Hackerspace Setup Plan
Phase Overview
| Phase | Focus | Rough Timeline | Taskmaster |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 — Foundation | Legal entity, bank account, lease signed | Now! | |
| 1 — Shell | Clean, |
Day -14 | |
| 2 — Core build | Zones defined, key tools installed, storage in place | Day -7 | |
| 3 — Soft launch | First members in, iterate on layout and rules | Day -5 | |
| 4 — Public launch | Launch party, open membership, full operations | Day 0 | |
| 5 — Ongoing | Expand tools, refine processes, grow community | Continuous |
specific checklists are broken down by phase number, and then checklisted in order!
Zone Planning
Our space is divided into into functional zones. zoning prevents chaos and makes safety management possible, so please stick with them when planning!
| Zone | Purpose | Key Requirements | Taskmaster |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electronics bench | Soldering, PCB work, prototyping | Good lighting, ESD matting, fume extraction | |
| Fabrication | 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC | Extraction, fire suppression nearby, noise isolation if possible | |
| Workshop / heavy | power tools | dedicated power circuits, hard floor | |
| Kitchen | feed the hackers | fridge, sink, dishwasher, moccamaster | |
| Chill / social | Sofas, kitchen, whiteboard | Near entrance, separate from noisy zones | |
| Meeting / classroom | Talks, workshops, small events | AV setup, moveable furniture, whiteboardable walls | |
| Server / comms | Networking, servers, radio | Locked, climate considered, cable access | |
| Storage | Member storage, shared materials, consumables | Shelving, labelling system |
Phase 1 - Task Overview
| # | Task | Owner | Support | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Initial site visit and condition report | TBD | All founding members | ☐ | Document everything with photos |
| 1.2 | Deep clean — floors, walls, surfaces | TBD | Everyone | ☐ | Hire industrial cleaner if needed |
| 1.3 | Waste and debris removal | TBD | TBD | ☐ | |
| 1.4 | Power audit | TBD | TBD | ☐ | written report before any other electrical work |
| 1.5 | Circuit labelling | TBD | TBD | ☐ | Every breaker, every socket |
| 1.6 | Additional sockets / circuits | TBD | TBD | ☐ | Based on audit |
| 1.7 | Lighting assessment and install | TBD | TBD | ☐ | Prioritise workshop and electronics areas |
| 1.8 | Internet — fibre install | TBD | TBD | ☐ | Lead time can be LONG |
| 1.9 | Basic networking (router, switch, Wi-Fi) | TBD | TBD | ☐ | Temporary setup is fine for Stage 1 |
| 1.10 | Ventilation check | TBD | TBD | ☐ | Identify existing airflow; flag any blocked vents |
| 1.11 | Access control — primary entrance | TBD | TBD | ☐ | RFID or keypad minimum |
| 1.12 | Fire extinguishers installed | TBD | TBD | ☐ | At least CO2 + general; confirm placement |
| 1.13 | First aid kit | TBD | TBD | ☐ | Mounted, accessible, stocked |
| 1.14 | Safety signage | TBD | TBD | ☐ | Fire exit, first aid, no entry zones |
| 1.15 | Temporary storage (shelving / pallets) | TBD | TBD | ☐ | Enough to keep the floor clear |
| 1.16 | Stage 1 sign-off walkthrough | TBD | All board members | ☐ | Checklist walk, not a vibe check |