Unlocking Campus Savings: UNK's Innovative In-House Construction Approach

In the face of soaring construction and renovation costs, the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) has found a creative solution to stretch its budget and maintain its facilities. By establishing an in-house construction team, UNK is taking on more projects themselves, resulting in significant cost savings and ensuring critical upgrades are completed without sacrificing quality.

Maximizing Every Dollar to Elevate Campus Infrastructure

Tackling the Cost Conundrum

The construction industry has experienced a significant surge in prices, with input costs skyrocketing by nearly 40% since February 2020. This has posed a significant challenge for UNK's Facilities Management and Planning department, which oversees the maintenance and renovation of the university's extensive 515-acre campus. Faced with escalating contractor and material prices, Michael Cremers, the department's director, recognized the need for a more cost-effective solution.

Empowering the In-House Advantage

Cremers' solution was to create a dedicated UNK construction team that could tackle some of the larger projects on campus, leveraging the university's own skilled workforce to drive down costs. By bringing more work in-house, UNK can save an estimated to per hour compared to hiring external contractors, allowing them to stretch their budget and complete critical maintenance and renovation projects without sacrificing quality or scope.

Randall Hall Renovation: A Successful Pilot

The Randall Hall renovation project served as a pilot for UNK's in-house construction approach. Initially estimated at over .2 million, the project involved addressing issues with the building's HVAC system, updating the outdated drop ceilings, installing new flooring and lighting, and painting all 96 rooms and the basement. By dedicating two full-time employees to the project, UNK was able to save more than 0,000, demonstrating the significant cost savings that can be achieved through this innovative approach.

Expanding the In-House Team

Building on the success of the Randall Hall project, UNK Facilities Management and Planning has already taken steps to expand its in-house construction team. They have hired a construction supervisor, Trevor Trine, and shifted painter Randy Best to the dedicated construction crew. Additionally, the department plans to add an electrician, plumber, HVAC technician, and carpenter to the team, ensuring they have the necessary expertise to tackle a wide range of projects.

Unlocking Long-Term Benefits

The in-house construction approach not only provides immediate cost savings but also sets the stage for long-term benefits that will positively impact UNK for years to come. By maintaining campus facilities more effectively, the university can raise the standards for its buildings and infrastructure, enhancing the overall student experience and supporting the institution's academic and research missions.

Maximizing Every Dollar, Elevating the Campus

UNK's innovative in-house construction strategy is a testament to the university's commitment to fiscal responsibility and its dedication to providing a high-quality campus environment. By empowering its own skilled workforce and taking on more projects themselves, UNK is able to stretch its limited resources, ensuring critical maintenance and renovation projects are completed without sacrificing quality or scope. This approach not only delivers immediate cost savings but also lays the foundation for long-term benefits that will continue to elevate the university's facilities and infrastructure for years to come.