[Vision2020] THE TIDE IS RISING

[cjs]

>I've been involved in a variety of construction projects
> both in this area and elsewhere as an ICC certified special inspector.
> School construction typically is different than other commercial > development
> and the expenses frequently are higher.  For example, schools are used > as
> emergency shelters and are usually designated as "essential" bringing
> additional code-related costs in construction.


> The numbers look surprisingly low.  I noticed that Hummel used a figure > of
> about $87 per square foot for construction costs.  I think that this is
> unrealistic, especially in light of the soaring material costs that have
> plagued the construction industry (steel has doubled in the last two > years
> and concrete suppliers faced shortages of cement last year driving a > price
> increase.)  A more reasonable number would be somewhere in the > neighborhood
> of $100-$110 per square foot.  Construction cost of the gym is > significantly
> lower than that of the Hamilton Indoor Recreation Center.  Without plans > and
> specifications, essentially we’re buying a pig in a poke.  Schools are
> typically of a masonry construction, which can be very expensive.  I > think
> that Hamilton Rec was a wood-framed building utilizing structural steel
> connections.  (Been a while since I looked at those plans.)


> On site development, an average cost is approximately $10-&13.  Hummel > has
> these estimated at $8.70 per square foot. These numbers can change very
> dramatically depending on soil conditions and weather.  The native loess
> that we have in this region can become unworkable quickly if it is wet.
> Since construction is proposed in a wetlands area, I wouldn’t be > surprised
> if a significant amount of removal and replacement with a more suitable
> construction material is necessary, which can be an expensive > proposition.

 
> I suspect the inspection costs are also under-reported though without > plans
> and specifications I can't be positive.  Even in an area like Moscow, > where
> we rely on uncertified individuals for special inspection, these costs
> typically run about .5% of the cost of construction and the .15% quoted
> seems very small.  

 
> I think the contingency fund is completely inadequate.  With a > multi-year
> project, the potential for costly delays and material cost increases is
> pretty high.  I would be much more comfortable with a 10% reserve.

 
> Either the Geotech fee is too high or the site surveying is under-bid.  > That
> those costs are almost even (with the Geotech more expensive) is a > little
> surprising.


> Interestingly, the Lapwai High/Middle School project has gone out to > re-bid
> because the proposals were significantly divergent from the cost > estimates
> developed by Beniton Construction.  I could see this happening to the > new HS
> and either a reduction of the proposed school or a secondary levy which
> would include the facilities not yet in the proposal (i.e. the > auditorium.)