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We hear it all the time: “But that other city built their station for less.”
Be careful with that comparison. No two projects are ever truly alike.
Costs vary widely based on site conditions - grading, utilities, drainage, floodplain issues, easements, and soil quality can chew up a budget before concrete is even poured. A flat, master-planned site isn’t remotely comparable to a tight corner lot or a flood-prone area.
Then there’s scope. One city’s 2-bay station might be another’s 4-bay facility with a training tower, storm shelter, and backup generator. Even “identical” buildings can differ by materials, MEP systems, alerting tech, finishes, or security levels.
Add timing to the mix - a project bid in 2020 isn’t in the same universe as one bid today. Inflation, supply-chain swings, and labor shortages hit costs hard.
And finally, delivery method matters. CMAR, design-build, and hard bid each offer different levels of cost certainty, schedule control, and risk.
So, before you compare, make sure you match scope, site, specs, systems, and schedule.
Otherwise, you’re not comparing projects - you’re comparing price tags on entirely different buildings.
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