Vermont School Construction Planning Guide 69
Vermont Department of Education
DETERMINING MAXIMUM COSTS
FOR SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION, ALTERATIONS, AND ADDITIONS
For new school construction, determine the total space allowance for the project from the Space
Allowance Tables. Using the Space Allowance chart, multiply the approved gross square foot-
age by the maximum square footage cost.
To determine space allowance for an addition, deduct from the total space allowance the area of
the existing building adjusted for its current age status by multiplying the area by the applicable
use factors listed below. The applicability of Use Factors is at the discretion of the commis-
sioner.
Use factors for existing structures:
Basement areas 25%
Above grade pre-1945 facilities 70%
Above grade facilities constructed since 1945 80%
To determine the maximum cost for state participation purposes, multiply the new space allow-
ance by the unit cost for new construction and multiply the area in the existing building that is
identified for remodeling by the unit cost identified in the Basic Unit Cost chart and the supple-
mental increment allowed for renovation.
The following example determines the Maximum Cost for State Participation (M.C.S.P.) for a new ele-
mentary school K-6 with an approved design capacity of 340 students. Includes an allowance for 12
acres site work, incl. parking and athletic fields, and on-site waste treatment.
New building allowance: 340 X 140 square feet = 47,600
47,600 square feet X ($175+5) = $8,568,000
Site work allowance: (43,560 sq ft X 12) X $3 = 1,568,160
Maximum Cost for State Participation: $10,136,160
The following example demonstrates the Maximum Cost for State Participation (M.C.S.P.) for a
proposed 25,000 square foot addition and renovation to a K-6 school with an approved de-
sign capacity of 340 students. The existing building is 30,000 square feet of 1960 vintage, of
which 22,000 square feet will be remodeled. The school is served by municipal waste treat-
ment and is adding a 27,800 sq ft parking and drop-off area.
Max space allowance: 340 X 140 square feet = 47,600
Minus adjusted existing building sq footage: 30,000 X 80% = 24,000
Building allowance for new addition: 23,600 sq ft
Building allowance for new addition: 23,600 X $175 = $4,130,000
Renovations: 22,000 X ($175 X 70%) = 2,695,000
Site work allowance: 27,800 sq ft X $3 = 83,400
Maximum Cost for State Participation: $6,908,400
Minimum Requirements:
Minimum requirements regarding facility planning and construction will be those included in State
Board of Education rules 6100.