Minor Construction and Renovation

All construction work, renovation or remodel with a value of less than $709,000 is defined by the CSU system as Minor Capital Construction. Facilities Planning & Capital Projects is responsible for the performance and/or oversight of any such work on campus.

Planning Your Minor Capital Project

Projects consist of facility modifications, including change of use, renovations, or system upgrades. They are generally completed by multiple trade shops with the possibility that one or more outside contractors may be involved.

Small projects such as new office furniture, finish upgrades, minor modifications to the space, typically take 1-6 months to complete. Large projects such as office suite remodels, change of use/occupancy, structural changes to the building, or new equipment installations take 12-18 months to complete. Large projects typically include a lengthy professional design and 3rd party review process.

Some examples of Minor Construction projects and services are:

  • Upgrade electrical for new equipment
  • Install new flooring
  • Remove a wall or cut a new doorway
  • Install digital displays
  • Remodel lab, classroom, or office
  • Convert a storage room to office space
  • Modify office cubicle space or the layout of modular furniture
  • Upgrade classroom technology
  • Install new lab equipment

Minor Capital Project Process

Simply complete a Service Request and submit to the Facilities Help Center. The basic steps of a minor capital project will be implemented in the following order, see below on how to view your project status on the portal:

Submit Service Request

Facilities Facilities processes request, send requestor appropriate approval forms to complete in order to create project folder
Client Client provides scope of construction, desired schedule and budget. Returns approval form. Requestor will receive email from facilities when project folder has been created
Portal Status Assigning
Duration 2-4 Weeks

Project Triage

Facilities Planner/Estimator/Scheduler (PES) will contact the client to schedule a site meeting to better understand the scope and feasibility of the project. This will include review of applicable codes, budget and schedule
Client Tips: Organize a list of project priorities (needs,wants,wishes), know what you’re putting in the space (i.e. computers, copier, projectors, equipment, etc)
Portal Status Assigning
Duration 2-4 Weeks

Prioritization

Facilities The PES obtains direction from the Campus Deputy Building Official (CBDO) regarding appropriate level of official agency plan reviews. The project is then prioritized within the campus workload.
Client Tip: Due to heavy workloads it could take 30-90 days to assign a project manager, have a desired schedule for your project.
Portal Status Assigning
Duration 1-3 Months

Project Assigned

Facilities Project assigned to a Project Manager (PM) who will contact the client within 10 days. Together they will finalize the project scope, budget, and desired schedule, this phase will include design if needed.
Client Tip: Designate a single point of contact for the duration of the project, requestor will receive an email when project assigned to PM.
Portal Status Scope Dev, Design, Plan Check
Duration 1-6 Months

Project Estimating

Facilities The PM will develop a formal project estimate and send to client/department for funding approval by appropriate level.
Client Tips: Be prompt in your communication and responses with Project Manager
Portal Status Estimating, Appr Pend, Procurement, Scheduling
Duration 1-3 Months

Construction

Facilities Construction period for project, includes inspections and commissioning
Client Tips: Be prompt in your communication and responses with Project Manager
Portal Status In Constr, Punch List
Duration 1-8 Months

Project Close Out

Facilities All work complete, contracts closed, invoices paid, final costs posted
Client Let us know how we did by completing project survey when complete
Portal Status Const Compl
Duration 2-3 Months

Minor Capital Project Tips

Following these tips will aid Minor Capital Projects with delivering a project that is timely and within the budget agreed upon between them and the client.

  • Provide a detailed scope of work with description of desired outcome
  • Organize a list of project priorities – needs/wants/wishes
  • Demand is highest during winter and summer break, working during other times can speed up the process
  • Be prompt in your communication and responses with Project Manager
  • Allow 3 months planning for small projects, and 12 months for large projects
  • Designate a single point of contact for the duration of the project
  • Have a desired schedule for your project
  • Have a proposed budget for your project
  • Know what you’re putting in the space (i.e. computers, copier, projectors, equipment, etc)
  • Let us know how we did by completing project survey when complete

View Project Information Through the Cal Poly Portal

You may view project details and current status online via the Cal Poly Portal and the Facilities Project Portlet. For assistance setting up, viewing, and using the portlet please review our step by step guide. Questions? Please call 805-756-5555.

Jeff Dillon

Associate Director Minor Capital Projects

Wendy Macdonald

Planner/Estimator/Scheduler

Questions?

Facilities Management & Development Help Center