October 15, 2020

How Value Engineering Can Save Money in 3 Ways

Hiring a general contractor with expertise in value engineering can save your company money while still achieving your desired end goal. Experienced general contractors or design and construction consultants can offer creative, out-of-the-box solutions to maximize your budget while addressing your specific needs.

You can maximize the impact of value engineering efforts on your next commercial project by following these helpful tips.

Consult and Value-Engineering Expert Early in the Project

Value engineering Workers reviewing plans and new structural foundation of building with a building contractor

While it’s never too late to have a value engineer assess your design and construction plans, you will get the most value by consulting a value-engineering expert early in your design process. An experienced value engineer will create a game plan on the front side to identify and conquer obstacles, saving you time. As we all know, time is money, especially in commercial construction.

By considering value engineering opportunities before any designs have been finalized and materials have been purchased, you will ultimately save time, money, and maximize the overall impact of your efforts. You will also have the added benefit of getting into your new facility sooner, allowing you to spend more time utilizing your new space for the intended purpose—including more time earning any revenue generated from the use of your facility.

Assess Your Space's Daily Use and Function

You can achieve a luxury, first-class look that also maximizes the functionality of your space through value engineering. Work closely with your designers and engineers to take a holistic approach by considering your company’s values, business goals, and day-to-day operations in order to assess alternative ways to utilize your space in order to maximize the value and benefit of all available space. An experienced team can find creative ways to gain usable space by adjusting your design and floor plans, assessing your needs to build in flex spaces that serve multiple purposes, and ensuring your new facility reflects and builds upon your company’s culture.

Consider Alternative Materials

A value engineering expert is experienced in recommending cost-effective construction materials that will achieve your ideal aesthetic. Alternative materials are not only more affordable but are also often more durable, resulting in maximized durability and longevity of your facility. For example, in lieu of walls of glass, a skilled value engineer might recommend plexiglass for its visual and functional similarity as well as its reduced cost and increased durability. Considering building materials like stone veneer or engineered marble has the additional benefit of freeing money up in your budget to add other features or options that may have been cost-prohibitive otherwise.

If you are interested in learning more about how Rubicon’s value engineering experts can help you stay within budget without sacrificing beauty or functionality on your commercial construction project, contact us today.

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