subject: Best Practice Construction Works For Schools [print this page] School construction and upgrading is now a major social issue. The demand for quality construction is increasing, as the school system updates and remodels. This vital work is also attracting a lot of public interest and criticism regarding contractors and standards of performance of contracts. The real need is for top level professional construction management.
School construction issues
School construction includes some potentially very complex issues:
Identification of school needs: School buildings may perform multiple or specialized roles, and may have specific needs. In many cases school construction is also based on upgrading school functions. This may involve a range of construction requirements including services, plumbing, electrical fittings, gas and other issues.
Demolition of old buildings: Recent initiatives have seen a general move to demolition of older school buildings. This process can also put pressure on schools for accommodation of operations, and needs to be well planned in advance.
Budgets: Budget matters require transparency, careful management and forward planning. Best practice involves thorough liaison with all stakeholders and thorough ongoing consultation.
Compliance with statutory requirements: Systematic implementation of statutory compliance at each stage of construction is essential. Professional construction managers ensure full compliance.
Time frames: School construction projects are necessarily based on clear time frames. Scheduling is critically important.
Site issues: Construction operations require safe clear access for construction equipment and materials. Safe storage of materials and security of premises are primary considerations.
Operational considerations during school hours: Minimum disruption to school operations is best practice. Safety of the school children is a primary consideration, and risk management needs to be well planned in advance through consultation with school management.
Scope and nature of school construction
The wide range of school buildings is a natural issue in construction. School buildings may include:
Classrooms
Gyms
School cafeterias
Sporting facilities
Science rooms
Staff facilities
Libraries
These are specialized constructions, and many require dedicated facilities for their operations. A library, for example, may require electrical wiring, optic fibre links, and in some cases need to be customized for size demands. Sporting facilities can include indoor sporting capabilities, and may be very large buildings with service and storage areas.
Construction management for Australian schools
The range and complexity of these construction projects requires professional management practices at all levels. Australian construction managers are strongly motivated and keen to assist schools in achieving their goals and ensuring best outcomes in construction.
The top Australian construction managers set very high standards for their work. These standards can be seen in recent construction management in Brisbane, where new, modern school buildings are replacing the old, outdated relics of the past. Australian schools are entitled to the best, and professional construction managers deliver the best.
If you're looking at a school construction project, look at the top construction managers first. Use these standards as the benchmark for your project. A consultation with experts will spell out best practice and give you clear guidelines for the construction process.
