Top 10 College Campus Construction Projects to Bid On

Colleges and universities like to stay on the cutting edge of innovation, and many of those innovations are new construction or renovation projects that give students a more modern environment. Campus construction projects can serve a variety of purposes, from updating or adding to living quarters, all the way to creating an improved learning environment.

Let’s start by looking at some of the most popular construction projects. After that, we’ll leave you with a few thoughts that will help you win the bid.

The 10 Best Campus Construction Projects

Colleges spar no expense when it comes to construction. The primary goals of many of these projects include things like sustainability, efficiency, modernization, convenience and an improved learning environment. Here are some of the more popular projects that colleges complete:

• Communal Learning Spaces. Many colleges are building more communal learning spaces — either new halls, or a complete remodel of existing halls. Medical colleges, for instance, need to bring together a variety of different medical disciplines to give their students a broad earning experience.
• Energy Efficient Campuses. Colleges, just like homeowners and other businesses, are working hard to create energy efficient buildings. You’ll be at an advantage if your company can help universities become LEED certified.
• Historic Preservation. A great many college campuses are historic, packed with century-old buildings. These schools want to preserve those buildings, while offering their students modern laboratories and facilities through extensive renovations.
• Increased Living Quarters. With the number of students always on the rise, colleges have more need for dorm space than ever before, which means they’ll need your services as a builder.
• Modern Technology. Existing dorms take a lot of damage over the years, and many aren’t suited to modern demands. Colleges are not only renovating existing dorms, but also seeking to broaden wifi and internet access, expand electric service to accommodate modern electronics and more.
• Updated Living Amenities. As the number of students increases, living quarters aren’t the only thing in high demand. Many colleges are also expanding kitchens, dining rooms, study areas and more.
• Landscaping. Landscaping is a campus construction project that is becoming more popular. This includes not only plantings, but outdoor construction projects such as theaters, pavilions and more.
• Modular Buildings. Modular buildings are a growing trend, particularly when it comes to student housing. The major advantage to the university is that the builders can create the modular buildings offsite, then install them during the summer when there is less traffic on campus.
• Fitness Centers. People as a whole are far more health-conscious than ever before. Campus administrators are building, renovating and expanding fitness centers to accommodate this demand.
• Sport Facilities. Colleges are also updating their sports facilities. Illinois College, for instance, announced upgrades to their softball and baseball field in 2014. Upgrades to sports fields, stadiums, pools and other sporting facilities are in high demand.

Tips to Win the Bid

As with any construction project, the same bidding methods and tips will still apply, but there is something you can do to make your company look attractive to a college administrator.

Universities tend to want to be the trendsetter, whether that be through high education standards, environmental standards or architectural standards. Therefore, the most attractive builders will be the ones that are knowledgeable about things like sustainable building practices and energy efficiency. Campus administrators will also appreciate a builder that respects the traditions of the university, and one that understands how to create a beautiful environment that is well suited to learning.

The wonderful thing about campus construction projects is that you’ll have the ability to make a difference in the lives of the students that will eventually use the spaces you have created. Just be sure to approach the project with an eye towards the things that students want and the things that campus administrators will appreciate.