Designed around the vehicles
Buses, trucks and service vehicles are large, and the building has to fit them. Door heights, bay lengths, turning room, hoists and pits, overhead cranes and floor loading all follow from the fleet. When a fleet changes, the facility often has to as well. Electric vehicles bring new needs for charging, battery handling and high-voltage safety.
We start by listing the vehicles, the work done on them and how bays are scheduled, then design around actual workflow.
Services and systems
Ventilation is critical. Exhaust capture, makeup air, heating and air quality control protect technicians and keep heat in during cold weather. Our mechanical crew handles these systems, as well as compressed air, plumbing, oil and sand interceptors and floor drains. Our electrical crew, led by a Master Electrician, installs power for tools, lifts, chargers, lighting and controls.
Interior crews build parts rooms, offices, lunchrooms, washrooms and training space. Low voltage includes access control, cameras, fleet networks and fire alarm.
- Heavy-duty overhead doors
- Exhaust capture and makeup air
- Chargers and high-capacity power
- Parts storage and technician areas
What to plan for
Upgrades usually must keep the fleet in service. We phase work by bay and plan temporary arrangements for repairs. Safety is critical around vehicles and equipment, and our Director of Health & Safety, Ghilda Gaber, leads our planning.
Floors are central. A durable, sealed, well-drained floor makes cleaning easier and resists oil and chemicals. Fire protection requirements for fuel, batteries and storage should be reviewed early. Permits include building and Safety Codes permits, and we manage them throughout.
Planning for fleet change
Fleets change, and buildings last decades. When we upgrade a facility, we look ahead: larger vehicles, electric drivetrains, new diagnostic equipment and different shift patterns. Spare capacity in power, ventilation and floor space is a modest cost now and a major saving later.
Ask us for a list of provisions that keep future options open.