During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the escalating costs of construction, highlighting the significant impact of inflation on the industry. A construction estimator noted that time has become one of the most expensive factors in recent projects, with inflationary pressures leading to steep increases in construction costs.

For instance, the renovation of Portsmouth Middle School, which was a substantial project involving extensive structural work, was completed at approximately $280 per square foot. In contrast, the Allenstown project has recently come in at around $420 per square foot. The disparity in costs is even more pronounced in Massachusetts, where school construction projects are reported to range from $800 to $1,000 per square foot, attributed to various political factors.

Additionally, a project in Burlington, Vermont, which incorporates geothermal and high-end features, is currently estimated at about $600 per square foot. These figures underscore the challenges faced by local governments in managing construction budgets and the need for strategic planning in future projects. The discussion reflects a broader concern about the sustainability of construction practices amid rising costs and inflationary trends.