Lexington Middle School renovation faces half-million-dollar cost overruns due to missed HVAC units

Davidson County officials are grappling with significant budget overruns in the ongoing renovation of Lexington Middle School, with costs now exceeding half a million dollars due to unforeseen issues. During the Davidson County Commissioners meeting on May 27, 2025, project manager Danny Norman detailed a series of unexpected expenses, primarily related to asbestos abatement and additional HVAC unit replacements.

The renovation project, originally scheduled for completion by August 12, has encountered multiple challenges, including the discovery of previously unidentified asbestos in the library and administrative areas. This oversight has resulted in a change order request totaling approximately $78,180 for the necessary abatement work. Additionally, costs have risen due to the need for temporary HVAC units, which were required during a recent heat wave while major air conditioning units were being replaced. The total for these temporary units has reached $66,905.

Most notably, four HVAC units were found to be non-functional and were not included in the original project scope. The estimated cost to replace these units is $339,279, bringing the total projected budget overage to around $500,000. This has raised concerns among commissioners about the management of the project and the adequacy of the initial contingency budget, which was only $100,000.

Commissioners expressed frustration over the lack of foresight in identifying these issues earlier in the project. They emphasized the importance of thorough inspections and accurate assessments to prevent such financial burdens on taxpayers. The discussion highlighted the need for improved project management practices to ensure that all necessary repairs and replacements are accounted for in future renovations.

As the project moves forward, officials are tasked with addressing these financial challenges while ensuring that the school renovation is completed on time and meets the needs of students and staff. The county is now looking to implement stricter oversight and planning measures to avoid similar situations in future projects.