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What is Value Engineering and How Can It Benefit Your Project

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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.

New Year, New Projects: Choose a Local, Trusted Contractor in 2024

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In what felt like a flash, 2023 is over and 2024 is here. For many individuals, the new year is a time for new beginnings and a fresh outlook on the next chapter of their lives. For business owners or aspiring entrepreneurs, it’s an opportunity to finally get started on those plans to build or renovate their facilities. According to AIA, the first half of 2023 saw gains in construction spending on nonresidential buildings approach 20% with growth tapering off in the final two quarters of the year.

When you start making plans for your new building project in 2024, there are several things you must consider. Number one on that list is the budget. No matter if you are building an extravagant new restaurant or making minor renovations to an office space, your budget determines every aspect of the project. The second major point is the timeline. When you want to open your new facility or when you want renovations to be completed can also affect other aspects of the project.

When taking those two items into consideration, it’s important to partner with a contractor who can deliver the project on time and within the budgetary restraints that you’ve set for yourself. The Maryville commercial construction experts at Leon Williams Contractors have experience delivering on both.

Utilizing the design-build method, the designer and builder work together under a single contract from the very beginning of a project. For our clients, that means the team is in sync and works collaboratively to achieve the best outcome for the project. This results in reduced project delivery time and real teamwork because everyone has a common end goal. There are also fewer changes and claims since both teams began the project working under the same contract.

In addition, our experts at Leon Williams Contractors also utilize value engineering to help our clients maximize their investment while also getting results of equal or greater value than their expectations. As part of this process, our team will give advice and an evaluation of the value, quality and life expectancy of any building alternative they recommend, ensuring our clients can make informed construction decisions.

Thanks to both the design-build delivery method and our expertise in value engineering, our team can help make sure your projects stay both on time and budget in 2024. Give our experts at Leon Williams Contractors a call at (865) 982-1734 or contact us online so that we can make your 2024 projects come to life.

Maryville Commercial Construction

Jimmy Hawkins Takes the Reins at Leon Williams Contractors, LLC

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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

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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

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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.

Design-build – Why is this method becoming so popular?

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When it comes to construction, there are approximately six different delivery methods: design-bid-build, design-build, construction manager at risk, construction management multi-prime, public-private partnership and integrated project delivery. Choosing the right project delivery method for your project is a critical step and will set the tone for the project overall. With that said, the design-build method, which is utilized by our experts at Leon Williams Contractors, has been growing in popularity over the years.

According to the Design-Build Institute of America, design-build spending is anticipated to yield a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% over the 2022-20226 forecast period and reach over $405 billion in 2026. There are several reasons why this delivery method has become more common and why more construction companies are turning to it.

Complete Teamwork

When it comes to the design-build method, both the design-build team and the project owner work together to accomplish a common goal. These teams are established early in the project, and their jobs are intertwined throughout the project. When a problem occurs, the design-build team is solely responsible for correcting the issue. This encourages everyone on the team to collaborate and make sure the project runs smoothly.

Fewer changes and claims

Since the team is working hand-in-hand with each other, it lowers the number of changes during the project. Remember, there is a single point of responsibility with the design-build method. This means each individual person strives to work as a team to deliver an excellent completed project. Since the designers and contractors collaborate from the beginning, there are fewer changes that need to be made. This makes it advantageous for contractors.

Those are just two reasons why the design-build delivery method has become popular. As your Maryville commercial construction leaders, our experts have been using the design-build method for years. If you are looking for a trusted design-build partner for your next project, give our experts a call at (865) 982-1734 or contact us online.

Choose a Value Engineering Firm for your Next Project

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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.

When is renovating your office space the right decision?

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Your office space can be a direct reflection of your business. When you first opened it, the space may have felt revolutionary, sheik and stylish. But, as all things do, times have changed. What was in style 30 years ago may not be the same. You’re not alone, many major businesses have had to change their image.

After you’ve determined it’s time for a fresh new look, then comes another major decision – do you renovate or go the new construction route? This isn’t an easy decision to make. You may have an attachment to your current building, or you may have a desire to start from the ground up. The Maryville commercial construction experts at Leon Williams Contractors are here to help you make that decision.

Here are a couple of ways to determine if renovating your office space is right for you:

What’s your budget

Construction projects are rarely a cheap venture. There are plenty of moving parts, and the total cost reflects that. When planning for the project, keep a close eye on your budget. One positive thing renovations have over new builds is the price tag. Renovations are typically more cost-effective and allow you to customize your space without starting from scratch. You can determine which materials and finishes you want while also increasing the overall value of the office space in the event you want to sell it later. If you have a strict budget, renovation is likely the best route for you.

What’s your timeline

Another question you may want to ask when determining if renovating is the right decision for you is the overall timeline of your project. When looking at renovations, they are often much quicker to complete than new builds. In many cases, if you plan accordingly, you can continue working while the renovations are going on. Since you are not starting from the ground level, many of the building elements can be integrated into the renovation process. In addition, your clients already know where you are located, so there won’t be a need for them to transition to a new building or address. If a shortened timeline sounds great to you, then a renovation is the proper choice.

If you’ve decided to renovate your office space, give our experts at Leon Williams Contractors a call. We utilize value engineering and the design-build method to provide you with an excellent project experience. Using value engineering, we’ll provide an honest evaluation of the value, quality and life expectancy of every building alternative or solution we recommend while saving you a few extra dollars. Our design-build method provides project owners with fewer changes and claims, reduced project delivery time and a single point of responsibility.  

Reach our experts at (865) 982-1734 or contact us online.

Prevent Construction Delays with Pre-Construction Planning

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No one wakes up in the morning hoping for delays in their morning commute. When delays happen during a construction project, it could be detrimental to the project timeline and budget. According to a report in Daily Commercial News, “the most important thing for preventing and mitigating delays on a construction project is planning. The number one thing that causes delays is poor planning and poor management of projects.”

It is extremely important to identify potential risks early in a project. That includes any unforeseen site conditions. By being prepared for a potential problem, you are ensuring that the little issues don’t turn into big ones that could put the project timeline in jeopardy. Preplanning helps alleviate these concerns by keeping the team on track if an issue does arise.

There are a couple of ways preplanning can help keep your project on time:

  • Creates a clear timeline: Having a clear pathway to completion is a great way to ensure your project stays on track. As mentioned before, poor planning can result in unnecessary delays. Before starting on a project, meeting with the design-build team and the project owner to set a timeline, finalize blueprints and set up a standard of communication will reduce setbacks. It is also important to analyze and develop a plan for any potential roadblocks or unforeseen issues.
  • Establish Communications: Communication is key to any construction project. Emphasizing this early in the project sets the expectation that the team should be in constant communication with each other. Communication helps everyone deliver actionable steps throughout the project. If communication is clear and constant, this increases teamwork and reduces the chance of delays.

As the Maryville commercial construction experts, pre-construction planning and site assessment are two of our main priorities. At Leon Williams Contractors, our team of professionals believes in getting involved early. This helps our team assess and identify on-site construction issues that could place the budget and schedule at risk, find and evaluate property options for your new facility and negotiate with property owners.

If you are ready to partner with a contractor who stays prepared by utilizing preplanning, give our commercial construction experts a call at (865) 982-1734 or contact us online.

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

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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.