Supporting a university like UCR is inherently expensive, and the costs associated with Facilities Services projects for offices, laboratories, or common spaces reflect this reality. These projects involve minor renovations, such as painting, installing new carpet, performing electrical upgrades, and conducting various maintenance tasks carried out by specialized trades. These expenditures stem from several key factors that contribute to overall project quality.
When utilizing UCR support, a significant factor is the skilled labor rates for journeymen in specialized UCR trades, including painters, carpenters, electricians, and other shop technicians. This ensures that qualified professionals are tasked with prepping, applying, or installing materials. The hourly rate of $119 per technician emphasizes the skill level required and correlates directly with the quality of workmanship. This recharge rate encompasses their direct compensation and benefits, as well as all essential operational overhead such as fleet costs, tools, and uniforms. When factoring in overtime, this recharge cost rises to $178 per hour.
For projects that involve outside vendors, the state prevailing wage law mandates that all skilled labor workers be compensated with a minimum wage reflecting local wage standards.
Material quality also plays a crucial role in project costs. Investing in commercial-grade materials is fundamental for longevity and performance, as they withstand higher levels of use and stress compared to residential options. While opting for inferior materials may lower initial costs, it can ultimately lead to higher repair and replacement expenses.
Painting services, for example, often generate feedback from the community due to the critical preparation required. Properly preparing old paint involves meticulous steps, such as sanding to ensure that new paint adheres correctly and lasts longer. This preparation work necessitates skilled labor, which can further increase costs based on the number of workers involved.
Project delays can also lead to increased costs. Requesting that work be performed outside of normal hours to minimize impacts on space, changing the scope of the original request, or delaying decisions can all affect the project timeline and lead to higher costs.
Vendors face similar constraints regarding material quality and expertise. Being subject to prevailing wage standards, their costs can exceed those of Facilities Services due to overhead.
Project scope and size ultimately determine the cost of the project, which can include estimating, engineering, design, permits, and both internal and external reviews. These additional steps can contribute to the overall cost.
In summary, UCR Facilities Services project costs reflect the quality of labor and materials. While expenses may appear high, they are tied to the quality and reliability expected of campus spaces that support our faculty, staff, and student community.