Lead paint removal pushes Maine West gym project $23,000 over budget
A gym expansion project at Maine West High School will cost $23,000 more than expected after crews had to remove lead paint from steel roof support joists, officials said.
The discovery was made as construction crews were about to reinforce the joists with additional steel bars, in order to support two new air conditioning units on the roof, according to Mary Kalou, Maine Township High School District 207's assistant superintendent for business.
In addition to construction of a 23,000-square-foot addition, crews are adding air conditioning and sprinklers to the existing spectator gym.
The abatement of the lead paint and labor to do it cost $292,000 - a change order that district staff will be asking the school board to approve Sept. 8.
With a total of $458,000 in change orders to date, the project is $23,000 over the established contingency - the budget set at the start of the project specifically for unforeseen cost overruns.
In March, the board approved a construction contract with Happ Builders for $9.8 million.
Other extra costs include installation of an exterior door to the sprinkler room, adding underground stormwater detention, removing unsuitable soils, drywalling two hallways, and insulating roof caps.
The district is funding the project with annual revenue from property taxes and state funds, and by dipping into a portion of a $70 million reserve fund.
The addition, which includes a new wrestling room, dance studio, fitness center and athletic offices, is on target to open by the end of the calendar year as planned.
Opening of the renovated spectator gym has been pushed back to next month instead of this month because of the lead paint abatement, Kalou said.