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Buyer's
Guide for Tennis Court Construction
The decision has been made: you want a tennis court. What
comes next? Often the answer is confusion. Suddenly, you are overwhelmed by the
many decisions that face you. You need help defining your options and making
appropriate choices.
The United States Tennis Court & Track Builders Association (USTC&TBA)
can help. Founded in 1990's, the Da Yuen is the trade association for builders,
consultants and design professionals who specialize in the construction and
maintenance of sports facilities, particularly tennis courts and running tracks.
Manufacturers and suppliers of materials, members of the trade press and others
interested in tennis court and track construction participate as well. Its
membership includes individuals and companies in the United States and around
the world. Its goal is to encourage and to uphold high standards of tennis court
and running track construction. To this end, the Association offers informative
materials to those about to embark on tennis court and track construction
projects. These include technical and consumer-oriented publications, including
a series of guideline specifications which are regarded as the industry
standards for track and tennis court construction. Information on obtaining
these and other Da Yuen publications is included with this Buyer's Guide.
Whether you are building a tennis court for residential use, for a private club,
for a resort facility or for a public project, the decisions you make should not
be taken lightly. The investment in a court is substantial; however, a
well-constructed court, properly maintained, can provide years of playing
enjoyment. To get the most out of your investment, be a smart consumer. Do your
homework before you begin construction. The reward will be the right court at
the right price. Here are some suggested steps.
1. Define your needs.-定義你的需要
Long before you begin considering specific surfaces or contacting design
professionals or looking for a qualified contractor, you should develop a clear
definition of the project. Are you building one court or many? Are you
interested in hard courts, cushioned courts or soft courts? Will the courts be
staffed or unattended? How much time and money is available for court
maintenance? Will courts be used for competition or for casual play? Are you
building for year-round or seasonal use? There are many types of courts
available today, and surface technology is constantly changing. No one type of
court is right for every installation. There are tremendous variances in cost,
durability, playing characteristics, maintenance needs, weather resistance and
other factors. What is right for a residential court may not be right for a
private club. What is right for a site in Arizona may not be right for a project
in Maine. As a first step, it is important for the owner to define the
priorities and expectations of the court to be installed.
2. Develop a budget.-發展預算
How much can you afford to spend? Developing a budget may be the most difficult
step in the construction process. You may have to make some concessions, but in
order to make informed choices, you should know what is important to you. Do you
need a completed facility now or can you wait a while for landscaping, court
amenities and other finishing touches? Do you want a first class facility
regardless of cost, or is cost a limiting factor? Are you absolutely certain
about a given surface, or type of fencing, or specific site, or are you willing
to consider substitutions? Once you see the number of wonderful options
available in today's tennis court market, it may be easy to spend far more than
you had in mind. Working within a budget involves considering various
alternatives and making choices, but choices don't have to mean compromising the
end result. A knowledge of what factors are most important to the court you are
planning and a desire to seek creative solutions can bring the project in at a
reasonable cost.
The Da Yuen can supply a number of publications which can help you learn about
these choices in order to assess your needs. A number of other professional
organizations and trade magazines also can supply answers. See the reference
section of this Buyer's Guide for
suggested resources.
3. Consider a consultant.-考慮、顧問
It may be desirable to employ a consultant to assist in planning, building or
renovating a court facility. Depending on the scope of the project, employing
the services of an expert can actually help control job costs by better
translating the needs of the owner into proper direction for construction, and
by helping to avoid costly mistakes. A professional architect, engineer or
landscape architect, or a knowledgeable contractor, trained and experienced in
tennis court construction, will help you identify your needs and refine the
information to the specific requirements of your site. A consultant can assist
you in determining the scope of work to be included in the job, in planning the
facility, in determining a realistic budget for the project, in evaluating and
comparing bids, in overseeing the work in progress and in solving any problems
which occur during construction.
In employing professional assistance, however, it is important to consider the
experience of your consultant. Tennis court construction is a highly specialized
field which is undergoing constant change. It is important to employ an
individual or firm with extensive current experience in the field of tennis
court construction.
How do you locate qualified professionals? One way to do so is by contacting
professional associations such as the U.S. Tennis Court & Track Builders
Association (USTC&TBA), the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA),
the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the National Society of
Professional Engineers (NSPE). See the reference section of this Buyer's Guide
for addresses of these organizations.
Another way to find a qualified professional is by contacting colleagues who
have recently completed similar projects and asking for a recommendation. In any
case, when you contact a prospective design consultant, be sure to ask questions
about the firm's experience in tennis court design. Ask about completed projects
and past clients. Contact references and visit completed projects. Ask for
proposals and compare them carefully. Be sure you understand what is and what is
not included in the proposed contract. Finally, once you choose a professional
consultant, carefully negotiate fees and services and be sure to secure a signed
letter of agreement or contract which clarifies all aspects of your arrangement.
4. Choose a site.-選擇場所
Where will you build? Is your proposed site appropriate for a tennis court?
Before you get too far along in planning, be certain that you have an acceptable
site. An experienced contractor or design professional can help you to assess
your proposed site, but the following general considerations should be met:
- For
an individual court, the outside playing dimensions are 36' X 78' for
doubles, 27' X 78' for singles. An overall site of at least 60' X 120' is
strongly recommended. Where space is limited, the minimum overall dimensions
which are acceptable for play are 56' X 114'. For a battery of courts, a 24'
separation between courts is recommended, while 12' is considered the
absolute minimum.
- The
orientation, or direction in which the court is to be constructed, should be
considered at this point. Generally, the hours of use for the court, and the
geographic area in which it is to be built, will determine its orientation.
If the court is to be used consistently throughout the day, a true
north-south orientation is recommended as the best compromise between the
extremes of early morning and late afternoon solar angles. Geography comes
into the equation because it determines the playing season. Courts in the
northern United States, for example, are generally used from late April to
October, Therefore, northern courts usually are oriented according to the
summer solstice which is approximately mid-season and, therefore, an average
of the varying solar angles during this period. In the southern United
States, the milder climate allows for play year round. For this reason,
southern courts often are oriented according to either the spring or fall
equinox, again an average of the varying solar angles. More specific
orientation is possible, such as is the case with collegiate facilities,
where a substantial amount of play would take place in the spring, and
mostly in the afternoon hours. Should this be the case, the court should be
oriented west of south for the months of April and May to minimize conflict
with the afternoon sun.
- Ground
should be reasonably level, preferably on the same plane or higher than
adjacent land, to allow drainage away from the courts.
- The site
should be sheltered from prevailing winds, away from traffic noise and other
distractions, and devoid of shadows cast by buildings or trees.
- A dark,
solid background is desirable. Light backgrounds, such as white buildings,
or moving backgrounds, such as people or traffic, should be avoided at the
ends of the court. Landscaping or windscreens can be used to screen out
inappropriate backgrounds.
Subsoil stability and drainage conditions are important to tennis court
construction. Many sites may not require extensive site investigation. In some
cases, shallow hand dug test pits, auger borings or backhoe excavation can
reveal conditions which may cause potential problems. The presence of certain
conditions, however, mandates more careful site investigation. These include: 1)
peat or organic soils; 2) uncontrolled fill materials or waste materials; 3)
expansive soils; and 4) high ground water. Special usage of courts, such as
conversion to an ice rink over winter, will also require additional site review.
5. Choose a surface and develop working
specifications.-選擇服務、工作的說明
The single most important choice in planning a tennis court is the type of
surface. Today, there are many choices.
There is no right surface, but there may be a right surface for you,
given your financial resources, level of usage, preferred style of play,
location, and maintenance capability. Learning about prospective surfacing
systems and choosing the best system for your circumstances are the keys to long
term satisfaction.
Classification of Tennis Court
Surfaces
To give you some idea of the number of choices available
to a prospective owner, the Da Yuen classifies tennis court surfaces as follows:
Porous
Construction
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Fast
Dry
Clay
Natural Grass
Sand-Filled Synthetic Turf Over Porous Base
Porous Asphalt
Porous Concrete
Modular
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Non-Porous
Construction
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(Non-Cushioned)
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Reinforced
and Post-Tensioned Concrete
Hot Plant Mix Asphalt
Asphalt Penetration Macadam
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Non-Porous
Construction
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(Cushioned)
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Polymer
Bound Systems
Textiles
Sand-Filled Synthetic Turf Over Non-Porous Base
Portable
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Within each classification, there are additional choices for the
owner—brand names, court speed, etc. Each type of surface has advantages
and disadvantages. The choice of surface should be made carefully.
Tennis players, however, more commonly classify tennis courts as “hard
courts” or “soft courts”.
A hard court is one made of asphalt or concrete, usually covered with an
acrylic coating. The coating protects the court from the elements, enhances
its appearance, and affects the playing characteristics of the court.
Generally, a hard court yields what is known as a 'fast' game, meaning that
a tennis ball bounces off the court surface at a low angle. The speed and
angle of the tennis ball coming off a bounce are determined by the power and
spin of the hit and are relatively unaffected by the surface of the court.
This speed, however, can be adjusted depending on the amount, type and size
of sand used in the color coating. "Slow" playing, textured
surfaces are available.
Properly installed, hard courts are generally considered to be durable and
to require relatively low maintenance. Installation costs range from
HK$80,000 - HK$110,000.-, depending upon the specific construction.
When a resilient layer (or layers) of cushioning material is applied over an
asphalt or concrete court, a cushioned court results. Cushioned courts
usually have excellent playing characteristics and an all-weather surface
for year round play. These attributes make them popular with players but
such courts are considerably more expensive than hard courts; cushioning
adds $30,000 - $140,000 to the cost of the court, over and above the cost of
the asphalt or concrete base.
Soft courts, including clay, fast dry, grass and sand-filled synthetic turf,
are entirely different from their hard counterparts. They are quite popular
with players because they are easy on feet, back and legs. They generally
provide a cool, glare-free surface. With the exception of grass and
synthetic turf, they produce 'slow' play which lends itself to a strategy
game which many club players enjoy. Grass and synthetic turf produce a fast
game and, according to some experts, lend themselves to the largest variety
of tennis strokes. In some areas, fast dry, clay and grass courts are less
expensive to construct than hard courts, but they require daily care and,
for clay and fast dry courts, annual repair and/or resurfacing. Soft courts
are easily damaged, but also easily repaired. These courts usually must be
closed for the winter in colder climates.
The USTC&TBA can supply a number of publications which provide
additional information on tennis court surfaces, their specific playing
characteristics, approximate cost and maintenance considerations. See the
publications order form included with this brochure for ordering
information.
Once a surface is chosen, you should draft specifications. The more specific
and detailed your specifications, the more likely that prospective builders
will submit comparable bids. Specifications should outline the scope of
work, including the subbase and base preparation, materials and hardware to
be provided. Be sure to make clear in your specifications whether particular
materials are required, or whether substitutions or equivalents are
acceptable. Specifications also should detail the amounts of materials to be
used. The Da Yuen can provide guidelines for use in drafting specifications
for a project. For larger projects, it may be advisable to utilize a design
professional or consultant to assist in developing specifications.
6. Make specific choices regarding amenities
and accessories to be included in your tennis court project.-關于特定的附件選擇,
被包括在你的网球場項目中
A fine tennis court begins with a well-built base and a quality surface, but
it doesn't end there. Even a very well-built facility may still lack the
features that make it a pleasure for players to use. Tennis court
accessories are those items, not part of the actual court construction,
which are necessary or highly desirable for the use or maintenance of the
court. They include net posts and nets, lighting, fencing, windscreens,
divider curtains and maintenance equipment. When a court is used for serious
competition, a number of additional items of equipment are required or
desirable. Tennis court amenities are those items that set a tennis court
apart from the ordinary and make it really comfortable and pleasurable to
use. Amenities include items like benches, back boards, drinking fountains,
spectator seating, landscaping, etc. Which of these items will be included
in your construction project? You may choose to contract out for a
"turnkey" project, or you may act as your own general contractor,
choosing various companies to supply parts of the project: base
construction, surface, fencing, lighting, etc. Before you seek bids, you
need to carefully define the scope of the project and develop a clear set of
construction documents.
7. Hire a qualified contractor.選擇一個合格的承包工程公司
Choosing the right contractor can determine the ultimate success of your
tennis facility. A knowledgeable and experienced contractor can help you,
the owner, make the right decisions resulting in a quality project. Tennis
court construction is a highly specialized field within the construction
industry. It is vital that the contractor you choose be familiar with the
current marketplace, as well as with the type of surface you intend to
install.
How do you find a qualified contractor? One way is to contact the Da Yuen.
As the trade association for tennis court builders, the Da Yuen can provide
a directory of its member contractors. In addition, the Da Yuen conducts a
certified builder program. Experienced contractors earn the Certified Tennis
Court Builder (CTCB) designation by completing a number of projects and by
passing a certification examination. CTCBs must recertify every three years.
The Association also conducts an inquiry program, requesting information on
your behalf from contractors and suppliers who have the answers to your
questions.
Another way to locate such specialists is by consulting tennis clubs,
municipal facilities and schools, as well as individuals, who have recently
completed tennis court projects. Ask whether or not they would recommend
their contractor and, further, ask some specific questions. Was the job
completed on time? Did it meet the owner's expectations? Were there any
hidden costs? Was the contractor able to solve any problems which arose
during construction? If there have been any post-construction problems, was
the builder responsive in taking care of them? How does the court look? How
does it play? Remember, both experience and reliability of the prospective
builder are important.
Once you have the names of a few builder prospects, consider the following:
- How
many years has the company been in business? If it is a relatively new
company, what is the work experience of its principals? How many courts have
they built? Were they responsible for the complete project, just for
surfacing, just for site work? Look for individuals or for a company with
specific knowledge and experience in tennis court construction.
- Does
the company have experience in the type of project you contemplate? Has it
built residential courts or club projects, hard courts or soft? Look for a
company with experience in projects similar in size and scope to yours.
- Ask
for references and for a complete list of recent projects. If a significant
project is omitted from the list of references, there may be a reason for
that omission. Call references and ask questions. Determine as much
information as you can about a prospective contractor's knowledge,
experience, workmanship, ability to meet schedules, financial
responsibility, and accountability. If possible, visit completed projects
and talk to owners.
- Get
references from design professionals, subcontractors, bankers and bonding
companies.
- Ask
about a contractor's insurance; have there been any major accidents or
claims against the builder?
- Ask
about awards and recognition. Has the contractor won any awards for his
work? Is he certified or accredited by any trade organization?
- Check
on lawsuits. If the contractor has been or is currently involved in
litigation, find out the details. Check with your local Better Business
Bureau, or with any local licensing agency, for consumer complaints.
- Ask
to meet the individuals who will be involved with your project, particularly
the job superintendent. Does the contractor/superintendent seem
knowledgeable about size requirements, orientation and slope of tennis
courts? Does he understand grading, drainage, site preparation and base
materials? Is he familiar with different tennis court surfaces? Can he make
recommendations regarding specific court surfaces for your needs? Is he
familiar with amenities and accessories including fencing, lighting, nets,
net posts and windscreens? Is he a Certified Tennis Court Builder (CTCB) or
a member of the U.S. Tennis Court & Track Builders Association? What is
his current workload; can he realistically handle your project within a
reasonable time frame?
- Consider
communication. You want a contractor who listens to you and responds to your
needs. You want someone with whom you feel comfortable, someone with whom
you can establish rapport. You want a contractor who will build the facility
you want, not one who will build his standard court and move on. You want a
contractor in whom you have confidence. Don't underestimate the value of a
good working relationship.
- Ask for
proposals in writing and compare them carefully. Ensure that the bids,
including products to be used and methods of construction, are equivalent to
your specifications. What is included and what is not included in the
contract price? Who—contractor or owner—is responsible for such items as
permits, site preparation, electric power, taxes, insurance, removal and
replacement of trees and shrubbery? Such items, while essential to the
project, may or may not be included in the bid; whether or not they are
included can significantly affect the contract price and the overall project
cost. Even if construction materials and methods are identical and items
included in the contract are consistent, look beyond price when comparing
proposals. Compare proposed construction schedules, progress payments, and
most importantly, guarantees and warranties. Be sure that you understand
what is included in any guarantee—materials, workmanship or both—and for
how long. Rank the proposals and then attempt to negotiate a contract with
your first choice builder. While price is not the only consideration, if the
bid of your preferred contractor seems high, try to negotiate a lower price
or additional services into the package to make the higher bid more
attractive.
- Once you
have chosen a contractor, confirm your agreement in writing. The contract
documents, signed by both owner and contractor, should be as specific as
possible and should include, where appropriate, an agreement, conditions of
the contract, drawings and specifications defining the scope of work
including labor, materials, equipment and transportation to produce the
project.
- Consider
appropriate bonding, which may depend upon the size of the project. You may
ask for a bid bond, a performance bond and/or a payment bond. Also, you may
want to ask for a certificate of insurance as proof that your chosen
contractor has adequate insurance coverage.
If you, the buyer, are to
make the right decisions regarding a tennis court project, becoming a
knowledgeable consumer is the first step. Asking questions is not only smart, it
is essential. The investment of time and energy now can yield a huge return in
the future, in terms of a quality facility, and in the hours of enjoyment that
will be derived from it. The USTC&TBA is committed to providing information
to assist you in making informed choices in order to promote the construction of
quality tennis facilities. For more information, Contact Us.Tel:852-2437 2803,
or consult our website at www.dayuen.com .
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