Ideal Timeframe to Wind Up a Healthcare Construction Project

How many times have you been to a hospital or a clinic — and noticed the way the facility is built? Even if you don’t take notice of such a factor at first — it plays a role in building your perception. The lighting, the panels — every nook & cranny of the facility is the result of meticulous planning. 

Assuming you’re interested in getting a healthcare facility built yourself, you certainly know how difficult the process can get. For healthcare construction in Calgary, several factors come into play. 

Whether it’s about strict adherence to safety codes, designing strategically for infection control, or accommodating the facility to boost recovery of the patients — only the contractors with a competitive portfolio can do justice to the client’s requirements. 

And as far as the ideal timeframe for healthcare construction projects goes — they vary on the basis of their scope. 

Read below for more. 

From the Top: How Healthcare Construction in Calgary Usually Works 

Running a hospital or managing it may fall under your job title and years worth of expertise. But when it comes to the intricacies of building a healthcare facility, there are areas you’d lack knowledge on.

Interestingly, that’s precisely what the ideal timeframe of building a healthcare facility depends upon. Though it primarily has to do with the scale of your project — consulting with experts can help you get a better idea of the expected timeline for the project’s completion. 

On the other hand, whether it’s about the medical gas, vacuum systems, MEP systems, advanced communication networks, tech integration, and compliance with ICRA, ILSM & CSA — construction contractors are your people to rely on for a project as big as a healthcare facility.

Still, there’s a lot you can do to ensure that the healthcare facility is built in the right way — just as you envisioned it during its prototype phase. So, here’s a brief overview of how healthcare construction usually works in Calgary. 

Phase # 1 — Planning & Pre-Construction

First and foremost, you’d consult with reliable contractors before going forward with just one, trustworthy firm. The contractors then work with the client (you) to determine project scope, patient flow, and specialized tech requirements. 

Then, they bring architects & engineers on board to craft blueprints and budget the process while ensuring transparency. Additionally, they conduct a thorough assessment of the site to check whether it involves any active renovation spaces before starting with construction. 

Phase # 2 — Regulatory Compliance 

All projects falling under the umbrella of healthcare construction in Calgary are required to comply with the Alberta Building Code, CSA Z317.13 (for infection control), and CSA Z8000 (for health care facilities). 

Following the adherence to standards, the contractors move on to manage the process of obtaining municipal permits from the city of Calgary — ensuring all regulations are met. 

Phase # 3 — Infection Control 

Prior to the commencement of construction, the contractor presents a detailed plan to prevent the dust & debris from the construction site from affecting existing patients or nearby community members. This is made possible through the use of HEPA filtration & negative air pressure. 

It’s also a noteworthy point to consider the fact that most of the healthcare construction projects in Calgary are expansions of pre-existing healthcare facilities — which is why it’s important to ensure that the facilities remain operational throughout the duration of the construction project. 

A prime example can be deliberate scheduling of noisy work (such as drilling) after work hours to reduce disturbance.

Phase # 4 — Construction & Execution

It’s never a one-man show when it comes to construction — especially when it concerns healthcare facilities. That said, contractors collaborate with specialized subcontractors for handling the work of medical gas systems, nurse call communications, and advanced HVAC. 

Not just that, they also hire crews for installing soundproof barriers to enhance a recovering patient’s experience. Though if your facility is getting a renovation or a construction add-on done, then there’s the problem of disrupting daily operations & emergency services. 

To steer clear of this issue, contractors for healthcare construction in Calgary hold regular meetings with the staff members to discuss access routes and ensure emergency preparedness. 

Phase # 5 — Commissioning & Testing 

Once the structural work is completed, the subcontracting systems — such as the HVAC, medical gas, and electrical — are repeatedly tested to ensure quality functionality. After that, the construction team brings experts on board to help the staff familiarize themselves with new systems & IT infrastructure. 

Phase # 6 — Handover & Move-In

Just to ensure all aspects of the construction are up to the mark, municipal authorities and stakeholders either come in themselves or send their representative to inspect the site for confirmation of its inauguration. Afterwards, the site is handed over to the client for use. 

Moreover, if construction intends to shift from an old facility to the newly constructed one, then contractors also help with transitioning the patients & equipment between both spaces. 

Quality Construction Timeframes Healthcare Clients Swear By

The construction timelines vary widely on the basis of the project’s scope. It’s not that the process takes longer or is sometimes quicker. Rather, it all comes down to the quality of the project that the client expects to receive. Whether it’s a small medical office or a major hospital — with efficient contractors on board, the project always satisfies the clients.

Spare a look at this table to get a better idea about how the ideal timeframe works for the projects of healthcare construction in Calgary.

Speeding Up or Slowing Down? What Factors Affect the Schedule

As you finally find the right construction contractor to work with, there might be moments when your mind goes like: “Are we going too fast?” or “Is something slowing down the process?”

Well, before we get into the details of healthcare construction in Calgary — rest assured. It’s normal to have such thoughts when a huge amount of money (and resources) is at stake. Even if you don’t know all the complexities that revolve around the ordeal of construction, there are a few factors you should know about — particularly the ones that have to do with the schedule. 

Skim through the list below to see whether your contractor is observing transparency & keeping you on the same page. Because if they’re secretive about why the project is delayed, then you might need to have a 1-on-1 talk with them. 

• Governmental approvals for specialized equipment → usually delay the project
• Changes in design during the construction or complex medical systems → also lead to delays 
• Difficult geotechnical issues or cramped, urban environments → leading to a decrease in on-site productivity
• Long lead times for specialized medical machinery → temporarily slow down the process
• Unavailability of sufficiently skilled workers → negatively impacts construction productivity. 

Let the Experts Manage the Deadline 

Being in a position to run a healthcare facility is one thing — getting it built from scratch is another. Considering how every nook and cranny of the infrastructure has a direct impact on potentially vulnerable lives of the patient — there’s no room for mistakes. 

So if you ever find yourself wondering, “How long does it take to build a hospital in Canada?” know that the secret lies with the experience of the contractor. Whether it’s about letting natural light into the facility or having proper ventilation systems, healthcare construction in Calgary is a result of meticulous efforts that only skilled contractors can handle.

At Sky Blue Construction, we are proud to have completed numerous healthcare projects all across Calgary (details available on our website). Our team comprises over 50 construction & engineering experts, earning up to four awards for excellence in construction. 

So, are you satisfied with the information yet? Even if that’s a solid no, you can always check out our portfolio for more!

Contact us for more details. 

FAQs

1. How long does it take to complete a healthcare construction project?

Generally ranging between 1 & 6 years, the completion of a healthcare construction project primarily depends on a few factors. These are: 

1. The project’s scale, 
2. The project’s complexity, 
3. The regulatory environment, and 
4. The expertise of the contractors.  

2. What are the 7 stages of healthcare construction?

Healthcare construction is a complex process in itself. It features a highly regulated lifecycle that transitions from a strategic vision to a fully operational medical facility. Here is its 7-stage structure.

1. Strategic planning & project initiation
2. Conceptual design
3. Detailed design development 
4. Construction documents & regulatory approvals 
5. Procurement 
6. Construction 
7. Commissioning, activation, & closeout.

3. What is the biggest issue in healthcare construction right now?

One of the most highlighted issues in healthcare construction right now is a mix of rising construction costs and labor shortage. Many experts have indicated that this issue has resulted in significant delays for project completion. 

4. Does the infrastructure of a healthcare facility impact the services?

Yes, there is a direct impact of a healthcare facility’s infrastructure on the quality, safety, and efficiency of the healthcare services provided within the vicinity. Whatever measures favor infection control & patient safety are prioritized by experienced contractors. 

5. How does a poorly-designed healthcare construction project go to waste?

It’s a rule of thumb that when a healthcare facility is constructed with a poor design, its functionality is greatly compromised. Here are some of the outcomes you’d want to avoid as an owner. 

1. Wasted staff time (due to poor layouts)
2. Excessive energy use (due to inefficient HVAC & lighting systems)
3. Infection control failures (due to improper ventilation & inadequate isolation rooms)
4. Longer recovery time period (due to poor soundproofing & lack of natural light)
5. Material wastage (due to frequent design changes & improper storage solutions)