Choose a Trusted Partner for your Community Construction Projects

The number of construction projects has continued to rise over the years. According to Statista, spending in construction makes up a significant portion of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). According to Statista insights, private sector construction spending is around 1.429 billion whereas public sector construction spending in the U.S. registers at roughly 364 billion. With the number of construction projects increasing, it’s vital to choose the right contractor for the job. Whether it’s a government office or a retail shopping center, it’s important to partner with a trusted community commercial construction company for your project needs.

Understanding the Community

Construction agencies that are located in your community understand the importance of performing quality work on a project. That office building will be seen by any individual driving through your community. If the work is below par, it could reflect negatively on the community. If their a retail shopping center being constructed, one that is done correctly and with superior quality could encourage people to come and visit your community just to shop at the facility. Outside construction agencies may skip out on the minor details to get the job finished. That is less likely to happen if you hire a trusted construction agency from your community.

Working Together as a Team

When your construction partner is from your community, they can be easily accessible. This makes communication easier. If you have a concern, you can quickly identify who you need to speak with about the problem. In addition, these are individuals who likely live in your community, thus helping improve their understanding of your goals. Whether they go to the same church as you or have kids in the same class as yours, there is a built-in relationship, which can also help with communication.

When it comes to projects in Blount County, Knoxville or East Tennessee, the Maryville commercial construction partners at Leon Williams Contractors are who you should turn to. Our experts have over two decades worth of experience working with community partners on construction projects. Using the design-build method to ensure your project stays on budget and on schedule, we have provided excellent results for our community.

If you are ready to partner with a trusted community construction agency, give us a call at (865) 982-1734 or contact us online.

Bon Appetit: How the design-build method creates teamwork during your restaurant project

The restaurant industry provides the perfect example of the importance of teamwork when delivering a product. From the cashier to the individuals cooking the food, each is working toward a common goal. That goal, of course, is creating a great customer experience by delivering them a meal that meets their expectations. If one member of the team fails at their job, it’s the entire restaurant that receives the blame.

When it comes to providing excellent results for a restaurant project, the same concepts apply to construction companies using the design-build delivery method. The design-build method places the designer and builder under a single contract from the beginning of the project. This method has become popular over the past decade because it provides several benefits including reduced project delivery time and fewer changes.

The biggest reason these benefits exist is because the design-build method creates real teamwork as the experts work toward the common goal of providing you with an excellent experience during your restaurant project.

Single Point of Responsibility

One of the reasons the design-build method creates unity within the team is because there is a single point of responsibility. With both the designer and builder working under the same contract, the project owner knows who to go to when an issue arises. Everyone is responsible for an error, and everyone is responsible for a job well done. There is no room for miscommunication or no communication within the team. This will naturally create an atmosphere of collaboration.

A Common End Goal

Similar to our restaurant analogy earlier, the design-build team is working toward a common goal because each team falls under the same contract. That goal is to deliver a final structure that meets or exceeds the owner’s expectations. In addition, each team is involved in the project from the beginning, which will create teamwork from the onset of the project. This teamwork will be carried on throughout the project, which will help eliminate multiple changes that could cause the project to get off schedule.

The Maryville commercial construction experts at Leon Williams Contractors specialize in the design-build method and have been using it for over two decades. If you want real teamwork to help your restaurant project stay on track and within budget, give our team a call at (865) 982-1734 or contact us online.

What is Value Engineering and How Can It Benefit Your Project

If you have been around commercial construction for an extended period, you may come across the term “value engineering.” If you are an entrepreneur looking to have your office, restaurant or other commercial facility built, you may have even seen it in your contractor research. But what does that term mean?

The textbook definition provided by Investopedia states, “Value engineering is a systematic, organized approach to providing necessary functions in a project at the lowest cost. Value engineering promotes the substitution of materials and methods with less expensive alternatives, without sacrificing functionality.” While all of this is true, value engineering is much more.

As the Maryville commercial construction expert, our experts at Leon Williams Contractors specialize in value engineering to ensure our customers get the most bang for their buck. Our value engineering process emphasizes providing the client with advice and information so they can make informed construction and budgetary decisions. We want our clients to make decisions that align directly with their project and budget goals.

When clients approach us, our experts provide an honest evaluation of the value, quality and life expectancy of every building alternative or solution we recommend. As Investopedia’s definition states, we focus on providing alternatives that don’t sacrifice functionality. But with that said, we will also focus on providing alternatives that may improve the look and functionality but are cheaper for the project owner.

Here are a few ways we utilize value engineering to better serve our clients’ needs:

  • Provide economical quality by altering the project finishes and fixtures based on client requirements.
  • Add features that can eliminate pain points within the project.
  • Compare a diverse set of affordable structure types and materials to assist with the construction of the project.
  • Remove unnecessary features that could be detrimental to the usability or functionality of the project or that add unneeded costs with little to no benefit.

If you are ready to partner with a value engineering contractor for your 2024 projects, give our experts a call at (865) 982-1734 or contact us online.

Maryville Commercial Construction

Jimmy Hawkins Takes the Reins at Leon Williams Contractors, LLC

After 20 years, Leon Williams Contractors, LLC has a new leader taking the reins. Jimmy Hawkins, who began serving as president of the design-build contractor in 2016, has been officially announced as the owner of Leon Williams Contractors, LLC.

“It’s an honor to follow in the footsteps of such a great and respected leader,” said Hawkins. “Everyone loves Leon, and he is a staple in this community. My goal is to continue building on the success that we have achieved over the years and be a construction partner that the community turns to when they need a high-quality project completed.”

After a 55-year career in construction, including 20 years at Leon Williams Contractors, Leon Williams retired at the end of 2022. Over the past 10 years, leadership has gradually transitioned over to Hawkins.

“Leon and his late wife, Margaret, selected me in 2005 and spent years instilling in me the culture and values that have brought Leon Williams Contractors success over the past 21 years,” Hawkins said. “While Leon may not be present in the business, his tradition of building high-quality projects will continue. The next generation of Leon Williams Contractors is poised for success.”

Hawkins’s experience with Leon Williams Contractors began while he was still attending the University of Tennessee, where he graduated magna cum laude with a BS in civil engineering. During his junior year, he began working part-time at the company. His hard work and dedication led him to the path of leadership in the company as he was promoted to partner in 2011.

In 2014, Hawkins was promoted to senior partner before being named president of Leon Williams Contractors in 2016.

Leon Williams Contractors, LLC helps clients get more done in less time while receiving more value for less cost. As the Maryville commercial construction leader, the team uses a combination of value engineering and the design-build delivery method to ensure projects stay on time and on budget.

If you are ready to partner with a trusted contractor, give Hawkins and our team of experts a call at (865) 982-1734 or contact us online.

How material alternatives can save money on local government projects

When it comes to government projects, there is a strict process that has to be followed on both sides. From the construction of a new government building to a road project, the agency typically solicits bids for the completion of the project. In many cases, the agency chooses the lowest “responsible” bidder, so it does help when a contractor can deliver excellent value and results without blowing the price tag out of the water.

One technique that is often used to accomplish this goal is value engineering. As defined by Investopedia, value engineering is “the review of new or existing products during the design phase to reduce costs and increase functionality to increase the value of the product. The value of an item is defined as the most cost-effective way of producing an item without taking away from its purpose.”

As your Maryville commercial construction, we have dedicated ourselves to utilizing value engineering to provide our clients with great value and excellent results with the potential for a lower price tag. As previously mentioned, one of the ways we provide better value is by exploring material alternatives for all our projects, including government ventures.

In many cases, project owners or designers specify products or systems that have been marketed to them. Ultimately, there may be other similar products that they are not aware of, and our experts will be sure to identify those when bidding on projects. Our specialists provide an honest evaluation of the value, quality and life expectancy of every building alternative or solution we recommend. Normally, these building alternatives are cheaper than the premium products requested while still providing the look project owners are looking for.

Our experts at Leon Williams Contractors are ready to partner with government entities on their projects. Give us a call at (865) 982-1734 or contact us online.

Choose a trusted contractor for your restaurant project

When you decide to open your own restaurant, it’s important to have a plan in place that allows you to maximize your budget. One of the biggest expenditures is the building that will house your business of operations. Whether you are an independent business owner looking to start from scratch or have joined a popular franchise, you will still need a building to operate out of.

There are several costs that are incurred when opening a restaurant. In addition to business licenses, permits and a down payment, you are also looking at construction costs, kitchen and cooking equipment, and a series of other expenses. That’s why it’s important to partner with a contractor who is trusted in the community and has the experience to back it up.

There are several qualities you should consider when choosing a contractor to partner with on your project. Communication is a necessity. With so many moving parts within a project, it’s important for members of the team to stay on the same page. From quality details to updates on the day-to-day activities, it’s paramount to select a partner who is open and direct with their communication.

As previously mentioned, experience is also important when choosing a trusted contractor. A contractor that has a history of delivering quality results as well as excellent service should be considered a top option for your project. Given the expensive nature of your project, it’s vital to find a partner that can provide valuable results.

At Leon Williams Contractors, our experts exemplify these characteristics daily for our clients. Using our design-build method, our experts exhibit true teamwork because everyone is working toward a common goal. In addition, the entire team is accountable for any issues that may arise, so communication is clear and concise because there is a single point of responsibility.

Our team also has years of experience delivering food service projects to the communities we serve. We’ve partnered with local colleges to provide restaurants such as Starbucks, Which Wich, Benito Sushi and more. We were also selected to complete the Maples Café project at Carson-Newman University.

As your Maryville commercial construction leaders, our experts are ready to partner with you on your restaurant project. Give them a call at (865) 982-1734 or contact us online.

Choose a Value Engineering Firm for your Next Project

Construction projects aren’t cheap. There are many things that must be considered before the first blueprint is drawn up, none likely more important than your overall budget for the project. Even when considering renovations, though a cheaper alternative, they can be costly depending on a variety of factors.

For example, ProEst® estimates the average commercial construction cost of mid-rise office space is between $330 – $870 per square foot. When looking at a performing arts center or a medical office, those rates increase to between $451 and $1,272 per square foot. Local pricing tends to be more competitive than this depending on the construction type and site requirements. 

While not as costly as a new build, it’s still important to take the budget into consideration when deciding to start a new project. For example, when we look at renovations, a project owner should consider budgeting roughly $36,000 for a 180-square-foot office, according to Chron.  Every project is different, though, and will require pricing tailored to its specific needs. Per square-foot pricing may be a good benchmark but is not something our experts use for establishing our final project budget. 

The budget is also vital to consider when selecting your construction partner. You don’t want to select a contractor who can’t deliver more bang for your buck. Money remains limited, so partnering with a firm that can deliver on your vision while sticking to your budget is important. That’s why you should consider partnering with a value engineering firm, like Leon Williams Contractors.

The Maryville commercial construction experts at Leon Williams believe in protecting your investment while also maximizing its value. As your construction partner, our experts will provide consultations that help you make informed construction decisions that align with your project goals and budget.

Providing honest evaluations of the value, quality and life expectancy of recommended building alternatives and solutions is our specialty. For example, we may recommend alternative finishing products for your new office space that provide the same quality and ambiance at a fraction of the cost. As value engineering experts, we focus on eliminating unnecessary or redundant functions and costs by exploring different solutions that provide the same or better function while meeting your expectations and budgeting goals.

If you are ready to maximize your budget, reach our experts at (865) 982-1734 or contact us online.

Looking to open a new restaurant? Choose a value engineering firm

The restaurant business is booming and has been for some years now. According to the National Restaurant Association, the industry is projected to garner $997 billion this year. It is also projected that 500,000 new jobs will become available within the industry.

Because the restaurant industry provides a livelihood for both the owner and its employees, many entrepreneurs opt to enter the industry. For entrepreneurs who jump feet first into the restaurant business, it is paramount to have a building that will be functional for the operation while also attracting new customers.

While the restaurant business can generate profits, staying in the black can be difficult when the owner first opens the doors. That’s why having a strict budget is vital. But how do you build an excellent, functional building without offering up a nice chunk of change? Selecting a value engineering firm is a great starting point. As a value engineering firm, our experts at Leon Williams Contractors provides clients with the advice they need to make informed construction decisions without breaking the bank.

Here are a couple of ways our experts can help you and your restaurant construction project.

Aligning with your goals and budget

Seeing eye-to-eye with the client is something we do best. Our experts understand how important it is to stay on budget while also aligning with the overall goals of the project. Part of that process is utilizing alternative material options that provide similar value but at a lower cost. As value engineering experts, we will provide an honest evaluation of the value, quality and life expectancy of every building alternative or solution we recommend.

Protecting your investment

Our experts understand that the construction of a facility requires a significant amount of time, and we want to be respectful of that time. While we are a value engineering firm, we also utilize the design-build project model. With the design team and construction team under the same contract, there is a single point of responsibility. All team members are working toward a common goal, which increases teamwork and results in fewer changes and claims. This helps keep the project on budget and schedule without the need for costly change orders.

If you are ready to get started on your restaurant project, give our Maryville commercial construction experts a call at (865) 982-1734 or contact us online.

3 Reasons to Choose a Design-Build Firm

The design-build method has quickly grown in popularity over recent years. According to Autodesk, 82% of surveyed construction owners plan to use design-build within the next five years. In the same report, it states, “increased state and local government backing have led to 43 states having full or largely permitted authorization to use the method during public agency projects.”

While the rest of the nation is catching up, the Maryville commercial construction experts at Leon Williams has been utilizing the design-build method for over 30 years. Dedicated to delivering your project on time and on budget, our experts understand the importance and benefits that using this method has for our clients.

Whether it’s the decreased number of changes or the reduced project delivery time, we are committed to using the design-build method to better serve you.

Here are three reasons why you should choose a design-build firm like Leon Williams Contractors.

Reduced Delivery Time

The project delivery schedule is one of the most important aspects for the project owner and the construction company. When a deadline is set, all parties want to stick to that timeline without any problems. When using the design-build method, processes are more streamlined due to the designer and contractor being a single entity. Because of this, teams can work on multiple aspects of the project at a time.

Collaboration

With a design-build firm, all the teams are combined under one-single contract. Because of this, everyone is working toward one single goal. This leads to clearer communication within the team and encourages teamwork while improving the overall quality of the project. With there being a single point of responsibility, everyone is responsible for the totality of the project. In addition, this also allows for easier adjustments to the project because communication is smoother when using the design-build method.

Early Project Involvement

Both reduced delivery time and collaboration are benefits of design-build projects because the method offers the opportunity for early involvement. Our design-build experts believe in getting involved early to ensure we identify any on-site construction issues that could place the budget or schedule at risk. With all teams being a part of the design-build team, we can effectively discuss potential measures to take to ensure the job is completed as smoothly as possible prior to construction.

We are only three months into 2023, so there is still plenty of time to partner with a design-build firm for your latest project. Give our experts a call at (865) 982-1734 or contact us online.

Get More Bang for your Buck with Value Engineering

When it comes to spending money, most people would prefer to stretch their dollars as much as possible. Those looking to complete construction projects are no different. Building structures that fulfill a person’s vision can be costly. Disruptions in the supply chain and labor shortages over the past year haven’t helped project owners or construction crews maximize budgets.

Still, there is one solution that can help you get the most bang for your buck. Value engineering allows the general contractor, along with the entire team of designers, subcontractors, and material vendors, to present options for various components with the savings associated with each.  

When utilizing value engineering, the goal is to find the best products or processes for the cost without risking quality.  Areas our team at Leon Williams Contractors focuses on are:

  • Structure types and materials – We compare different materials and structures to make construction quicker, easier, and more affordable.
  • Fixtures and finishes – There are typically more affordable alternatives to flooring, millwork, lighting, and plumbing fixtures that will provide the same level of finish as a specified product.
  • Everyone likes flashy features, but they always come at a price and oftentimes make the building less efficient. To help minimize the budget, we will make recommendations on planned features that limit usability and adds unnecessary costs and lead times to a project.
  • Systems – Oftentimes, there is a more streamlined way that the installers will see to provide a building system.  Other times, certain subcontractors may receive better pricing from one brand vs the original designer’s brand.   
  • Because we tackle problems as a group, we can locate pain points in a project and add features that can address them accordingly. This helps minimize cost and save time on the project.

As the Maryville commercial construction expert, we have 30-plus years of experience in using value engineering to help clients across East Tennessee. From office renovations to building restaurants and city office buildings, we are committed to always providing the highest quality and value to our clients. If you are ready to get your next project started while utilizing the benefits of value engineering, give our experts a call at (865) 982-1734.