In this episode of Tuesday Tips, we were joined by Michael Soh for a follow-up discussion on strategic facility planning that helps schools make smart decisions without breaking their budgets.
Here are this session’s top 3 tips:
- Avoid costly last-minute changes during construction. The most expensive facility mistake is making design changes once construction begins. Require 3D renderings and virtual walk-throughs during the design phase to visualize your space accurately. This helps catch issues before construction when changes cost significantly more due to change orders, schedule delays, and material reordering.
- Invest in professional expertise from the start. Don’t try to manage complex facility projects without dedicated professionals. Hire project managers or owner’s representatives with education facility experience to guide budget management, contract negotiations, and decision-making. This investment prevents higher costs from legal fees, unfavorable contracts, and poor guidance.
- Start with a comprehensive facility audit. For budget-constrained schools, conduct a facilities condition assessment first. Have an outside consultant evaluate your current facility and future needs to create a comprehensive long-term plan. This prevents piecemeal decisions and helps identify urgent repairs, energy inefficiencies, and expansion possibilities before committing resources.
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