FAQs
We’ve received a number of questions via Facebook and through talking with NUHOC members and alumni. We wanted to post answers to some below in case anyone was secretly wondering.
Why is it so expensive?
Building a structure today is unfortunately an expensive process. We have to meet increased code standards from 1971 (things like a potential fire suppression system), and materials are not cheap either – our windows order alone is in the $20,000 – $30,000 range. The building inspector is also requiring us to hire a structural engineer for our roof system, which could cost us $15,000. A full budget breakdown is below.
Why is the Lodge spelled “Loj”?
Sometime in the mid-2000s, a lot of outing clubs in the northeast started spelling “lodge” with a J as a fun way to differentiate their little huts from bigger commercial ones. NUHOC is one of them. No one is really sure when it happened, but it was so long ago that this is now the only spelling that most newer members know. We know that it must be jarring to see the grounds that you remember spelled differently and are working on unifying this so that everyone feels a connection with this build. Our ultimate goal is to be respectful of the history and roots of the club – we never want to alienate anyone, because this has and will always be your home. Don’t worry, the plate on the finished building will say “Lodge”.
What will the new lodge be named?
We haven’t chosen a new name for the Lodge quite yet. That decision will come out at or before Lodge Dedication, of course, but for the moment we’re considering our options. We know there are alumni looking for the Lodge to be dedicated in honor of various NUHOCers who have passed away, and we will take that into careful consideration.
Who is organizing this?
The Lodge build is being organized by NEOCA (Northeastern Outing Club Association), NUHOC Build Committee, and the Lodge Committee. NEOCA is mainly working the administrative and fundraising side of the Lodge build, while Build Committee organizes and runs the work weekends. The Lodge Committee provides the support to open the Lodge as well as tools expertise. Mark Haines and Chris Prior are overseeing the construction of the building and fireplace respectively.
What will the new Lodge look like? What are the differences from the old building, and why is it different?
The new Lodge will look very similar to the old one (current architectural plans), which the community all voted on a while back. We wanted to keep it as faithful to the old building as possible. Tweaks are required: New Hampshire’s building code has changed a lot in the last 50 years, and we had to change some of it in order to get the design approved by the town. For example, both lofts will now have staircases instead of ladders.
Budget
The budget provided below represents our most up-to-date internal estimate for the cost of the new lodge. The following costs are based on current contractor quotes and list material prices. Great care has been taken to negotiate quotes exhaustively and procure materials at discount rates wherever possible, but sometimes these reduced price sources fall through. You’ll see a “cushion” has been added in an effort to estimate the price as accurately as possible.
Note: We are still making this budget more detailed. Updates will be posted accordingly.
Feedback
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