School
Incorrect cost estimate, unexpected construction problems: Why the renovation of the old Hörli school building in Teufen is causing high additional costs
The complete renovation of the former Hörli secondary school building is costing around 1.5 million francs more than planned. On Thursday, the municipality explained how it could have come to this.
The old Hörli school building in Teufen dates back to 1906 and will be extensively renovated by next year.
Image: zvg
The old Hörli school building in Teufen has been under renovation since autumn 2023. The local council has approved a loan of CHF 4.15 million for this purpose. It has now become clear that the project will be significantly more expensive than planned. At a press conference on Thursday, Martin Zoller, head of building construction, estimated the additional costs at CHF 1.5 million. That corresponds to an increase of around 36 percent. According to Zoller, it should stay that way. However, there is no guarantee of this.
Zoller cited difficulties with the company that was originally responsible for construction management and cost management of the overall renovation as the reason for the additional costs. The company’s boss disappeared. It also later emerged that the cost estimate had been too optimistic. The municipality pulled the plug, terminated the contract and looked for another company. This led to additional financial expenditure.
Primary school to move to Hörli
Further problems arose during the construction phase. For example, much more complex measures were required than planned, particularly for fire protection and structural engineering, said Zoller. Added to this was the shortage of skilled workers, rising material costs and delivery bottlenecks. Today, even for a municipality that always pays its bills on time, it is difficult to find tradesmen, said Zoller.
They informed about the additional costs for the school building renovation (from left): Mayor Reto Altherr, municipal councillor Peter Renn, Martin Zoller, head of building construction, municipal clerk Marcel Aeple, Urs Kellenberger, head of construction and planning, and school president Bea Weiler.
Image: Jesko Calderara
The old Hörli dates back to 1906 and is a listed building. The secondary school was housed there until the new Landhaus school building was moved into in autumn 2023. In the future, the historic property will be used for the primary school. This will replace the Dorf primary school building on the main road.
Renovation will run until summer 2025
The municipality of Teufen had a house analysis carried out for the old Hörli. In 2022, the external experts assessed the structural integrity of the more than 100-year-old property as “good”. In retrospect, that was probably a bit too optimistic, said Urs Kellenberger, head of construction and planning for the municipality of Teufen. “However, the costs are generally more difficult to calculate for a renovation than for a new build.” For example, hidden defects and damage or other imponderables could arise.
As part of the ongoing renovation project, access to the building will be made accessible for disabled people, a lift will be installed and the sanitary facilities will be replaced. In addition, the room layout will be adapted to the school’s current needs and the building’s earthquake safety will be improved. This work is scheduled to be completed by summer 2025, with slight delays.
Due to the looming additional costs, the local council has made a plan to cut costs. The idea was to use simpler and cheaper materials. In addition, certain requests were dropped. “We saved wherever we could,” said Kellenberger. Nevertheless, the renovation is sustainable and of high quality.
New location with benefits for students
This pleases Teufen councillor and school president Bea Weiler. She still believes that the continued use of the old Hörli is the right thing to do, especially since it is a cultural object. In her opinion, this is a worthwhile investment for the community and the children. “But I very much regret the increase in costs.”
Weiler emphasized the advantages of the planned move of the primary school. The learning environment away from the main road is better for the students than at the current location next to the community center. Apart from that, there are two kindergartens next door, said Weiler.
In the case of the Dorf school building, however, it is not just the location that is a disadvantage. Weiler pointed out that there is a backlog of investments. For example, the property is not up to date in terms of energy. There is also no protected schoolyard where the children can spend their breaks.
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