How to keep your COLA shelter budget under $500,000?

School infrastructure projects often face additional scrutiny and approval processes once they cross the $500,000 mark. For many schools, staying below this threshold means faster approvals, simpler procurement, and more flexibility in project management.

Keeping your school COLA costs under control also creates opportunities to enhance the overall project outcome. That extra $100,000 or $150,000 in your budget can fund complementary improvements like quality landscaping, new playground equipment, or outdoor furniture that turns your covered outdoor learning area into a genuinely inviting space.

The key lies in understanding where your money actually goes and making informed decisions about what delivers the most value for your specific situation.

Size sets your budget

The dimensions of your COLA shelter determine roughly three-quarters of your total project cost. A 30m x 18m structure covering one basketball court typically costs $120,000 to $160,000. Double that footprint to 30m x 36m for two courts, and you're looking at $250,000 to $350,000.

For many schools, the single court option provides everything they need. You get ample space for sports, assemblies, outdoor classes, and general recreation while leaving $200,000 or more for other improvements.

The smaller 18m x 18m configuration works particularly well for primary schools at $90,000 to $150,000. This size handles playground activities, outdoor learning sessions, and smaller gatherings without overwhelming the available space.

Compare different sizing options in our COLA shelters brochure and see what works best for your site.

Materials that matter

Your structural steel frame isn't negotiable for safety and durability. Hot-dip galvanising offers superior corrosion resistance, particularly valuable in coastal areas.

Colorbond steel roofing delivers solid weather protection and appearance at a reasonable cost. Polycarbonate panels can brighten the space with natural light, but aren't necessary for basic functionality.

Round CHS columns eliminate sharp edges that pose injury risks in high-activity areas. They cost more than rectangular sections, but the safety benefits usually justify the expense for school environments.

Smart flooring decisions

Concrete provides maximum durability for sports activities, but a well-prepared gravel base with proper drainage serves many school COLA purposes effectively while saving thousands upfront. You can always add concrete later when additional funding becomes available.

This staged approach lets you focus the initial budget on getting the shelter built and usable. Many schools find that basic flooring works fine for assemblies, outdoor learning, and general recreation.

Features worth including now

Focus your budget on features that genuinely improve functionality and comfort:

• Insulation makes your covered outdoor area comfortable during extreme weather, extending its usable hours throughout the day and seasons. The modest additional cost pays off in increased usage.
• Bird proofing prevents nesting and the ongoing maintenance headaches that come with it. Covering the trusses during construction costs far less than dealing with birds later.
• Basic acoustic treatment can reduce noise reverberation if your COLA will be used for learning activities near classrooms.

Hold off on elaborate lighting systems, decorative guttering, or fancy finishing touches until your basic structure is complete and you understand how the space gets used.

Installation factors

Site preparation significantly affects your total cost. Level sites with good truck access keep things straightforward and affordable. If major earthworks are needed, get multiple quotes and consider staging this work separately.

School holiday periods often offer better contractor pricing while avoiding disruption to classes. Planning your timeline around these windows can yield meaningful savings.

Unlike many other companies, we can also offer a roof lift installation method, which consists of constructing the structure alongside the courts and then lifting it into place. This approach minimises disruption to both students and staff, ensuring the space remains accessible and safe throughout most of the build.

Making every dollar count

Schools that stay well under $500,000 for their school COLA often achieve better overall results than those that spend the full amount on just the shelter. The extra budget allows for improvements that actually enhance daily use.

Quality landscaping around your new structure creates an integrated outdoor environment rather than just a roof over existing surfaces. Native plantings, defined pathways, and strategic seating areas cost relatively little but dramatically improve the space's appeal.

Storage solutions and outdoor furniture multiply your COLA shelter's versatility. Weather-resistant equipment storage, mobile seating, and display boards extend the educational potential of the space.

Better pedestrian connections to existing buildings help integrate your covered outdoor area into the school's daily flow rather than leaving it feeling isolated.

Working with the right builder

Choose a builder who's completed school COLA projects within similar budgets and understands the unique requirements of educational environments. They'll know which features provide genuine value and which ones are nice-to-have extras that can be deferred.

An experienced team can suggest practical alternatives when your initial specifications push beyond available funds. They might recommend staging certain elements, using different materials, or adjusting dimensions to keep the project on track.

Design for future expansion if your site layout permits. Adding extra bays or extending the structure's length becomes significantly easier and more cost-effective when the original build anticipates these possibilities. This approach lets you start with what you can afford while keeping options open for later growth.

Use our shed builder tool to explore different configurations and see how various options affect your total project cost.