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Three Considerations Before Your Restaurant Renovation

April 16, 2025/0 Comments/in Construction Business /by dmlwc

In the restaurant industry, your customers not only expect great food, but they also expect an overall positive experience. That is what makes renovations tricky and also necessary. Whether driven by a rebrand, changing diner preferences or simply a need to freshen things up a bit, there are a few big things you need to keep in mind when planning the renovation.

1. Set Clear Goals for the Project

Understanding exactly why you are embarking on this renovation is an important key to its success. You have to balance the need to update everything without changing too many of the things that make your establishment unique.

If your regular customers eat at your restaurant because of your famous wings or because of a unique design aesthetic, you don’t want to alienate them too much by making drastic changes to the menu or décor. At the same time, you want to keep things fresh. It’s a difficult line to walk, which is why the goals need to be captured before the project begins and used to guide every decision you make. And not only do you need to have a clear vision, but you must also make sure your contractors understand it, too.

And remember your goals must include the things in need of repair because sometimes the most important parts of a renovation are the steps you can’t see. If you have ongoing issues with the roof or floor, electrical or plumbing, unwanted pests or even mold, you absolutely need to address these before making any cosmetic upgrades to the space.

2. Don’t Try and Go It Alone

Even if you have a clear vision, don’t forget others are involved. Your staff and regular customers may have strong opinions about things in need of an update. Talk to them. Listen to them. You may find they have great ideas that haven’t occurred to you.

Also, choosing a contractor who can truly partner with you on every step is a great idea. Those who utilize the design-build method, like Leon Williams Contractors, can offer guidance for your inspiration and help you end up with the restaurant of your dreams.

3. Don’t Forget the Exterior

So many restaurant owners get excited about the interior changes, they forget that the first impression is made by the appearance of the building, signage and landscaping before anyone even comes through the door. If the exterior looks tired, it could deter customers. Today, more than ever, people want to eat at places that look and feel fresh. It’s surprising what a coat of paint can do to refresh a building’s appearance. So even if you want to use the majority of your budget on the inside, you should set aside some inspiration and budget for the outside.

Embarking on the Renovation

Ultimately, having a plan, talking to your other stakeholders and remembering to refresh everything should get you on the right path to a beautiful restaurant renovation. It boils down to knowing what you want, understanding your budget, and delivering a new design that offers a better space for your customers, staff and yourself.

A restaurant renovation can result in new life for your business, giving it the tools to evolve into its next chapter. A renovation can seem overwhelming and indeed there are many ways it can go wrong or end in disappointment. However, if you find the right contractor for the job and go through the steps above, you should end up with a great-looking spot that customers will enjoy for many years.

Leon Williams Contractors has the experience to guide you through any restaurant renovation. With our extensive experience in Maryville commercial construction, we are prepared to guide your project and help you achieve your dreams. Contact us today to get started!

Maximize your office space’s functionality with value engineering

March 19, 2025/in Construction Business /by dmlwc

Do you wonder if your office will be adequate for your evolving business? Is the space too dark or too bright? Are there a lot of hot or cold spots? If you answer yes to any of these scenarios or if you are designing an office where you want to avoid these issues, a contractor who practices value engineering might be able to help.

Design Through a Value Engineering Lens

According to the U.S. General Services Administration, value engineering “analyzes designed building features, systems, equipment and material selections to achieve essential functions and enhance results while reducing the lifecycle cost.”

As the above definition reflects, the overall goal of any project guided by value engineering is to improve the performance, quality and functionality of your business space. This generally corresponds with efforts to make fiscally responsible choices in its design.

However, if your contractor adheres to the principles of value engineering, your end result should also provide a highly usable space without an oversized price tag. These contractors are on a mission to impart value into your project by both making thoughtful choices, not only on the most affordable, high-quality materials, but also by optimizing the office layout to take advantage of natural light, airflow and optimal occupancy.

Key Benefits of Value Engineering

Value engineering isn’t entirely about cost-cutting because its ultimate goal is to uncover and maximize opportunities for long-term use. This means not only maintaining value over time but continuing to provide flexibility for your organization to grow and evolve. Let’s look at the individual project goals of a value engineering contractor.

Consider the whole instead of the individual parts: Contractors who specialize in value engineering look at the project as a whole. Instead of only considering the immediate task at hand, they will closely examine all elements of the building, including architecture, HVAC, electrical system, plumbing, construction material and structural components.
Focus on building’s primary purpose: A value engineering approach to construction or renovation always holds the building’s primary function at the forefront of decisions. Whether your organization is going to use the space as an office, a restaurant or a worship center, they will address the crucial elements needed for the space to function well.
Improve building performance: This goal aims to enhance results for your project. Those enhancements might include better energy efficiency, a more comfortable environment, enhanced durability and improved safety.
Reduce long-term costs: Savings shouldn’t only be considered for the immediate build or renovation. Value engineering considers the total cost of owning and maintaining the building for its lifespan. A few ways these costs might be reduced is by making smart decisions for design, materials and selected systems. They should provide up-front value and prove affordable to operate and maintain over time.

Doing your homework to find the right contractor for your job, one who can implement these tactics for your project is worth the time spent. If you’re in East Tennessee, the Maryville commercial construction experts at Leon Williams Contractors specialize in value engineering and embrace this approach to construction. We strive to provide our customers with the best project to fit their goals and budget. If you’re ready to partner with a trusted, local contractor for your 2025 projects, give our experts a call at (865) 982-1734 or contact us online.

Save Yourself Time and Money by Hiring a Design-Build Contractor for New Construction Projects

February 19, 2025/in Construction Business /by dmlwc

Population growth in East Tennessee has exploded in recent years and isn’t expected to slow in 2025. With the influx of new residents, the business sector is building like mad to keep up. With so much underway, it can be difficult to find a contractor who can meet your timeline. With this in mind, you might consider hiring a design-build contractor if you have a new construction project on the horizon.

What Does Design-Build Mean?

Simply put, a design-build contractor combines the design and build teams under a single contract. This approach allows resolution of a project in less time and with lower costs by eliminating potential delays due to the lack of communication. With both teams under a single contract, everyone is working toward a singular goal.

Real Advantages of Design-Build New Construction

Usually, constructing a business location from the ground up is a headache-inducing whirlwind of bids and deliverables from various parties. But what if you only had to make one hiring choice, and they managed it all? That is where considering a design-build contractor, like Leon Williams, comes in. Let’s review some advantages of this approach:

Wholistic view of the project. With a contractor team that includes a designer for planning the build, who can easily confer with the assigned builder, you have the advantage of a team of professionals who stay on the same page and work toward a shared goal.
Accountability at every step. With a design-build contractor, you only work with one vendor to complete your new construction. They are responsible for the outcome of each phase of the project, period. No passing the buck to other vendors when something goes awry.
Design/build continuity. With one team working together to develop and achieve a vision, you don’t have to worry about anyone losing sight of the overarching goals. The same team works together on each step to ensure everything is done right.
True budget accountability. Everyone involved knows the budget and can work together to make sure financial limits are respected. From the project’s start, the design-build team has a better understanding of its scope and therefore maintains a firmer grasp on the budget as it progresses.
Better communication. The owner doesn’t have to play middleman to multiple parties. Instead, their communication is intraoffice. This makes for a smoother transition between project phases.
Time efficiency. And speaking of smooth transitions, having the designer and construction managers on the same team will move your project through each phase without delays. You don’t have to stop in the middle of the project for bids, which can cost you days or weeks. The time required for each phase can be estimated more accurately for a better timeline for completion.

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 new construction project stay on track and within budget, give our team a call at (865) 982-1734 or contact us online.

Construction trends project owners need to know about in 2025

January 15, 2025/in Construction Business /by dmlwc

Within the flash of an eye, 2024 has ended. The new year is here, and with the new year comes a reset. Those who didn’t get the opportunity to start their construction projects last year have a fresh slate to work with. Of course, with a new year comes changes within the construction industry. According to Construct Connect, non-residential commercial construction spending increased by 7% in 2024. That number is expected to grow 2% this year.

Just like the shift in spending, trends also change from year to year. It’s important for those who are considering a commercial project to understand these trends as they will likely be applied to their 2025 project. The Maryville commercial construction experts at Leon Williams Contractors are here to help give you some insight on a few trends to keep an eye out for.

Increased use of Technology

While the use of technology has increased each year, the introduction of AI in different aspects of the industry will continue to play a big role in projects. Whether it’s AI within a field service platform or in the tools used for a project, this revolutionary solution is becoming common. In addition, the importance of field service technology to collect data and communicate with teams is being realized by more construction companies each year. At Leon Williams, we outfit our teams with the necessary technology to ensure we complete projects on time and within budget.

Efficient Buildings

Efficiency is no longer a luxury, it’s becoming commonplace. An extremely nice building can be poorly designed with limited functionality. In addition, building sustainability expectations continue to rise, which can be poorly affected by a less efficient building. Maximizing functionality is a priority for our experts. As a value engineering contractor, we also provide material and building alternatives that improve functionality while decreasing costs.

Labor Shortages

Unfortunately, the skilled labor shortage is expected to be a trend this year. According to WebFX, the number of construction workers ages 25-54 has dropped 6% over the past few years. As East Tennessee’s design-build experts, our team doesn’t fear this issue. With both the design and build teams under the same contract, we have everyone we need to make your dream project a reality in 2025. With both teams working toward the same goal, we ensure that your project will be completed on time and within budget.

If you are ready to partner with a trusted, local contractor for your 2025 projects, give our experts a call at (865) 982-1734 or contact us online.

A look back at 2024: Highlighting Leon Williams Contractors’ biggest projects of the year

December 18, 2024/in Projects /by dmlwc

In what feels like the blink of an eye, 2024 is just over a week away from ending. It feels like yesterday that our experts were preparing to kick off another great year of projects. Much has changed over the course of a year, not just with our team, but within the construction industry as a whole. According to the AIA, spending on nonresidential buildings was projected to increase over by 7% by the end of this year.

As a design-build contractor who loves partnering with local communities, our team at Leon Williams Contractors completed several projects over the past year. From renovation work to new builds, we take pride in delivering excellent projects that meet our client’s goals within budget and on time.

Over the past 365 days, here are three projects that we are extremely proud of.

Fort Craig Renovation – Completed in September

Once one of Maryville’s first public schools, our experts were hired to perform a complete renovation of the historic Fort Craig building. After almost a year of renovation work, we completed the project in September. Now, the renovated building serves as the new home to the Maryville City School District Office, Maryville Academy – the district’s alternative learning center, and Maryville Virtual School.

Douglas Cherokee Head Start – Completed in June

Children are our future, and Leon Williams Contractors was proud to do our part in helping provide Maryville with affordable childcare by partnering with Douglas Cherokee Head Start on their new center. The foundation for the project was laid in October 2023, and we were excited to complete the structure in June.

Blount County Office Building – Completed in April

In October 2023, we had the pleasure of partnering with the local government to begin working on an office building that would eventually house critical services in Blount County. The project was completed in April and included office spaces and a modern kitchen. It was amazing to partner with local officials for this special project.

As the clock inches closer to 2025, the Maryville commercial construction experts at Leon Williams Contractors are excited to see what the new year brings. If you are ready to partner with a trusted local contractor, give our team a call at (865) 982-1734 or contact us online.

Improve Functionality and Save Money with Value Engineering

November 20, 2024/in Uncategorized /by dmlwc

Naturally, construction project owners are extremely passionate about their upcoming projects. Whether it’s a lifelong dream of building your own office space or renovating a longstanding restaurant, project owners have dreamed of what the product may look like in the end. Sometimes, those dream buildings come with an expensive price tag and unnecessary items.

While some contractors may look at this as an opportunity to get a few extra dollars in their own pocket, those who use value engineering practices aim to get you the most bang for your buck while also maximizing the functionality of the space. By doing this, value engineering contractors are protecting your investment while simultaneously increasing its value.

Unnecessary Add-Ons

As stated by the U.S. General Services Administration, “Value engineering analyzes designed building features, systems, equipment and material selections to achieve essential functions and enhance results while reducing the life-cycle cost.” It’s during this process that value engineering contractors can pinpoint unnecessary features and materials that increase the project’s price tag without adding real value to the building. While flashy fixtures and finishes may look nice, there are likely alternatives that look just as good at a fraction of the cost. It’s your contractor’s job to make you aware of these alternatives.

Improved Functionality

The other benefit of value engineering is improved functionality. Value engineering contractors aim to maximize functionality by achieving the essential functions of the building at the lowest cost without sacrificing quality. This can include exploring various design concepts at the onset of the project that still provide you with the building of your dreams with a reduced price tag.

Your Value Engineering Contractor

At Leon Williams Contractors, we provide you with the advice and information you need to make informed construction decisions that both align with your project goals and budget. Whether it’s an honest evaluation of the value of your building or the life expectancy of building alternatives, we make sure you know what to expect.

If you are ready to partner with the Maryville commercial construction and value engineering experts at Leon Williams Contractors, give us a call at (865) 982-1734 or contact us online.

The Benefits of having a Single Contract for your New Build Project

September 18, 2024/in Construction Business /by dmlwc

When it’s time for your latest construction project, it’s important to do your due diligence. Project owners must have a budget in order, an estimated timeframe for when the project needs to be completed and the right contractor to complete the project. When selecting the contractor, one thing that may be overlooked is the delivery method they use for new-build projects.

No matter if it’s a new restaurant, office building or church, the delivery method used by the construction team plays a vital role in the project. There are six methods often used for construction projects:

Design-Build: The owner establishes a contract with a single firm that handles both the design and construction aspects of a project.
Design-Bid-Build: This method has the design team and general contractor working directly with the owner under separate contracts.
Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR): With this method, the construction manager acts as a representative for the owner during the construction and design phases. The construction manager takes on project risks.
Construction Management Multi-Prime (CMMP): In this delivery method, the owner acts as the general contractor and establishes contracts with the major subcontractors and design teams on the project.
Public-Private Partnership (PPP): Typically used for government projects, this method allows a private company and a government entity to collaborate on a project.
Integrated Project Delivery (IPD): With this method, everyone involved in the project is on a single contract that is predetermined before the design phase begins.

While all the aforementioned delivery methods have their pros and cons, the design-build method provides the most benefits when it comes to your new build project.

Accountability

One of the biggest benefits project owners receive with the design-build method is a single point of accountability. If there is an issue or question regarding the project, the owner knows who is accountable and who to speak with. Because accountability does fall directly on the design-build team, this ensures everyone is working with intent toward the final project.

Better Teamwork During the Project

With everyone working toward a singular vision, a single contract creates better collective teamwork and collaboration. The designer and contractor work alongside each other to ensure the project owner’s vision is met. With an environment of collaboration, the designer and contractor are able to deliver great results while working together to minimize any pitfalls that may arise during the project. In addition, since the contract is signed before ground is broken, the two teams are able to collaborate and plan ahead to ensure the project is delivered on time and within budget – one of the most pivotal aspects of a new build construction project.

Because the team functions under a single contract, there is also continuity throughout the project. Instead of the design team handing the project off to the general contractor after their phase is complete, the entire team is present throughout the project. This creates consistency in communication between the team and the project owner.

While other contractors are just now jumping on board with the design-build model, the Maryville commercial construction experts at Leon Williams Contractors have been providing clients with excellent projects using the delivery method for over two decades.

If you want to partner with an experienced design-build contractor, give us a call at (865) 982-1734 or contact us online.

Combatting Inflation with Value Engineering

August 15, 2024/in Construction Business /by dmlwc

Price jumps in construction materials aren’t a new phenomenon. There are a multitude of factors that can cause the market to fluctuate. Unfortunately, there has been a continuous trend of rising costs throughout 2024. According to a report in Construction Dive, construction input prices increased 0.4% in March due to inflationary pressures and escalating supply chain issues. In addition, both overall and nonresidential construction costs remain 1.7% higher compared to last year.

With prices like softwood lumber jumping 3.2% and copper wire and cable increasing 1.6% in March, those looking to start a construction project may feel it a little more in their wallet. While construction projects are typically relatively expensive, price jumps can hinder the options available within your budget.

One of the best ways to combat inflation is partnering with a commercial construction firm that specializes in value engineering. As described by Investopedia, value engineering is a systematic, organized approach to providing necessary functions in a project at the lowest cost. This is done by the contractor analyzing designed building features and recommending options that can achieve essential functions and enhance results while reducing costs.

At Leon Williams Contractors, our experts have been specializing in value engineering for over two decades. Whether it’s providing an alternative to a certain building material or recommending a more functional design, our experts will provide an honest evaluation of every building solution recommended.

For both renovations and new construction, our experts are dedicated to protecting your investment and providing you with optimal value for your project. Using our two decades of experience, our experts suggest alternatives that maximize the value and efficiency of your building.

If you want to partner with an experienced value engineering contractor, give our Maryville commercial construction experts a call at (865) 982-1734 or contact us online.

The value of the design-build method for new construction projects

July 17, 2024/in Construction Business /by dmlwc

If you are looking at opening a business and you need an office or facility built from the ground up, you are not alone. According to Mordor Intelligence, the United States commercial construction market size is estimated at $171.26 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $203.5 billion by 2029.

As with any construction project, the contractor you choose for the project is vital. It can be the difference between having an excellent experience and a shoddy end product. There are several things to consider when choosing a contractor for your new construction project with one of the most important being the delivery method they use.

One of the fastest-growing methods is the design-build method. As explained by the Design-Build Institute of America, when using the design-build method, the project owner manages only one contract with a single point of responsibility. This helps project owners quickly identify the point of contact during the construction and design process.

In addition to a single point of responsibility, there are a few benefits of choosing a design-build firm for your new commercial construction project. Improved teamwork is another fundamental advantage of the design-build method. The designers and contractor must work together from the beginning of the project to ensure the project owner’s schedule and budget needs are being met. This creates more collaboration between teams because they are both working toward the same goal.

There is also an opportunity for reduced project delivery time when choosing a design-build contractor. With both the design and build teams collaborating from the start of the project, there are fewer changes throughout the process. If an issue does develop, both teams work together to solve it since they are under the same contract. With fewer claims and changes, teams can work more efficiently to finish the project within budget and ahead of schedule.

While other contractors are just discovering the benefits of the design-build method, the Maryville commercial construction experts at Leon Williams Contractors have been utilizing it for over two decades for new construction projects.

If you want to partner with an experienced design-build contractor, give our team a call at (865) 982-1734 or contact us online.