Save costs in laboratory construction and laboratory planning

Our industry is under massive pressure when it comes to costs. Regardless of whether the client is public or private, price is the most important factor when awarding contracts. For us as a laboratory furniture manufacturer, this means that we must calculate with very low costs and ensure the greatest possible efficiency in production and execution.

Tenders in laboratory projects

In almost all larger projects, a neutral laboratory planner is brought in for planning and tendering. Following user workshops, considerable time is invested in preparing the tender documents. Suppliers are often then left with no choice but to include a price in the specifications. While the evaluation examines technical and qualitative suitability, the contract is almost always awarded to the supplier with the lowest price.

Why is that?

Cost pressure and the low value of a new laboratory are significant contributors to this. People would rather invest more money in an attractive reception area or modern offices than in the company's "workshop." But is the real cost savings in comparing providers' prices? For us as the contracting company, it's always astonishing how often laboratories are built that were never "ordered" by the users—their needs weren't even included in the tender. Time and again, we see laboratories that are still aging after two years of unused use. This is precisely where we see great potential for savings: not with the cheapest provider, but with proper needs assessment and planning.

How do you save money when building a laboratory?

Two key words: user workshops and change management. These concepts have long been established in office construction – why not in laboratory construction as well? Those who invest time and money in discussions with stakeholders early on can plan more effectively. It's not about fulfilling every special request. Many requirements can be met with standard market solutions. Discussions with manufacturers can be held even before a tender is issued – entirely without risk of bias. We offer neutral workshops and inspirational seminars for this purpose. Only then can users or building owners gain a clear understanding of the best solution for their future laboratory. These insights can then be passed on to the laboratory planner – thus turning the tender process into a real opportunity to implement the best possible solution.

Cost reduction begins before the tender

For you as a building owner, the key to sustainable cost reduction lies not in renegotiating individual items or issuing tenders at the lowest possible price – but much earlier: in the precise definition of needs and functions. Many laboratory projects exceed the budget not because individual providers are charging too much, but because too much – or the wrong – is built. We often observe that laboratories are planned with oversized technical installations or unnecessary specialized requirements that are not needed in everyday life. At the same time, flexible elements that would make long-term operation efficient and cost-effective are missing elsewhere. An early needs assessment – ideally together with the future user groups – prevents such misinvestments. Modular, retrofittable laboratory furniture and technical connections also offer potential savings. Instead of building everything out 100% from the outset, you can start with a basic design and expand it as needed. Such solutions not only reduce initial costs but also increase operational adaptability – an advantage that pays off for years to come.

Use the planning phase to prioritize investments: What is necessary today – and what can be added tomorrow? Where can standard solutions be used – and where is a custom solution really needed?

We support you during this phase with neutral workshops and analyses. This creates a laboratory that will function and operate economically over the long term. Existing laboratories should also be analyzed. Capacity measurements at workbenches and fume hoods provide valuable information about what a new laboratory really needs – and in what quantities. Flexible solutions that start small but can grow with the company save a lot of money. Particular attention should be paid to ensuring sufficient supply and exhaust air capacity to future-proof the building.

Anyone who engages in in-depth discussions with laboratory planners and manufacturers before issuing a tender can create a laboratory that is sustainable – and is actually used by users.

our range

We regularly hold roundtable discussions with planners, manufacturers, developers, and architects on these and other topics. Contact us to get a grip on the costs and benefits of your laboratory project.

About the author:

Raphael Lanz is Managing Director of Köttermann AG Switzerland. He has been working in interior design and change management for over ten years, with a focus on laboratory construction for the past five years. He supports clients, architects, and planners in the development of user-centered and future-proof laboratories and is committed to efficient, flexible, and cost-effective solutions in the planning and construction process.