School Refurbishment Projects: What Should You Consider?

Schools are the cornerstone of our communities, serving as spaces for learning, growth and socialisation. This is why it’s so important to take a thoughtful approach to school refurbishment projects.

Like any other structure, schools require maintenance and improvements over time. It ensures they remain safe, functional and conducive to learning.

When it comes to school refurbishment projects there are unique aspects to consider, beyond the typical construction concerns. In this article, we’ll explore what you should keep in mind when planning and executing a school refurbishment project.

Pay close attention to safety and compliance

Safety is paramount in any school environment. Before starting a refurbishment project, ensure your plans comply with safety regulations and standards. This includes fire safety measures, accessibility requirements and building code compliance.

Incoprorate sustainability

Sustainability has become a top priority in the construction industry and schools are no exception. When planning a refurbishment, consider eco-friendly building materials and energy-efficient systems.

These not only reduce the environmental impact of your project but can unlock long-term cost savings. Sustainable school refurbishment projects also serve to educate and inspire students – aka the next generation of policymakers.

Consider educational needs

Underpin your refurbishment project with a deep understanding of the unique requirements of the school and its students. Take the time to ensure the refurbishment aligns with the school's teaching methods and philosophy, and incorporates spaces for modern learning techniques and technologies.

Set a budget

Like any construction project, setting a budget it critical for school refurbishments. Account for all potential costs, including construction materials and labour, as well as ‘hidden’ costs like permits. A well-planned budget is the best way to prevent financial issues that can bring your project to a grinding halt.

Think about community impact

Schools are central to the community and refurbishment projects can have an impact on the neighbourhood. Address this issue by keeping the community informed about the project's progress and any potential disruptions.

Strategic scheduling

Refurbishing an active school requires careful planning and scheduling. Think carefully about the best time to execute the project and consider the school holidays to minimise disruption to the learning environment.

Health and well-being of students and staff

Students and staff spend 6+ hours a day at school. This means it’s important to ensure your refurbishment project considers issues like air quality and noise control.

Balance aesthetics and functionality

The best school refurbishment projects strike a balance between aesthetics and functionality. The new spaces should be visually appealing and inspiring, while also being practical and conducive to learning.

Enlist the help of an experienced contractor

Streamline your school refurbishment project by enlisting the help of an experienced internal construction contractor. We can offer valuable support throughout your project and help you manage everything from the initial planning and design phases to final fit-outs.

Ready to jumpstart your school refurbishment project? Reach out to Igloo Contractors today to learn more about how our commitment to quality, safety and a client-centric approach to construction can help your school refurbishment project secure an A+.

Call us on Call 01709 329 117 or email [email protected].