From conception to Grand Opening you should plan for the process to take from 8 -12 weeks
depending on several factors.
Each state has it's own particular specifications as to what agency will issue the necessary
certification for the operation of your spa. In many cases, the controlling authority will be at the
state level.
In other cases, the states will direct the local governments to be in control, as in those
states where the local health departments will issue licensing.
The permits required for demolition, construction, signage and certificate of occupancy should be
obtained through the local building department. Your new facility may also be inspected by a
number of officials from local health and fire departments to insure that all codes have been
followed for the safety of your clients and your employees. You must also remember to comply
with all of the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act in your planning.
In some cases, this decision is made based upon the anticipated needs of your clients. In other
cases, it will be made by the square footage of your facility. Also keep in mind that you will have to
find and hire licensed specialists who will be able to perform the services you decide to offer.
In some states, such as New Jersey, the state and local codes will dictate how many employees
you will be able to have performing services within your facility. New Jersey's Beauty Culture
Board, which controls the beauty industry in that state, will allow 5 employees to work in a space of
350 square feet. For every additional 50 square feet of working space, you will be allowed to have
1 more employee.
In other cases, the number of services you can offer may be governed by other factors such as
available parking, multi floor access, or adjoining businesses. When developing your plans, make
sure you have all of the information you will need to make this decision.
Once you find a location and decide on your final floor plan design, you will have to think
about who you will hire to take your spa from concept to reality. Some of the contractors
listed below will be necessary and some of them may not, your particular plan will dictate who
you will need to hire.
A General Contractor will be able to put together a team of tradespeople to complete the project,
will obtain all of the necessary permits to do the work, and manage the movement of those
tradespeople throughout the process. You may decide to act as your own General Contractor.
Although you may be able to save money, keep in mind that you will probably need to invest much
more of your own time for hiring individual tradespeople and managing their work on site. Some
General Contractors will offer both demolition and construction services. If you decide to manage
the project yourself, then you may still want to contact a General Contractor or Carpenter to handle
this phase.
Besides needing someone to take down and put up walls, you may need some or all of the
contractors listed here to do individual specialty work in your spa.
