to country and also from location to location- require some explanation. To get more information you can always contact one of our agents.
Zoning plan Before you decide to apply for a building permit, it is advisable to get information about the zoning plan of the location where you intend to carry out construction work. A zoning plan may contain specific rules that you must observe. It is possible to request an amendment to a zoning plan.
Building permit A building permit is required in most countries for creating ropes courses and associated structures. It can sometimes take months to complete the administrative procedures for such a permit. Bear this in mind! Also find out about the need for an operator's licence and similar matters.
Environmental permit You generally need an extra environmental permit and/or other special permissions to carry out construction work in a nature area or other protected environment. The permits and permissions may contain special requirements concerning building materials, construction method and operations and these may impact on your plans and budget. These requirements depend on the characteristics of the location. Be sure to get full information!
Earthworks Subsoil types can vary from damp marshes to hard rock. This may affect the method of construction and the installation of foundations. A soil analysis may be required to elaborate the method of construction and the calculations for the foundations.
Tree analysis If you wish to build structures in trees, it might not be necessary to conduct a tree analysis. However, it is mandatory to have trees examined by a recognized arborist. You can include this as a clause in the building agreement. In that case the trees will be examined by our own arborist who has experience in building structures in trees. We advise you to take advantage of this option because our specialist is familiar with the specific forces caused by ropes courses.
Accessibility If your location is inaccessible or difficult to reach by commercial vehicles and other heavy plant, it may seriously affect the working method and the duration of the work. Check this beforehand. Similarly, the subsoil (see Earthworks) may impede the use of wheeled vehicles or make it impossible to use them. Make allowance for tree roots.
Forward planning If you have a date at which you want to start using the facility, you should be sure to start on time! Here is a small list to give you an idea of things you need to consider:
- Obtaining permits (by the customer)
- Design and offer geared to budget and permits (by Exponent)
- preparation of elements in our factory (by Exponent)
- installation of local facility (by Exponent)
- inspection (by an externally and accredited inspection body)
- training of facilitators (by Exponent Services)
- Commercial start-up (by the customer)