Facility managers make complex decisions about when to build, renovate, or demolish aging buildings and infrastructure. The need for increased operational efficiency, improved technology, and better financial returns further challenges these demands. So, how do facilities professionals make complex decisions about replacing or renovating aging buildings and infrastructure?
Build, Renovate, or Demolish Aging Buildings and Infrastructure?
In today's fast-evolving world, the need to address aging buildings and infrastructure has become more crucial than ever. Whether you are planning to construct new structures, remodel existing ones, or undertake demolition projects, you must have a solid understanding of the processes involved. From navigating regulations to selecting suitable materials and techniques to choosing Facility Management Software, our expert guide covers all aspects of building, renovating, or demolishing aging structures, ensuring that your projects are carried out seamlessly and successfully.
Phases of Building Aging
It is less clear how to compute the renovation cost against the cost of demolition and reconstruction. Facility managers must consider several factors depending on the severity of the problems. For example, awkward structuring, small spaces, low ceilings, or eroded foundations require partial or complete demolition.
So, how do facilities professionals make complex decisions about replacing or renovating aging buildings and infrastructure? This article discusses five key areas to consider when assessing planning options for building, renovating, or demolishing aging buildings and infrastructure. As buildings age, they go through a process of deterioration, which can be categorized into five life-cycle stages that correlate to asset renewal:
- Prenatal: less than one year
- Childhood: one to sixteen years
- Adolescence: seventeen to twenty-nine years
- Adulthood: thirty to forty-nine years
- Old Age: fifty-plus years
Facility managers must know when more significant repair and maintenance issues will begin in each phase. David Albrice and the team at RDH conducted a study that found that during the "Adolescence" phase, buildings tend to experience the most extensive and expensive asset renewal projects. During this period, facilities managers must reinvest significant funds in the building. Therefore, facilities managers should prepare for upgrades as structures approach the 30-year mark.
Cost Analysis
All costs should be considered, including initial construction, phasing, financing, fees, and, most importantly, maintaining the space's long-term operational costs. Often, institutions only consider the initial construction costs. They analyze the long-term implications of these decisions. Capital Planning software can provide an easy and efficient way to manage aging buildings and infrastructure life-cycle costs.
Read our guide to getting your facilities management projects funded.
In the cost analysis process, it is essential to involve various stakeholders, such as financial managers, facilities managers, and operational staff. Their input can provide valuable insights and ensure that all relevant costs and factors are taken into account. Additionally, conducting regular reviews and updates of the cost analysis is crucial to adapt to changing circumstances and make informed decisions for the long-term sustainability of the space.
Flow of People
The movement of people, materials, and vehicles in and around facilities should be logical, intuitive, and convenient. In addition, there should be a clear sense of entryways, adequate parking, a focal center of the facility, and an easily identifiable way to connect all the pieces.
Consideration should also be given to the safety and security of individuals using the facility. This includes well-lit and easily accessible walkways, emergency exit routes, and effective traffic control measures. Additionally, the layout should accommodate individuals with disabilities and provide equal access to all areas of the facility.
Market Share
What improvements or programs can expand and attract the best talent to ensure your organization continues to grow? How can these programs be enhanced either through new or renovated construction? Will new technologies demand new space, or can they be accommodated in existing structures and their respective infrastructures?
Additionally, it's important to consider the impact of remote work and flexible work arrangements on the organization's physical space needs. Evaluating the potential for a hybrid work model and adapting the workspace accordingly can also contribute to attracting and retaining top talent. How can the office environment be optimized to support collaboration and productivity in this evolving landscape?
Environmental Outlook
When considering the environmental outlook of aging buildings and infrastructure, it is essential to prioritize sustainability and resource conservation. Buildings should not only aim to conserve energy but also responsibly reuse materials and be constructed on sustainable sites to minimize their environmental impact. By carefully selecting sites that preserve existing natural areas, we can contribute to protecting our ecosystem.
Buildings should strive to conserve energy, responsibly reuse materials, and be constructed on sustainable sites. Carefully selecting sites will preserve existing natural sites. In addition, conducting a sophisticated assessment of building envelopes and integrating HVAC systems will require less energy to heat and cool. This cost is exponentially important over the life of the building. A thorough review of materials and reuse will reduce initial capital costs while conserving the world's natural resources.
Furthermore, conducting a detailed assessment of building envelopes and integrating energy-efficient HVAC systems can significantly reduce the energy required to heat and cool the building. This not only leads to cost savings but also reduces the facility's carbon footprint over its lifespan. A comprehensive review of materials and exploring options for reuse can lower initial capital costs and play a crucial role in conserving the Earth's natural resources for future generations.
By implementing sustainable practices in the planning and constructing buildings and infrastructure, we can create a more environmentally friendly built environment that aligns with our commitment to a greener future. Building with sustainability in mind benefits the environment and enhances our structures' overall quality and longevity.
Plan for Expansion
A growth plan should be in place that includes the facility's ability to adapt to changing circumstances. A logical method for expanding buildings and infrastructure should accommodate flexible planning and incremental growth. Implementing facilities capital planning software will make caring for and maintaining an aging building stock considerably more affordable.
Solutions for Aging Buildings
The FOUNDATION platform takes the Facility Managers from facility condition assessment to facility capital planning, and it empowers your organization to get the most out of its valuable physical assets and structures. Want to learn more? Talk to us directly! Book a demo with our team today!
