Non-Capital Construction
The Non-Capital Construction team strives to provide the university with renovation and other non-capital projects that are safe, code compliant, and within defined budgets and construction milestones that are realistic in both design and construction. The team facilitates architectural and engineering design services, provides estimates of construction costs, and oversees the performance of the work by licensed and/or pre-qualified contractors.
Non-Capital Construction includes the following units:
- Building Services
- Pathway Enhancement Crew
- Moving and Hauling
- Asbestos Abatement
- Non-Capital Project Management
- Quality Assurance Quality Control
- Sign Shop
All renovation projects which affect state owned facilities or use state funds for leased facilities are subject to review and approval, and must comply with University Policy 5405: Non-Capital Construction, Renovation, Maintenance and Repair of University-Owned Facilities. Most renovation projects will require permitting, review, and inspection by the University Building Official.
The first step in every renovation request is to submit an Interdepartmental Service Request (ISR) in HokieMart. Upon receipt of a request, Facilities will assign a project manager and a HokieServ work order number. Customers can use the HokieServ work order number to track the project and expenses throughout the design and construction process.
Regardless of the method of project procurement chosen, Facilities personnel must manage all projects. A project manager or project coordinator is assigned to every project to keep project activities coordinated and the customer informed. All questions or concerns a customer might have should be directed to their assigned project manager and/or the project coordinator rather than the contractor.
The project manager/coordinator will contact the customer once the work order has been assigned.
Depending on the request and complexity, a project may be approached in one of two ways:
- Simple Design: If the requested work is for flooring replacement, paint, window treatments, or work that does not require a professional licensed design, it can go straight into construction.
- Architectural-Engineer Services: Professionally licensed design consultants contracted to provide feasibility studies, design, bidding, and construction administration.
The project manager/project coordinator can provide feedback on the appropriate the delivery method when the scope of work is discussed.
Every design has some element of review required. It is the project manager’s responsibility to ensure these reviews are conducted as part of the project development process.
There are several bidding methods used for renovation projects. The method is determined based on several factors including budget, schedule, materials, and completion date. In all projects, we follow required procurement guidelines. The following procurement methods are used for project delivery:
- Time and Materials: Contract labor and university procured materials
- Single Quote, Firm-Priced, Fixed Fee (Less than $10,000)
- 3-Bid, Firm-Priced, Fixed-Fee (Less than $200,000)
- VASCUPP or Term Contract: Unit price services, material, and goods
- On Demand Contracting: Pre-Qualified general contractors for projects less than $300,000-$500,000 (scope of work depending)
- Request for Proposal or Commercial Competitive Bids: All projects over $300,000-$500,000 (scope of work depending)
It is not unusual to discover unanticipated conditions or have extenuating circumstances including additional work requested by the customer. If a plan is changed after the final approval of the design, a review for building code compliance and approval of the changed design is required prior to construction of the changed item. Changes and/or modifications in the scope of work may result in additional time and charges. Change orders must be approved by the customer and processed to address any impacts to the approved budget.
Facilities must charge fees for project overhead as determined by the University Controller's Office.
The warranty period for most completed projects is one year. Extended warranties may be possible for certain components involved in renovation projects. Extended warranties should be discussed during project planning.
In the Commonwealth of Virginia, a capital project is currently defined as one that creates at least 5,000 gross square feet of building space, or exceeds $3 million in total project cost. Below these thresholds, a project may be treated as a non-capital project or an operating expense.
In comprehensive terms, a "capital project" refers to:
- Acquisition of real property;
- New construction projects with a total project cost exceeding $3,000,000 for institutions of higher education;
- Improvements, renovations, repairs, replacement, maintenance, or combination projects for a single building with a total project cost exceeding $3,000,000 for institutions of higher education;
- Umbrella projects.
Special rules apply to energy performance contracts/ESCOs and capital leases.
New Construction and Major Renovations
New construction and major renovations include the process of planning, designing, and constructing new buildings, transportation projects, and campus infrastructure from concept through occupancy.
Renovations
Renovations are typically non-capital, non-maintenance projects that involve the alteration, modification, or enhancement of existing university facilities.
Funding a Project
New construction projects may be funded from a variety of sources and often involve debt service. For smaller projects and renovations, the client department must submit a new project request to the Division of Facilities and have the resources available to commit to the full cost of the project.
Understanding Capital vs. Non-Capital Projects
In the Commonwealth of Virginia, a capital project is defined in terms of the total cost of the project, and the gross square feet of building space involved.
Building Code Compliance
The University Building Official manages building code compliance for all projects on campus.
Inspections
Building and site inspections are performed by both university staff and consultants.
A work order can be initiated for renovation project by submitting and Interdepartmental Service Request (ISR) in Hokiemart.
Generally projects $50,000 and under last approximately 4-5 months plus construction time, $50,000-$300,000 last 5-6 months plus construction time, and $300,000+ and last 6-7 months plus construction.
University Building Official permit costs are based on project value. Please see the chart below to find the project’s estimated value and the resulting permit cost.
Permit costs
Min project cost | Max project cost | Cost for permit |
---|---|---|
$0 | $4,000 | $40 |
$4,001 | $10,000 | $60 |
$10,001 | $25,000 | $100 |
$25,001 | $50,000 | $250 |
$50,001 | $100,000 | $500 |
$100,001 | $250,000 | $1,500 |
$250,001 | $3,000,000 | $3,500 |
Projects above $3 million are considered capital projects. Permit costs are billed at $142/hour.
Aside from the base cost of delivering the project scope, additional costs include:
- Management fee: 7.53% of project cost.
- Contingency: 10% of project cost (see below).
- Permit fees: see table above.
- Lead and asbestos review.
The contingency starts at 10% of the project cost. The value remaining after delivering the base project scope will be returned when the project is closed by Renovations.
All projects that are attached to the existing building or infrastructure, or are changes to building finishes such as carpet and paint goes through our division. If you have questions please contact renovations-g@vt.edu.
Projects that have one or more of the following characteristics require permits:
- major architectural changes
- structural changes
- mechanical, electrical, or plumbing changes
- life safety changes
The AARB (Art & Architectural Review Board) is a State of Virginia, Governor-appointed board that reviews any project, no matter the size or price, that affects the exterior appearance of an existing state agency structure, or the construction of a new, permanent structure on university property.
The BOV (Virginia Tech Board of Visitors) is a Governor-appointed board that, among many other responsibilities, reviews existing building demolitions or larger selected projects deemed appropriate by the Office of University Planning.
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality requires an Environmental Impact Report for any new construction over $500,000 in value and/or disturbs more than an acre, regardless of project type.