In recent years new construction has become more complex as new designs, materials and technologies become available and government regulation increases. These factors change the construction process and necessary project team members. This paper serves to provide a general overview of the daycare building construction process and the evolution of modular buildings.

New Technology & Designs
As time has progressed new features and technologies are now available. Green construction has been more common and green features can be incorporated into buildings at a reasonable cost. With the larger number of options, customers can choose how green they want the project to be depending on budget. Customers can also focus on green technologies which also have a positive effect on building operating costs. For example, higher R value insulation reduces heating/cooling load and utility bills as well as reducing green house gas produced from electricity generation. An eco-friendly environment for children can also provide the child care provider an advantage over competitors. A cost analysis can help determine payback period of each green feature.

In addition to green options for modular daycare buildings, customers have more construction types to select from. Site built construction remains the most common option but Off-Site construction is rapidly gaining momentum. Off-Site Construction has evolved from modular construction and the finished project is almost identical to a traditionally completed project. Off-Site Construction is performed in a State of the Art factory and achieves the look, function and feel of traditional onsite construction. In addition, Off-Site Construction is dramatically different than standard manufactured buildings. The process provides the benefit of up to 30% cost savings, faster overall construction time, reduced weather related delays and less site disruption compared to ordinary site construction. Customers now have the option of choosing between relocatable and permanent child care buildings. Several websites have sample floor plans for daycare centers which can be customized to fit individual customer needs.

Modern Off-Site Construction expedites expansion programs as well. Most of the construction is preformed off site therefore noise, construction traffic and safety hazards are dramatically reduced. The site for the new buildings is prepared, then the new buildings are simply installed and the limited finish work is completed. Off-Site Construction can be designed to match existing buildings for a seamless appearance.

Construction Process
Today's construction includes new codes and additional governmental regulations. Modern buildings are arguably safer, more comfortable and more accessible than buildings of the past. Unfortunately, the number of factors involved with the construction process has increased as well.

A complete site survey must be performed to establish the location of utilities, topography of the site, any environment challenges and site egress. Next, a site plan must be developed to illustrate the location and relevant size of the buildings. Detailed architectural drawings of the building including appearance and floor plan must be created. The use of the building and number of children determines floor plan layout and building size. Customer desires and budget have considerable impact on the appearance of the buildings. These construction drawings incorporate safety designs, accessibility, building function as well as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, electrical, plumbing and communication utilities. Engineering review of the drawings helps ensure the building will meet current code and are structurally sufficient. The city or other local governing body must approve the project before construction can begin. Financing will be secured and construction will begin. If Off-Site Construction is used, site preparation and building construction can occur simultaneously and it is not necessary to wait until the site is complete before building construction begins. This concurrent construction process can save up to 60% of the total construction time. Buildings are installed at the site when they are approximately 80% complete, then the limited amount of finish work is preformed. The buildings must be inspected throughout the constructed process by a third party agency to certify they are constructed properly. Customers can chose to manage each individual step with separate contracts for each company performing the work.

Alternatively, customers can use a Design-Build process to simplify construction. Select companies can provide comprehensive construction packages where the various aspects of the projects are incorporated into one contract. The design-build company takes direction from the customer and is completely responsible for converting customer ideas into a completed project. The company will arrange for the individual details and manage the entire process. If a problem arises the Design-Build company will make arrangements to resolve the issue. At the conclusion of the project the customer will review the project and make final payment to the design-build company.

In addition, the Off-Site Construction process can be combined with the Design-Build process to provide a complete turn-key project. The manufacturing & construction company will arrange and coordinate the various aspects of the process including design, Off-Site Construction process, site preparation, building installation and finish work. The Off-Site construction process provides reduced construction time through concurrent site & building construction. The Design-Build aspect streamlines the process to further reduce construction time and customer frustration as the individual steps are managed by a single company. Project financing may also be available as part of the comprehensive package.

Team Members
A limited number of companies specialize in Off-Site Construction of child care buildings and provide Design-Build services. Purchasing directly from the integrated manufacturer/builder eliminates intermediaries and facilitates direct communication between the customer and the builder. In addition, companies operating their own factories have direct control of the process and can ensure a high quality building.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• To simplify construction go with a Design-Build process. Select companies can provide comprehensive construction packages where the various aspects of the projects are incorporated into one contract. The design-build company takes direction from the customer and is completely responsible for converting customer ideas into a completed project. The company will arrange for the individual details and manage the entire process. If a problem arises the Design-Build company will make arrangements to resolve the issue. At the conclusion of the project the customer will review the project and make final payment to the design-build company.