Safety Takes Center Stage in School Construction Projects Across Colorado
For builders in Denver and across the state, school construction projects come with responsibilities that extend far beyond a typical commercial job. Unlike many standard developments, school construction and renovations often take place in active environments where students, teachers, and staff are nearby. For Maxwell Builders, a 40-year old commercial contractor in Colorado, safety is not just a box to check, it is a shared moral and professional obligation.
Successful school projects depend on careful planning and coordination. Commercial builders in Denver must work hand in hand with school districts to plan construction around class schedules, holidays, and after-school programs. Many projects are completed in phases so that parts of the campus can remain operational while other sections are under renovation. This approach minimizes disruption and keeps students learning in a safe and organized environment.
Safety Planning Beyond the Construction Fence
According to Travis Bollhoefner, Director of Operations here at Maxwell Builders, planning for safety goes well beyond the construction zone itself. “With new distracted teen drivers or tired parents trying to pick up kids in the kiss-and-go line, we need to make sure that all paths of travel are clear of obstructions”, he explained. “The work within the limits of construction might be the safest place you can make it, but you still need to plan for how you’re going to accept deliveries, where and how materials will be handled or staged, and how they’ll move from the staging area to the actual work zone.”
Bollhoefner emphasized that building and remodeling schools pose unique safety challenges, especially when the campus remains occupied. “The last thing we want to do is hurt someone else’s children,” he said. “K–5 projects require additional planning and safety programs compared to a high school project, mainly because younger children tend to have more curiosity.”
Input from school administrators, teachers, school resource officers, and even parents plays a vital role in identifying potential risks. Each group views the campus from a different perspective, helping us anticipate scenarios that might otherwise be overlooked. Continuous evaluation, testing, and adaptability are essential, as conditions, seasons, and behaviors change throughout the year. “Seasons change, behavior changes, and people’s patience changes. Being able to continually adjust is required”, explained Bollhoefner.
A Real-World Example: School Renovation in Englewood, Colorado
A recent example of thoughtful school construction is a renovation project at Brave Academy in Englewood. The project includes the addition of four new classrooms with acoustic insulation, while the school leadership explores cost-saving strategies, such as preserving existing flooring.
Maintaining safety during construction throughout the school year requires close coordination. Superintendent Sam Randel emphasized the importance of clear separation between students and construction activities. “Barricades and communication with the school are critical,” he said.
For builders in Denver and commercial contractors across Colorado, such as Maxwell Builders, school construction is about more than meeting regulations. It’s about protecting children, supporting educators, and building trust with the community. Successful projects rely on foresight, collaboration, and a commitment to doing the job right, even when the environment is complex.
As communities continue to invest in modern learning spaces, commercial builders in Denver, educators, and administrators share the same goal: to create spaces where education can continue safely, even as the walls around it transform.
This article was originally written for the Colorado Real Estate Journal and has been adapted for Maxwell Builders’ blog.