832.256.0014
bruce@laboratorydesign.com
2500 Wilcrest, Houston TX, 77042

Lab Manager’s Guide to Construction and Maintenance

If you’re a lab manager your area of expertise is probably not construction. However, it is common for lab managers to inherit the responsibility of planning, budgeting and supervising any construction or maintenance project related to their labs. If you ever find yourself in this position, this guide is for you.

The following are the four steps of a typical construction or maintenance project.

 

Step 1:  Determining the need

This is the easiest part of any project. You’re probably being reminded of it constantly. It might be that the fume hoods are old and not working properly or there’s not enough room in the lab to accommodate the equipment or personnel, there’s not enough electric or gasses for new equipment, the HVAC system doesn’t work properly, etc. Identify the conditions you want remedied.

 

Step 2:  Preparing a scope of work, budget and schedule

Most lab managers have to submit their request for work to either a purchasing or engineering department. Even if you don’t have to do this you’l still want a written description of what is to be done (the scope of work) the amount it’s going to cost and how long it’s going to take. This is where you call Laboratory Design & Construction. We’ll meet with you, assess the problem, develop a scope of work, and create a cost proposal and a schedule for your project. There is no cost for an initial meeting and most proposals are developed free of charge. (There may be a cost on larger projects.)

 

Step 3:  Design

The design phase is only required on larger construction or renovation projects. It’s mandatory when the project will require a construction permit. The appropriate governing authority will need to see a floor plan drawing of what is to take place as well as some construction details describing various parts of the project. LD&C can handle all your design requirements for you.

 

Step 4: Construction

This is the most visible part of the project. This is where the existing lab gets renovated or the new lab gets built. LD&C can provide all the personnel, materials and supervision required to complete your project.

 

If you have any questions feel free to give me, Bruce Ciloski, a call. You can reach me at 832.256.0014 or email me at bruce@laboratorydesign.com.

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