items required by regulated building
codes. The actual building
materials such as steel structural
beams, doors, stairs, interior walls,
ceilings and flooring, glazing, exterior
cladding, and other building
supplies are determined by
the project planning teams under
the direction of the architect
and contractor. Different building
materials, specific design features,
and the total projected gross
square footage directly affect the
building cost. Other items included
in the building cost include fire
alarm and management systems
and other items normally found
in public and/or healthcare buildings
such as drinking fountains
and public telephones.
The cost per square foot
varies significantly in different
geographical regions and is estimated
based on the history of
other similar completed projects
in the region. The cost per square
footage for an inpatient facility
(type I) can vary from $250 to
$600 in most other regions of
the United States. This cost is affected
by labor availability and