At some point, most educational institutions need to find more space for students and staff by building a new campus or expanding the current one. You have options, whether public or private, a primary or secondary school, college or university, or some other training facility that needs to add more space.
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 buildings in these situations, it makes sense to consider this an option strongly.
Where Schools Are Dedicating Their Capital
According to a recent review of campus expenditures, there is less money dedicated now than in the past to academic spaces. In 1915, 70% of all new space on school campuses was earmarked for educational 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 prioritized in budgets. Another priority is upgrading many of the facilities 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 a local school or a major university, there is a strong desire to create state-of-the-art facilities that attract staff, students, and parents. Most schools lack an unlimited budget for these projects, so the cost remains a factor.
Increasing student enrollment also comes into play in some cases, where a school may only get the support for a project once 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 school campus for various reasons. These include:
- Cost Savings: Studies show that using pre-engineered construction for permanent structures is a cost-effective solution. It controls construction costs by reducing work variability, ensuring predictability, and lowering the rate of difference 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, companies can complete projects in half the time of a conventional structure. This fast turnaround time allows schools to address capacity needs quickly.
- 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 with a high tolerance for wear, tear, and exposure to the elements.
- Flexibility: Pre-engineered buildings are entirely customizable, making them a flexible option for schools with different requirements. When a pre-engineered structure is 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 specializing in commercial pre-engineered construction projects. When you partner with us, you will be involved in your project from conception through installation.
Our professionals have completed hundreds of pre-engineered projects throughout the U.S. and abroad. If your school is ready to expand, contact us today to learn how our proven methods can save you time and help you meet your budgeting targets.