As global demand for high-performance computing continues to grow, data center construction has quickly become one of the most critical sectors in industrial construction and infrastructure development. Whether supporting artificial intelligence, cloud platforms, or enterprise networks, today’s data centers require a strategic approach to design, mechanical systems, and build execution.
But what exactly goes into constructing a modern data center and how is it different from traditional facility construction?
Data center construction refers to the planning, design, and building of facilities that house computing infrastructure such as servers, storage systems, networking equipment, and environmental controls. These buildings are designed to operate with maximum uptime and redundancy, often classified by “tiers” to represent the level of reliability and fault tolerance.
In recent years, the construction of AI data centers has introduced even more complexity, as they must accommodate significantly higher power and cooling loads.
What Is an AI Data Center? You can read more about how these facilities differ in our blog below.
Site selection, utility availability, and permitting all play a major role in pre-construction. This phase also includes feasibility studies, risk assessments, and high-level budgeting—especially important when considering data center construction costs in different regions.
A successful build starts with efficient architectural design and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineering. From modular layouts to airflow strategies, design must prioritize scalability, cooling, and uptime. This is where mechanical contractors like Sprint Mechanical provide critical expertise.
Before construction can begin, advanced design and drafting processes, including 3D CAD modeling, 3D design, and structural engineering, are critical to ensure seamless project execution and system integration.
Once the groundwork is laid, crews pour the foundation, frame the structure, and begin to install core systems. Sprint Mechanical’s teams are often brought in early to coordinate large-scale mechanical equipment placement and layout.
This is where the core functionality takes shape. High-capacity power systems, backup generators, air handlers, and advanced cooling solutions are installed. Liquid cooling, chilled water systems, and hot aisle containment are often used in AI-ready facilities.
In addition to cooling technologies, fluid handling systems play a vital role in managing liquid-based cooling solutions and wastewater processing. Proper pump and equipment selection ensures reliable circulation of chilled water and other critical fluids throughout the facility. In some specialized installations, such as sites requiring heavy slurry or sediment management during foundation work, mud pumps may also be utilized for efficient material removal.
Commissioning ensures every component operates as intended, from temperature regulation to emergency response. Testing includes both mechanical systems and server load simulations.
For more information, see our blog: How to Build an AI Data Center!
Costs can vary significantly depending on location, power/cooling capacity, and design specifications. On average, hyperscale data centers can cost $7 million–$12 million per megawatt (MW) of capacity. For AI-specific builds, that cost can rise due to denser power requirements and advanced cooling systems.
Factors that influence cost include:
Need a partner who can help you plan your project budget? Sprint Mechanical offers end-to-end planning and execution for new build capital projects. Contact us here.
With data centers expanding across North America, demand for experienced tradespeople, project managers, and mechanical professionals is growing fast.
Data center construction jobs are available in areas such as:
Interested in joining a team that’s helping build the backbone of AI and cloud infrastructure? Explore careers at Sprint Mechanical.
Sprint Mechanical supports mission-critical construction with:
Ready to get started?
Whether you’re breaking ground on your first facility, wondering how to build an AI data center, or expanding an existing site, our team is equipped to meet the evolving needs of high-density data center construction. Contact us today!
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