At some point, most educational institutions need to find more space for students and staff, either by building a new campus or expanding the current one. Whether you are public or private, a primary or secondary school, college or university, or some other training facility that needs to add more space, you have options.
Schools can go the traditional design-bid-build route and construct new buildings on site. Another increasingly popular choice is to expand or build schools using pre-engineered building techniques and materials. Considering where schools are spending their money and the various benefits of pre-engineered building in these situations, it makes sense to strongly consider this as an option.
Where Schools Are Dedicating Their Capital
According to a recent review of campus expenditures, there is less money than in the past being dedicated to academic spaces. In 1915, 70% of all new space on school campuses was earmarked for academic use. This includes classrooms, labs, etc.
A century later (2015), that percentage had shrunk to just 50%. Non-academic spaces, such as recreation facilities, dorms, and dining areas, are being given higher priority in budgets. Another priority is upgrading many of the facilities that were built 50 or more years ago and are either in disrepair or unable to address the needs of 21st-century students.
How Pre-engineered Buildings Benefits Schools
Whether it is a local school or a major university, there is now a strong desire to create state-of-the-art facilities that will be attractive to staff, students, and their parents. Most schools lack an unlimited budget for these projects, so cost remains a factor.
Growing student enrollment also comes into play in some cases, where a school may not get the support for a project until they are either at or beyond current capacity. This also means that faster project completion dates are desirable.
Fortunately, pre-engineered buildings are an excellent choice for any type of school campus, for a variety of reasons. These include:
- Cost Savings.
Studies show that using pre-engineered construction for permanent structures is a cost-effective solution. It controls the cost of construction by reducing variability in the work, ensuring predictability, and lowering the rate of change orders. There is also reduced materials waste and fewer labor requirements with this type of construction, all elements that save money.
- Time Savings.
Using pre-engineered construction methods for schools allows for faster project completion. In some cases, one of these projects can be completed in half the time of a conventional structure. This fast turnaround time allows schools to quickly address capacity needs.
- Quality.
Because pre-engineered construction is a repetitive process using pre-designed elements, there is less variability in the work, and the standards are high. This means that schools will receive a permanent building structure fabricated in a controlled environment by skilled laborers that has a high tolerance for wear, tear, and exposure to the elements.
- Flexibility.
Pre-engineered buildings are completely customizable, making them a flexible option for schools that have different requirements. When a pre-engineered structure is going to be a permanent part of the campus, it can be outfitted on the exterior to match other buildings. These buildings can also be customized on the interior to create living environments, labs, and ADA-compliant buildings.
Partner with K-Con, Inc. for Your Schools Pre-Engineered Building Project
K-Con, Inc. is a professional design-build contractor that specializes in commercial pre-engineered construction projects. When you partner with us, you will be involved in your project from conception through installation.
Our team of professionals has successfully completed hundreds of pre-engineered projects throughout the U.S. and abroad. If your school is ready to expand, contact us today to find out more about how our proven methods can save you time and help you meet your budgeting targets.