I'm in the beginning process of starting plans to show administration of a new dug-out. I can raise money to buy the material, but was wondering if anyone would/could suggest how I can save cost on labor? I'm mainly worried about the masonry cost. Can I find cheap labor, or just go ahead and pay for the normal labor rates?

Squeeze - we were just about always able to find someone involved in the program (parent, booster, coach) who had knowledge of whatever we wanted to do and would volunteer their time or do it cheap. Just make sure you are confident they know what they are doing!

When our high school built new dugouts, we got a contractor to supply a "professional" supervisor, but parents supplied the labor. It worked very well. We got new dugouts, press box, concession stand, and storage shed out of for minimum labor cost.

squeeze,

Couple of things....

First of all, welcome to the hsbbweb! We love to have new members.

Secondly, I take issue with you saying that you come from the coldest spot in ne ohio because in fact, that is where I am from Seriously, are you in Lake County? I live in Mentor so maybe we know each other.

New dugouts and press box were built at our high school similar to the way topdog and lhpx2 describe. There was a local builder who had a son on the team that really helped the project. If you are from my area, I can send you his name if you like and he may be able to offer some advice.

Some different advice:

Take a look around at dugouts in the area; note the pros and cons of each. Our HS graciously built new ones for us last year. The bad news is they never talked to us about it. The maintenance guy from the school was told "to built dugouts". He looked at one local school , and modelled them.

Bad news - he built them 2-3 feet below grade, leading to guys tripping on the steps going in and out, and poor drainage, even though there is a huge hill behind. After a rain, we have to sweep the water to the drain [poor level job] and shovel out the mud. I think I would opt for a raised 6" slab anyday.

Hey CD, you're probably right, you're in the coldest sport in NE Ohio. I'm about an hour south, but it seems like anywhere in NE Ohio, it's the coldest in the state.

Thanks everyone for the information. The plans are being drawn up now, and I will take all that's been posted.

Another thing, how much did you guys spend on building permits, etc.?

squeeze - I don't know about this. Check your local ordinances to see if one is required, and how much.

Building permits are only required if it is a state affiliation. I am a high school coach and I built dugouts last year and asked if I needed a building permit and that is what I was told.