Across the Twin Cities, schools, municipalities, and agencies are feeling the squeeze. Rising construction costs, higher interest rates, and delayed bond sales are forcing important projects—like ADA upgrades, roof replacements, and concrete repairs—onto the back burner.
But here’s the reality: waiting often makes things worse. Costs keep rising, safety issues escalate, and emergency fixes end up costing far more than planned improvements. The longer upgrades are postponed, the harder it becomes to catch up.
Why Projects Get Stuck
- Budgets are tighter than ever – Material prices, labor shortages, and higher borrowing costs eat away at capital funds.
- Funding decisions are delayed – Bond sales and levy approvals leave projects in limbo.
- Small issues become big problems – A leaky roof or broken sidewalk quickly grows into costly collateral damage and liability concerns.
This “wait and see” cycle can be tempting, but it often leads to higher price tags and more disruption later.
5 Ways to Keep Moving Forward (Even on a Tight Budget)
1. Lock in fixed pricing
Construction costs rarely drop. Partnering with experienced contractors who offer fixed-cost pricing eliminates surprises and protects against sudden spikes.
2. Take a phased approach
Large projects can be broken into manageable steps, spread across multiple years or funding cycles. For example, start with roofing or concrete flatwork this year, then tackle accessible entries and restrooms later.
3. Prioritize safety and compliance
ADA upgrades, roofing integrity, and structural repairs should always rise to the top of the list. These improvements protect staff and students while ensuring state and federal compliance.
4. Plan smarter schedules
Coordinate work around school calendars, summer breaks, or reduced-use periods to minimize disruption and maximize contractor efficiency.
5. Work with experienced local contractors
Public projects come with unique requirements—prevailing wage, subcontractor diversity goals, and detailed reporting. Choosing a contractor fluent in these requirements saves time and avoids costly compliance issues.
The Stonewing Difference
At Stonewing Builders, we understand the pressure public clients face. For more than 20 years, we’ve helped Minnesota schools, cities, and agencies keep projects moving—even in tight funding climates. We specialize in small-to-midsized improvements that deliver lasting value:
- ADA accessibility upgrades
- Roofing repairs and replacements
- Concrete and masonry restoration
- Targeted engineered improvements
Our promise: dependable craftsmanship, clear communication, and project management that doesn’t leave room for surprises. We commit to fixed-cost pricing where possible, minimize change orders, and keep compliance at the forefront of every job.
Why Acting Now Matters
Putting projects off almost always costs more in the long run. Small cracks, leaks, or accessibility gaps don’t stay small—they grow into bigger, more expensive problems. By acting now—whether through phased construction, smart scheduling, or locking in pricing—schools and agencies can protect facilities, stretch limited dollars, and avoid emergency headaches later.
At Stonewing Builders, we help public clients move forward with confidence. Because at the end of the day, safe, accessible, and reliable facilities aren’t optional—they’re essential.
