Maryville commercial construction

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

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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.

Maryville commercial construction

Improve Functionality and Save Money with Value Engineering

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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.

Maryville commercial construction

Top 3 Questions to Ask a Contractor Before Starting a Project

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So, you are finally ready to start that commercial construction project you’ve been planning. But where do you start? While it’s an understatement to say construction projects have multiple moving pieces, hiring the right contractor is a great first step. The contractor can set the mood for the duration of the project, from the groundbreaking to final completion. But how do you find the right contractor for your project? Sometimes it isn’t enough to hire the one you’ve seen the most billboards for. You have to dig below the surface.

That’s why it’s important to ask contractors the right questions before hiring. While pricing may play a role in your decision, it’s vital to go beyond that point. Here are three top questions you should be asking contractors before hiring them.

Background and Experience

This should be the number one question you are asking contractors. Asking details about previous projects can help you determine if they are the right fit for your project. If you are building an office, ask them about some of their previous office projects. If you have a restaurant project, ask about some restaurants they’ve partnered with in the past. Oftentimes, contractors will have this listed on their website, but it’s important to ask questions that can tie directly to your project. This may give you an opportunity to call the previous project owner about their experience with the contractor as well.

Delivery Method

While background and experience are paramount, the project delivery method may be just as important. This will determine how teams work together throughout the duration of the project. The delivery method can set the tone for the entire project as it will determine how communication and payment are dealt with. While there are six methods that are typically used, choosing a construction company that uses the design-build method, like Leon Williams Contractors, provides the most benefits. This method places the design and build teams under the same contract, thus increasing teamwork and efficiency due to everyone working toward the same goal. Communication is more streamlined using this method as well since both teams are under the same contract.

Estimated Timeline

When planning your construction project, it’s likely you had an estimated completion date. It’s important to ask the contractor for an estimated timeline prior to hiring them. While your timeline and theirs may not line up perfectly, it’s vital for the contractor to be able to explain the reasons for potential delays. This will also give you an opportunity to see how organized the contractor is when it comes to managing your project. The right contractor will be upfront with you to help establish reasonable expectations.

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

maryville commercial construction

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

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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

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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

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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.

Value Engineering Can Make Your Dream Project Come to Life Regardless of Your Budget

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As with many things in life, money plays a major role when it comes to commercial construction. How big your budget is can determine how big the building is, what features can be included, the type of materials that are used, and much more. Making your dream a reality can be an extensive process.

According to Home Guide, commercial construction costs on average $240 to $870 per square foot depending on a variety of factors such as location and building type. The national average cost is $560 per square foot with commercial costs in the south ranging between $240 to $680 per square foot.

This is why it’s important that your expectations and budget go hand-in-hand with each other. Of course, this is also why it’s vital to consider partnering with a firm that specializes in value engineering, like Leon Williams Contractors. Our firm can help you get more bang for your buck using a couple of key strategies.

  • Recommending Building Alternatives: In many cases, there are certain materials project owners want to use because of their perceived value. In reality, these can be replaced with alternatives that function better for the space or look just as good as the original option but at a lower price. Our experts at Leon Williams Contractors will provide you with an honest evaluation of the value, quality of life and life expectancy of every building alternative or solution we recommend to ensure it aligns with your expectations.
  •  Exploring Impacts on Cost: Reducing the overall cost of the project using building alternatives that align with your project vision is one of our goals. With that said, we also explore the costs of those alternatives and their impact on the overall quality and timeline of the project. In this regard, our experts give our partners advice and information they need to make informed construction decisions that will ultimately align with their project goals, budget and timeline.

If you are looking for a contractor who can save you a little money while helping make your dream project become a reality, give our Maryville commercial construction experts a call at (865) 982-1734 or contact us online.

Setting your project up for success with pre-construction consultation

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Finding the right contractor for your construction project is half the battle. The right contractor communicates with you throughout the project, assembles the right team and provides a high-quality structure that the project owner can be proud of. The only problem is finding a contractor that provides all those qualities while also going above and beyond the call to make the project owner’s experience second to none.

A large part of a contractor setting your project up for success comes before ground is ever broken. One of the best ways to help ensure project success is by partnering with a contractor that utilizes pre-construction consultation. This proactive step in the process helps iron out many details to make sure the project is completed on time and within budget. Things such as material limits, supply chain issues and budgetary concerns can be addressed during the pre-construction phase.

Pre-construction consultations also allow for transparency between the project owner and the contractor. In addition, it helps the two entities build a relationship and a line of communication that can further enhance the experience.

For the Maryville commercial construction experts at Leon Williams Contractors, our team is dedicated to providing partners with a seamless pre-construction consultation that gives the project owner all the necessary information they need to make informed decisions about the project. As a design-build firm, our experts can offer even more transparency with both the design and build teams under the same contract.

Before the first plan is drawn up, our experts help find and evaluate property options for your new facility while assessing and identifying on-site construction issues that could place the budget and schedule at risk.

If you are looking for a contractor who utilizes pre-construction consultation to better your construction project and experience, give our team a call at (865) 982-1734 or contact us online.

Choose a Trusted Partner for your Community Construction Projects

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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

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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.