Facilities Construction: Process and Detailed Planning
This area of the NISN Resource Hub focuses on construction of school buildings. Tools support the detailed planning and budgeting of larger renovation and construction projects and the renovation of modular buildings. These resources build upon the early planning tools in Assessing Facilities Needs.
In the video below, Brian Fagerstrom (Inupiaq), Founder of architectural services firm Amaktoolik Studios, shares his experience working with schools and communities in realizing their vision for education through facilities renovation and construction projects. He discusses the use of tools like the linked spreadsheet for cost planning and the importance of building codes.
Navigating Resources
- Companion Information for Video and Cost Estimating Tool
This resource from Amaktoolik Studios captures details from the video above, documenting tips and information on cost estimating, cost types, project delivery options, and considerations in deciding whether to renovate an existing facility or build a new facility. This resource is relevant to school leaders seeking to better understand construction costs and project options and those who are using the Cost Estimating Template.
- Cost Estimating Template
This spreadsheet from Amaktoolik Studios allows school leaders and contractors to apply rule-of-thumb construction cost principles for budgeting renovation and construction projects. Based on user-provided site and building size information, the tool generates an overall budget and estimated amounts for hard costs, soft costs, and contingency. The tool can be adjusted for local prevailing costs and includes detailed cost components that can be entered for refining budgets.
- De-Prefabricating Modular School Buildings with Creative Placemaking
This article from Amaktoolik Studios discusses options for renovating modular school buildings and incorporating them into creative placemaking. Included are three example projects from charter schools with photos. This resource is relevant to school leaders using, planning to use, or considering use of modular or portable classrooms or other buildings.
Additional Resources
- LISC’s SchoolBuild website includes additional information and tools on Design and Pre-Construction, Construction, Creating and Managing Your Team, and deciding whether to Build it Yourself for Hire a Developer.
- Accessing expertise is necessary at this phase of work. In addition to looking at area developers, architects, designers, and construction firms, it may be helpful to search the NISN Facilities Technical Assistance Directory for organizations serving your area that have experience with charter and/or Indigenous community projects.