Minor projects

What is a minor project?

Minor projects include departmental requests for changes to buildings, space or the campus grounds. Examples include adding or modifying electrical outlets, plumbing, built-in cabinetry, lighting changes, remodelling classrooms, offices or labs, removing or adding walls, installing specialized equipment, or landscaping improvements such as benches/gardens. It is the responsibility of the requesting department to secure funding for their project prior to implementation.

How do I get a minor project initiated?

To initiate a minor project, please call or e-mail the Facilities Management Customer Service Co-Ordinator (x3717 or facilities.management@brocku.ca). Your request will be forwarded to the Director of Campus Planning Design and Construction who will assign your project to a project manager. The project manager will meet you to assess the work required and prepare an estimate for your approval. Upon your approval, the project manager will obtain contractor quotations in accordance with the university’s purchasing policy, ensuring the best value for your money.

How long does it take to get a minor project completed?

All projects have widely varying requirements. Your project manager will review your needs and provide you with a schedule for your work. Depending on the complexity and scope of the work required, a minor project can take as little as two weeks, or six months and longer to complete. CPDC manages well over 100 projects per year and works very hard to ensure that all projects are completed promptly and satisfactorily. If you have a minor project request, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can schedule our workload in order to meet your needs and the needs of our other customers. If your project involves renovation work, you should give us a minimum of four months lead time.

Why can’t I hire a contractor directly?

Your project manager is trained and experienced in managing complex construction projects and will ensure that you, the University, and the wider community are protected from liability. It is the policy of the University that all construction related work be managed by staff of Facilities Management.

Your project manager will ensure the following:

  • all codes and regulations are met
  • Brock University policies are followed
  • a safe environment for workers, faculty, staff, students and the community is maintained
  • campus standards of quality and maintainability are met
  • potential environmental issues are understood and addressed in accordance with provincial regulations
  • only qualified contractors are used
  • contractor holdbacks, when required, are kept and released in accordance with provincial legislation
  • warranties are obtained

Do trades employed by the University do the actual work?

In most cases minor project work is completed by private contractors. This allows University maintenance staff to direct the maximum amount of resources to maintaining the University.