Why the Beginning of the Year is the Most Critical Time for Summer Renovations

For school administrators and facility managers, the sound of the New Year’s bell doesn’t just signal the start of a second semester, it starts a high-stakes countdown. While students and faculty are focused on the road to graduation or the end of the school year, the window for successful summer lab renovations is already narrowing.

If you are envisioning a state of the art STEAM wing or just some classroom renovations/upgrades for the 2026 to 2027 school year, Q1 and Q2 2026 will be your most critical time of the year.

Navigating the Summer Bottleneck

Every school district in the country shares the same ten week construction window from June to mid August. Because of this, the nation’s top installers and laboratory specialists see their calendars fill up by early March. By starting the planning process early, you secure your spot in the summer queue. This ensures you aren’t left scrambling for a contractor who has to scramble to confirm details with you during the hottest months of the year.

The Reality of Manufacturing Lead Times

High quality, specialized laboratory furniture is not sitting on a shelf in a warehouse. Items like our advanced STEAM Products or custom wood and metal casework are engineered to your specific floor plan and safety requirements. Precision takes time. From the moment an order is placed, raw materials must be sourced and precision manufactured. While we pride ourselves on efficiency, early ordering cushions your project against any unexpected global shipping or material delays that can crop up without warning.

The Design and Approval Feedback Loop

A lab should not just be functional, it should be aspirational. An early start to the process allows for a collaborative design process where stakeholders can actually weigh in. Teachers are the primary users of these spaces, so starting now gives them time to provide feedback on layout, gas and water outlet placement, and storage needs without the pressure of an imminent deadline. Whether it’s adjusting the arts corner of your new STEAM lab or refining the footprint of your fume hoods, early planning allows for a measured approach that saves thousands in potential change orders.

Budget Certainty in an Evolving Economy

Market prices for steel, wood, and specialized components can fluctuate throughout the year. Finalizing your design and procurement in the first two yearly quarters allows you to lock in pricing and protect your budget from mid year inflation. It also ensures that any remaining fiscal year funds are allocated effectively before the spring spend down begins.

Ready to start your 6-month countdown?

Contact Longo Labs today to schedule your design consultation.