Yes, schools have a different occupancy rating than other structures. Schools must be constructed to meet much higher seismic, fire and life safety standards to protect children in the event of fire, earthquake or other emergencies. This construction is more expensive than for commercial buildings. Materials used in school construction must be of higher durability and quality than standard buildings in order to withstand the heavy use and potential abuse. These materials typically have higher initial costs but lower long term costs when considering reduced maintenance and repair over time. |
