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Getting a vendor to provide you with clean room HEPA filters is one thing, but repurposing a chip manufacturing space is yet another. When your people are working with semiconductors, even the smallest piece of dust can contaminate your production. That’s what makes such remodels much different from similar size projects in commercial spaces. Here are some points to keep in mind to increase your chance of success. 1. Thorough Analysis It’s impossible to proceed with a remodel if your contractor doesn’t understand the existing conditions well. There are multiple ways of going about a space analysis. For simple projects, sending the consultant a set of 2D plans could suffice, giving the engineer dimensions to work from. In other cases, you could call the firm out to have a look at the space and brainstorm options. Representatives may take measurements with manual tools to get a better idea of what they have to work with. In larger or more complex environments, it would be wise to do a point cloud scan of the area. 2. Modeling Change Now that the existing conditions are understood, it’s time to model what the space will look like when repurposed. Likely you’ll have storage cabinets for clean room HEPA filters and other important items. It will be good to specify the materials for every installation. Certain products are compliant for semiconductor manufacturing while others aren’t. 3D models help everyone to visualize the space more realistically than if using flat plans or wireframes. It may take a couple of rounds of revisions to get everyone involved to agree on remodel parameters. 3. Clash Detection Whether you’re building from scratch or planning a remodel, it’s easy to get wires crossed. Multiple plan sets developed by disparate professionals may result in clashes in the physical world. Of course, one way to avoid that is to use a design/build firm to handle the work. You’ll also want to assure yourself that clash detection is being employed. This is especially important in the areas of electrical, mechanical and plumbing within clean room facilities. 4. Construction Scheduling After playing with a pen, paper, calculator and computer, it’s time to make things happen. Your project manager will start laying out the phases of construction. These may include demolition, cleanup, repair and installation. Sub-categories are sometimes required within each of the main areas of activity. Supplies will need to be ordered and delivered. People are rounded up and trained for safety. This is an exciting part of the process, as you get to see plans come to life. 5. Contractor Communication Lots of things can go wrong on a job site. For example, what happens when clean room HEPA filters don’t arrive on time and a new cooling unit was just installed? Your project manager will stay on top of such details to make sure things keep moving along. Emails, phone calls, text messages, meetings and site visits help produce the outcome you’re hoping for. Technology continues to change rapidly, causing clean rooms to shut down or retool. Don’t let competition take down your operations. Hire a construction management firm with people who know your business so your enterprise can keep adapting and stay profitable.
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