| Site Utilities |
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Includes underground utilities, such as domestic water, sanitary waste, storm water, natural gas and electrical service, that are located beyond building enclosures. |
Sample findings (actual findings pending):
- Site utilities usually run underground from the main service connection and branch out to the buildings on the site. They are generally in good condition.
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| Site Improvements |
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Includes paving, grading, parking, fields, bleachers, swimming pools, landscaping and irrigation. |
Sample findings (actual findings pending):
- Drop-off and pick-up areas are extremely problematic in that they allow intermingling of automobile, bus and pedestrian traffic streams.
- Asphalt paving has areas that are damaged and deteriorating, damaged, and should be repaired, re-striped and re-sealed. Black asphalt can retain heat. Consider reducing the amount of asphalt, or use of alternate paving surfaces such as lighter-colored asphalt, decomposed granite paving or concrete unit pavers.
- Due to current water conservation mandates, turf fields are generally in poor condition. Consider installing high-efficiency irrigation systems and drought-tolerant turf species.
- Fields are generally well-used by the public, and have the potential to be a great public resource.
- Vertically displaced concrete walks are found at many of the campuses. These can create trip hazards.
- Exterior lighting levels should be studied in conjunction with safety and security planning.
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| Architecture & Structure |
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Includes exterior walls and finishes, roofs and drainage, and doors and windows. |
Sample findings (actual findings pending):
- Windows and storefronts are generally antiquated, and are not energy efficient.
- The original buildings were built at a time when it was thought that exterior views and daylighting were not necessary, and there are generally very few windows. Lack of daylighting and views can be detrimental to effective learning.
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| Building Systems |
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Includes systems that are located within or attached to building enclosures, including electrical power, lighting, data/signal, fire alarm, phone, clock, public address, HVAC equipment, ductwork and controls, plumbing and fire sprinklers. |
Sample findings (actual findings pending):
- HVAC equipment is in various conditions, but the overall systems are reported to be inadequate. Outdated HVAC systems can be inefficient and costly over time. Inadequate HVAC can cause discomfort to students and staff, and hinder learning and teaching capabilities.
- Sites have individual thermostats, or none at all. Consider installing direct digital controls (DDC) with any new HVAC systems.
- Most plumbing systems are original to the buildings, and piping may be deteriorated after decades of use. Hidden leaks can damage walls and surrounding areas.
- Plumbing fixtures are generally in good condition, although classroom sinks at campuses that have not been modernized are not universally accessible.
- Electrical systems and equipment are original to the buildings, and capacity may not be adequate for current needs. Use of technology is critical for next-generation learning. Insufficient outlets can lead to safety concerns with extension cords and system overload.
- The central fire alarm panels in the gymnasiums appear to be obsolete, and the manufacturer is no longer in business. Since replacement parts are not available, and because of the age of the panels, they should be replaced.
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| Interior Finishes |
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Includes interior wall, floor and ceiling finishes, as well as interior doors and windows. |
Sample findings (actual findings pending):
- Except for the campuses that have been recently modernized, it appears that many of the interior finishes are original to the buildings and are in need of replacement.
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| Furnishings, Fixtures & Equipment |
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Includes casework, marker boards, screens, projectors, stage/theater accessories, shelving, bleachers, kitchen equipment and other accessory items (often abbreviated as FF&E). |
Sample findings (actual findings pending):
- Kitchen equipment is generally in good condition, although kitchen facilities are small and inadequate.
- Classroom furniture is older and in varying conditions, but is outdated and does not work with next-generation learning. A variety of furniture can accommodate multiple learning and teaching styles and make learning more enjoyable.
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| Other Structures & Improvements |
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Includes site fencing and signage, accessibility and code compliance, life-safety components, temporary facilities and portables, and general infrastructure. |
Sample findings (actual findings pending):
- Relocatable buildings are generally in fair to poor condition. Roofing on most of them is beginning to degrade. Other than access to windows, overall quality of the space and finishes is generally poor. Relocatable buildings are often remote from the heart of the campus.
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