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Is your church in need of a renovation? LWC specializes in church construction and renovation projects

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After years of successful operation, every building needs a fresh coat of paint. Year after year, your place of worship has been full of individuals who have enjoyed a positive experience. But age takes a toll on all buildings after a while.

While some leaders may suggest constructing a new building, renovations can be what your church needs. A more cost-effective option, updating your existing building can provide your church with a fresh look while keeping its history in place for future generations. From creating a new façade to expanding the space, Leon Williams is here to help you complete your vision.

Protecting Your Investment

Deciding to invest in a renovation project should not be taken lightly. While it’s more cost-effective than constructing a new building, it still takes time and money to bring your vision to life. An important aspect of any project is the pre-planning stages.

A critical component of the pre-planning stage is how to handle the flow of traffic during the construction process – both inside and outside the building.  Does this need to be phased to ensure current operations can continue?  Will a temporary facility need to be installed?  Will that facility require connection to the building utilities?  Are there certain ministries that will need to be held in other locations or be accommodated during construction?  It is important to consider these questions as part of the entire project budget so that there are no surprises once construction commences. 

At Leon Williams Contractors, we pride ourselves in asking these and many more questions during the planning phase so that construction can progress smoothly. Before our experts draw up the first plan, we can evaluate the multiple options available for the renovation and assess and identify on-site construction issues that could place the budget or schedule at risk.

Our experts are dedicated to protecting your investment while maximizing its value. We recognize that churches are non-profit entities with a set budget. We want to provide as much bang for your buck as possible. Through value engineering, we will advise and provide you with information to help you make informed decisions about your church project.

For example, maybe you believe it’s not worth investing in new facility equipment. Our team will provide you with pinpoint details to help you decide if you want to continue on that path or install new equipment that will decrease operating costs over time. As part of our mission, we provide honest evaluations regarding the value, quality and life expectancy of every building alternative or solution we recommend ensuring our goals align with expectations.

We Are Here To Help

No matter what your goal is for your church renovation, the professionals at Leon Williams Contractors are here to help. As the Maryville commercial construction expert, we have 30-plus years of experience in using value engineering to help clients across East Tennessee. If you are ready to get your church renovation project started, give our experts a call at (865) 982-1734.

Get More Bang for your Buck with Value Engineering

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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.

3 Ways COVID Changed Franchise Build-Outs

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The COVID-19 pandemic took the world by storm and continues to be a topic of conversation. While business operations have begun returning to normal in East Tennessee, the effects of the pandemic will be felt for years to come. Business owners learned some valuable lessons about how the consumer is going to make decisions moving forward as a direct result of the pandemic.

From wanting curbside assistance to the need for smaller buildings, the way buildings are designed has changed. Don’t worry! The Maryville commercial construction experts at Leon Williams are here to let you know what those changes will be.

Here are three ways COVID changed the franchise build-outs:

Curbside Assistance

Before the pandemic struck, it was customary to go inside a restaurant to eat with the family or frequent the local grocery store to pick up your items. While this is still considered normal, there has been an increase in those who prefer curbside assistance as opposed to going inside. Franchises have to account for this moving forward. As design-build experts, we’ll work closely with your design or corporate team to ensure this is accounted for while also keeping the project running smoothly from start to finish.

Outdoor Seating

For franchise restaurants specifically, outdoor seating is another big trend. Those who do choose to dine out may opt to choose a restaurant that offers outdoor seating. Existing franchise restaurants must accommodate these changes. Those planning on building a restaurant from the ground up will have to consider outdoor seating in their design plan as well.

Smaller Buildings

With evolution pointing toward curbside assistance, outdoor seating and online services, smaller buildings are also becoming a trend. With fewer people wanting to fill up a store, there isn’t much need for large operating buildings. While downsizing may not be in the cards for existing businesses, new franchises may consider operating out of a smaller building.

As design-build experts, we offer an approach that allows for increased cooperation and coordination as projects proceed. We will guarantee that your design accommodates all the changes caused by COVID. If you are ready to start your project, give our construction professionals a call at (865) 982-1734.

Worried about going over budget on your construction project? Hire an experienced firm to help you stay on track

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When it comes to construction projects, one of the biggest concerns of any client is the budget. No one wants to be surprised by a bill that is way higher than expected. Not only can this be frustrating from a financial standpoint, but it can also mean missing out on those small details that make your business unique. This is an issue that the client should not have to stress about.

Don’t be left in shock by your project running over budget. The Maryville commercial construction experts at Leon Williams have 30-plus years of history in East Tennessee. From our three decades of experience, there are two main ways to prevent projects from running over budget: preventing delays and preplanning.

Preventing Delays

Delays can wreak havoc on your budget. In addition, they can cause your project to miss its scheduled deadline. There are multiple reasons that could cause a project to be delayed. One of the most obvious is mistakes. The bigger the mistake, the longer it takes to correct the issue. In addition, smaller problems can develop into larger issues over time. No one can guarantee that a problem won’t arise on a job, but it’s up to the contractor to ensure those issues are taken care of immediately. At Leon Williams, we pride ourselves on correcting any problem that may develop.

Preplanning for the project

Running in conjunction with preventing delays, preplanning can help minimize the chances of running over budget.With supply chain breaks, getting the materials you need for the job can be more complicated than ever. That’s why it’s important to obtain all the materials necessary for the project before the start date. This should be a best practice moving forward.

If you are ready to have your project completed on budget and on time, give our construction professionals a call at (865) 982-1734.

Accomplishments: A Look Back at 2021

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In the wake of 2020, the business climate was in flux for many industries. With COVID restrictions being strict early in 2021, some businesses struggled. With that said, the construction industry saw a bump in demand as renovations and new construction increased. As the leading Maryville commercial construction company, Leon Williams Contractors saw their fair share of success throughout 2021, and we are proud to continue serving our clients in creating new and renovated spaces.

Foothills Church

Our experts completed the eighth project for Foothills Church this year. The project was a 27,000 square-foot renovation. The renovations included a secure environment for babies and two new preschool environments, a nursing room for mothers, a volunteer room, multiple counseling rooms, and two new meeting spaces. The grand opening of the West Building took place on Sept. 19. Trent Stewart, the lead pastor of Foothills Church, had this to say to The Daily Times, “We’re so thankful for the diligent work of Jimmy Hawkins and Leon Williams Contractors. They have done an incredible job on this renovation, and we’re grateful that we got to work with them again.”

Allevia Technology

In August, our contractors completed renovations on the former Mi Tienda building for Allevia Technology. The newly renovated space will serve as their technical office and support center, and clients will utilize the space to drop off and pick up their tech. This was the second project completed for this incredible and growing company.

Other accomplishments

Leon Williams Contractors worked on several more projects throughout 2021 including:

  • Helped with multiple projects for Tennessee Board of Regents in the region.
  • Refreshed the Chick-Fil-A on the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Carson Newman campuses in preparation for the 2021 fall semester.
  • Finished repairs to Pecks Memorial United Methodist Church from a massive tree collapse.
  • Replaced a failing retaining wall and other façade repairs for Everett Hills Baptist Church.
  • Helped Fireworks Superstore protect their building with a new roof and refreshed their interior space.
  • Completed two phases of renovation for the Blount County Department of Children’s Services with a third phase to be completed in 2022.

As your Maryville construction expert, our professionals look forward to serving East Tennessee with even more projects in 2022. If you are looking for a trusted, reliable construction company, we’d love to speak with you. Contact us today!

Avoid Construction Delays by using Experienced Contractors

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Nothing can be more frustrating than a delay. Imagine being about to board a plane only to find out you have to wait another three to six hours before takeoff. When it comes to construction projects, those delays could be weeks or even months. For businesses eager to open, the wait could be a nightmare and cost thousands in losses in projected revenue.

There are no guarantees when it comes to building projects. There are hundreds of constantly moving parts. One simple mistake could force a business to push back its open date by a substantial length. Without an experienced construction firm leading the charge, small mistakes can overrun a project and cause it to quickly go off track and over budget.

Don’t be caught off guard. Our professionals at Leon Williams Contractors, the Maryville commercial construction experts, can be trusted to get the job done correctly.

Prevent Delays with Leon Williams

Small mistakes can easily lead up to big problems. Big problems ultimately take more time and money to fix while on the job, thus potentially creating a delay. For companies of any size, this could be disastrous before the first customer walks in the door. While no one can promise perfection, business owners should not have to be stressed about potential delays.

With more than three decades of building experience working for clients, the team at Leon Williams understands the importance of getting the job done right. With a portfolio full of projects for churches, universities, retail stores, franchises and much more, we’ve built a reputation for preventing problems before they start. We don’t want you to stress about opening on time. We are dedicated to providing high-quality work while sticking to your timeline and budget.

If you are ready to get your construction project off the ground with a trusted contractor, call our experts at (865) 982-1734 or contact us online.

Factors That Go into A Quality Franchise Build-Out

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Opening a franchise is a big decision for entrepreneurs. Between the time spent training with the corporate team and learning the ins and outs of the new business, the last thing you want to do is worry about problems with construction. At Leon Williams, we love supporting local business owners, and our Maryville commercial construction experience can help ensure your mind is at peace during the build-out process. Of course, when it comes to build-outs, there are several factors that can come into play.

The Cost

As is with most projects, one of the main factors is cost. The price of a build-out will vary based on a number of variables, from the age of the building to components that need to be installed or removed. The quality of utility units such as the HVAC and plumbing systems can also play a major factor in the cost. Our construction experts at Leon Williams understand the importance of providing the highest value to our clients. We assess and optimize sites for our clients to ensure they receive the maximum benefit for their investment.

Project Management

It is important to stay on the recommended timeline when it comes to projects. When you work with Leon Williams, you are working with a partner that shares your values while providing the quality of work that is expected. Our experience in the construction industry helps us keep projects running smoothly while providing an accurate, reasonable timeline.

We understand how missing a strict deadline for your build-out can negatively impact your business, so we work to meet deadlines and prevent delays and unreasonable additions to the budget.

If you are looking for a construction company that will provide a quality build-out, give us a call at (865) 982-1743 or visit Leon Williams Contractors online.