ventilation done "to code"

[kiss_my_glass]

so I rented a 1500 sq ft work shop and built some bad ass work benches and now need some bad ass ventilation for it all. Since we will be open to the public and teaching classes and operating up to 9 torches at one time, it absolutely has to be to code and apparently I have to have a licensed mechanical contractor do the work and can't even get a building permit myself, the contractor would have to. I have only gotten one quote so far, but it is for over $8000 not including any electrical work that will need to be done. Is there any less expensive way to get around this? Of course, I will get more than just the one quote, but I am wondering if this is way off base or pretty much what i should expect to spend?
I copied and pasted the quote below

thanks for any help from anyone who's done this kind of thing before!

Upon evaluation of our conversation, I recommend the following:

Propose:
 Installation of 10ft x 8ft 12” deep galvanized hood
• Hood to be hung from ceiling trusses
 Installation of 24” RD exhaust pipe to outside side wall penetration
• Three glass blocks to preserve integrity of wall
 Electrical work to be evaluated, not included in price

Amount of Estimate: $ 8,281.00

Additional Option:
 Installation of Greenheck Cwb180-10 sidewall
• Voltage 230/3/60 phase 3500 CFM
• With back draft damper

Please Note:
Due to the age of the building and infiltration cause by the shop door, make up air fan to be determined.

[Greymatter Glass]

that seems steep....

but I've always built my own.


I think you could post a RFP/RFQ at the local HVAC contractors supply shops and get a better deal. It's a big enough job that a lot of people would WANT to do it, but not many would be qualified/capable of doing it. make sure they knwo what they're getting in to when you get quotes...check references.

Those companies who you find may not be interested because it's also a small job....It's more than a simple home job, it's less than fitting out an entire large factory.

Good luck... if that price came WITH the fan and a decent amount of electrical then yeah...might be worth it?

[The Bigles]

3500 cfm is pretty lame for a space that size. you'll probably want three or four of those fans.

[Trent Gruber]

^ Agree

[Shatner]

Wow, that's a steep estimate. I'd keep shopping around. I'd also buy all the parts myself. That would save lot.

I did my own, with my Father's help, so I'm really not sure what it'd cost to have a liscensed pro do it.

Good luck!

[naughty pirate wench]

You might also consider contacting Pratt Fine Arts (http://www.pratt.org/) in Seattle, as well as the Tacoma Museum of Glass (http://www.museumofglass.org/), to ask who/how they set up their ventilation systems.

[Dom]

Who determined that it has to be "up to code"? You or the fire marshall?

Im not sure there really is any sort of code for this type of situation. I mean how many times have I seen situations that there is a class and there is absolutely no vent or hood above the person working. Its just open space.

[Firekist]

if you're in a rented space, you're supposed to have a liscensed contractor do the work.
i think we were quoted over 20k for our job, not including masonry work, or electrical work. and it was an undersized fan, and undersized hood. we paid around 7 for fans and a couple pros on the side.. if memory serves.

z---seth