This is an old revision of the document!
Since we get asked this fairly often, we thought we'd write down some key points. We'll keep updating this as new questions roll in!
First off - brilliant idea! Congratulations on starting this process, it's been really rewarding and fun for us.
To get started, do your research online. Search the term “makerspace” or “hackerspace”, and browse the spaces. Wonder at the creativity of mortals. Not enough? There are several lists of worldwide maker/hackerspaces.
There are many different models. Find your favorite(s), take notes on key elements you liked, then “try this at home”. Read their wikis if they have them. There's no shame in borrowing, especially if you hybridize and modify it to fit your circumstances. We borrowed heavily from i3 Detroit, LVL1 in Louisville, and the Milwaukee Makerspace.
If you can, go on the road and visit other spaces. Try to visit during their normal open hours, as there are never enough “people hours” to do all that needs doing. If you want to talk with board members or founders, ask them in advance via email/contact forms. Consider bringing a small donation for their time.
A key feature in our model is the “guest makers welcome” policy. We want people to show up, use (most of) our tools, have access to materials, and make stuff with us. No pressure to join as paying members, ever. Instead of forcing people to be members to make things, we offer bait/incentives to join - a keyfob for 24/7 access, storage space, access to all the tools, voting rights, workshop discounts, etc. This way, both guests and members feel like they're getting a deal, and we all come together to make things.
Install an RFID door lock asap. Keys suck to deal with when members come and go. Worth every penny.
We were lucky to have founding board members who had the financial resources to loan/give us some great tools in the beginning. That, plus cheap rent at our first location, helped us stay open when our membership was very small.
Biggest challenges are avoiding a burned-out volunteer board, and keeping up consistent promotion/marketing. It's a slog, but luckily it's a labor of love.
You're welcome to use our bylaws, standing rules, and forms - all are on this wiki.
Let us know how it goes!