The Gilford School District has extended the bid deadline for the renovation of the former library because of the number of prospective bidders.

The school district has extended its bid deadline until Monday, Feb. 15 after more than 30 contractors expressed interest in bidding on the project.

A prequalified bidder lister initially went out and the bid deadline was set on Jan. 20. Assistant Superintendent of Business Scott Isabelle said the district started getting a tremendous amount of calls from local people and a total of 31 contractors attended the pre-bid meeting.

Isabelle said the overall building is structurally sound, but a few unforeseen expenses have popped up. The district budgeted $93,700 for renovation, rental and utilities expenses of the building, with construction costs taking up the largest portion at $74,000. Originally the district had put away $6,000 for estimated rental costs. If taxpayers vote in favor of the lease agreement between the town and school district — a 25-year lease at $1 per year — there will be $5,988 that might need to be used to cover the additional costs.

"We have three things that we could have seen before preparing the budget," Isabelle said.

Because the building was constructed some time in the 1920s, with an addition made in the 1980s, the school district will need to renovate the building to bring it up to present-day code. The use of the building has changed, which requires the new use to be up to today's standards. Several renovations will need to be made to comply with the current fire code, including adding new doors and an emergency fire escape.

The age of the building and current codes will require the school district to also replace all interior wiring. Since the 1920s, building codes require all Romex wiring (electrical wiring sheathed in plastic coating) needs to be placed behind drywall rather than above suspended ceilings, where the wires are currently.

When pulling up the floors and removing the bookshelves, the district found rotted wood covering the floor. Before completing construction, new plywood will be needed to replace the old floor board. The total cost of the additional work needed was not known as of the meeting on Monday.

Isabelle said the district made a presentation to the Historic District Commission, which said it was pleased to be seeing the school district moving into the building and at the same time keeping the historic aspect of the building.

"I have heard nothing but positive things about us moving in there," Chairwoman Margo Weeks said.

The district anticipates on beginning construction sometime in late February or early March and to occupy the building sometime in late spring or early summer.