Contractor: renovating could approach cost of new build for fire station

Mike Bluff of Bluff Construction told the panel that when renovations require extensive structural work, the cost can be close to building new and that renovated space is often less efficient for the intended use. "Pretty much. You pretty darn close if you compare both," Bluff said when asked whether it would be more cost-effective to remodel or construct a new station.

Bluff recommended a construction-management approach and suggested early pre-construction review and value-added engineering to identify constructability improvements and potential savings before a contractor is selected. Participants said they will ask Port City and the architect to provide more detailed cost breakdowns and contingency assumptions to compare Plan 1A, 1B and 1C more reliably.

The board also discussed whether modular/manufactured components could lower cost and reduce on-site disruption for office and living spaces; one board member described a past project where factory-built modules were dropped on a slab and greatly reduced on-site time.