Like homeowners with limited budgets and a long list of repairs, school districts often must make tough choices when it comes to deciding what building systems to modernize, renovate, or repair--or when to build new facilities. With $44 billion now available for states and schools under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, stimulus…

Describes how to build a Gantt chart using a spreadsheet program to manage a school building project. (PKP)

Describes characteristics, responsibilities, and at-risk functions of professional school-construction managers. Describes Arizona's use of school-construction managers. (PKP)

Discusses the advantages of metal building and roofing systems, especially the use of steel. Considers such factors as installation ease and design flexibility, reliability and durability, and cost-effectiveness. (PKP)

Advocates the use of an Interdisciplinary Plan Review (IPR)--construction plan scrutiny by an independent agency--to contain district school construction costs. (PKP)

Describes role of the architect in school renovation and construction and offers several suggestions for effective use of an architect: Be realistic; keep the lines of communication open; keep the community experts at bay; contain costs in design, construction, and building maintenance; avoid construction chaos; and add quality to your project.…

Describes the problem of toxic mold in residential and commercial property resulting from excess moisture. Includes common sources of unwanted moisture, design and construction flaws, determining the presence of mold, and advice for identifying and hiring reputable mold remediators. (PKP)

Monolithic domes are less costly to build than traditional structures and can cost as much as 50 percent less to heat and cool. Districts across the country that have opted for monolithic-dome school facilities say their decision was a cost-effective alternative to conventional construction. (MLH)

Many districts are using portables as relatively permanent installations. Although permanent buildings are more expensive to construct, their operating cost is only $1.30 per square foot, compared to $5 for portables. The overall cost of using portable classrooms to solve long-term problems eventually surpasses costs of building permanent…

Outlines what to include in written educational specifications and why. (Author/MLF)

Describes potential benefits of four alternative project-delivery methods for school construction, renovation, and maintenance: construction manager-at-risk (CMAR), design-build (DB), design-bid-build (DBB), and job-order contracting (JOC). Compares CMAR, DBB, and DB for construction cost, schedule, and quality. (PKP)

Except for unusually large and complicated school building projects, it is more cost-effective to use consultants and in-house personnel for project administration than it is to retain an outside construction-management firm. (MLF)

Taxpayers expect school-construction projects to be managed efficiently and in accordance with environmental standards. Phases include selecting an architect and site, stating project requirements, working with the architect, considering environmental factors, getting budget estimates and reviews, and choosing a contractor and project-schedule…

A procedure for physical facilities management written 17 years ago is still worth following today. Each of the steps outlined for planning, organizing, directing, controlling, and evaluating must be accomplished if school facilities are to be properly planned and constructed. However, lessons have been learned about energy consumption and proper…

Describes 12 current trends in education that may have a significant impact on long-range plans for school construction and remodeling. Offers suggestions to help ensure that facilities plans accommodate these trends. (PKP)