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Choose a Design-Build Specialist for your New Office Building

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So, you are ready to fulfill your dream of building a new office for your company. With COVID pandemic numbers beginning to decrease and the world returning to a sense of normalcy, now is a perfect time to construct that new building. The question now is where and how do you start?

There are many moving parts when it comes to construction, from cost to building plans. That’s why it’s important to hire a reliable construction company to take care of your project. The Maryville construction experts at Leon Williams Contractors have over 30-plus years of experience and take pride in the work they do.

As a design-build specialist, there are several advantages of utilizing our services including reduced project delivery time, fewer changes and claims, and a single point of responsibility. Below are some reasons why hiring a design-build specialist is best for your project and wallet.

  • Cost and time savings: Under the design-build method, both design and construction function together as a single entity. This increases the chances of the team maintaining the construction schedule. With the building owner and construction team collaborating from the very beginning, key stakeholders can make proactive decisions about the project and reduce the chances of confusion. In addition, the design-build method also helps create an adaptive environment. This helps save money and reduce delivery time.
  • Teamwork: As previously mentioned, the design-build model houses the design and construction team under a single entity. This means everyone is working in unison to help complete the project and exceed the owner’s expectations. If an issue arises, everyone works together to find a solution.
  • Accountability: One of the best reasons to choose a design-build specialist for your new office building is accountability. There is only one entity, the design-build team, that is responsible for the project. This includes the quality of the design, the finished product, the total costs, and the construction timeline. This creates increased transparency with every aspect of the project and will keep the owner in the loop.

If you are ready to get that long awaited new office built, don’t hesitate to call our experts. As one of East Tennessee’s most reliable contractors, we will get the job done. Reach us 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!

Consider Design-Build Construction Services for Your Next Project

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Why should you consider design-build construction services for your next project? Design-build construction allows you to work with one contact during the span of your construction project, giving you the opportunity to save time and money while seeing the results you envisioned. From start to finish, your project will have a single point of responsibility.

Maryville construction firm, Leon Williams Contractors, has decades of experience in design-build services, and our process begins well before we break ground on projects. In the pre-construction phase of your project, we’ll find and evaluate potential sites and check for any possible issues that may arise. From there, we move forward with your project step-by-step in a team effort to accomplish building your finished design.

Real Teamwork

You have a vision of what you want to build, and Leon Williams Contractors is ready to work with you to build it. Communication is a huge component in making sure everyone is on the same page so delays can be prevented and the project can remain on schedule. It takes real teamwork to successfully complete a construction project, and the level of communication created by a design-build construction firm encourages a collaborative atmosphere for everyone involved.

Reduced Project Delivery Time

Would you prefer your construction project be finished on time? Of course! Choosing a design-build firm for your construction project will save you time. Because design-build construction simplifies the building process, there are likely to be fewer changes and delays during your project. The benefits of improved project communication will advance your timeline toward an on-time completion date.

More Value for Less Cost

We at Leon Williams Contractors take the necessary steps to make sure clients receive the most value for their budget while maintaining less cost. With our design-build construction services, you can achieve your goals of balancing the cost and value of your project. Our professionals know the ins and out of construction, and after 30 years, we’re especially familiar with managing construction expenses without sacrificing quality products and project design. 

If you’re looking for an experienced Maryville construction firm dedicated to building quality spaces, Leon Williams Contractors is ready to answer your questions. Contact us today online or call (865) 982-1734 to learn more about your design-build construction options.

Etowah City Hall

Trusted Specialty Contractors Can Make Your Vision Come to Life

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Church construction and renovation projects requires a unique level of both experience and vision. A place of worship should be inviting for the congregation, provide gatherings, and at the same time be cost-efficient to fit tight budgets.

 

Balancing cost and value for our faith-based clients, Leon Williams Contractors, a Maryville construction company, has decades of experience that help us provide peace of mind on our church building projects, whether they are minor improvements or major renovations.

 

Understanding the Spatial Needs

Good church design can provide size-appropriate space and comfort for the congregation. From the entry space to the classrooms, the nursery, and the main sanctuary, having an attractive design that allows the building to flow room to room will provide a warm and inviting house of worship for the existing congregation as well as visitors.

 

Major and Minor Renovation Options

The base structure of a church will determine whether a major building expansion project will be needed or if minor renovations are the way to go. Our preconstruction planning experts can determine which renovations are best for the needs of your church and congregation.

 

Budget Friendly

Renovating a church requires effectively balancing budge and value without sacrificing reliability and safety. Our design and engineering teams compare different structure types and building materials to provide quality in a close collaboration with material suppliers, and along with the church leaders, proceed to develop a safe and sturdy house of worship within budget constraints.

 

Choosing a specialty contractor with a wealth of experience in house of worship construction, expansion, and renovation will help ensure a good experience for your operations team and a welcoming environment for your congregation. Contact Leon Williams Contractors today at (865) 982-1734 to discuss your church construction needs.

Getting the Most Value Out of a Construction Budget

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It’s getting expensive out there. As the economy reopens and businesses start gearing up again, demand for construction materials has shot through the roof. Steel prices alone have increased 91% since Q4 2020. Demand for basic construction materials far outweighs supply, and many project owners are seeing the cost of construction blow way past their original budget projections.

The pain is real. Writing in Construction Dive, Jen A. Miller reports that skyrocketing lumber costs are making residential projects much more expensive, too:

The National Association of Home Builders reported that lumber costs are adding an average of $36,000 to new single family home prices. Those prices have also added $12,966 to the value of an average new multifamily home. As those are typically built to rent, that in turn is adding $119 a month in rent to new apartments.

These same cost impacts are hitting commercial construction projects, which result in higher lease rates for potential tenants.  Leon Williams Contractors, a Maryville construction expert, is dedicated to helping our clients get the most value for their money. We combat price creep through our value engineering services. Every client deserves our honest appraisal of design complexity and the materials being used to build a structure. To help find more economical solutions that provides the same quality, we might:

  • Look for different materials and structure designs to reduce costs.
  • Substitute fixtures and finishes to be more economical but still meet client needs.
  • Point out features that have little benefit but can result in added costs and completion delays.
  • Even positioning the building differently on a site can have a ripple effect on the cost of grading, utilities, sidewalks, parking, etc.

Overly complex designs that rely on costly materials can break the bank in the current environment. We’ll use our value engineering techniques to make sure your project is providing the most value for the expenditure without ever sacrificing quality. If you want to learn more about how we can help, contact Leon Williams today.

Building the Future of Franchise Restaurants

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After learning the lessons of operating during the pandemic, restaurant franchises and individual owners are making physical changes to their locations to better suit customer demands going forward.

The new normal in restaurant design incorporates the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. More people prefer to pick up meals in their car and have become accustomed to curbside service. Inspired by enforced social distancing, some restaurant franchises are rethinking old assumptions and design patterns. For example, Taco Bell has debuted a new restaurant design in response to the pandemic, explained in a CNN Business article:

The most significant difference between the new and old restaurant designs is the size. Taco Bell is cutting back on dining room seating and adding a second drive-thru lane dedicated to pick-up orders made on its app. Inside, customers will also see more digital kiosks in addition to human staff that will still take orders.

There’s also curbside pickup for contactless pickups and “bellhops”— masked employees stationed outside taking customers’ orders on digital tablets.

Existing restaurant locations must also adapt to changing preferences — from accommodating curbside service to expanding outdoor seating. To deal with all of these construction needs, restaurant or franchise owners should look for a general contractor with extensive restaurant experience.

Leon Williams Contractors, a Maryville construction company, has that experience in building food service buildings and locations for customers including Which Wich and Chick-fil-A. We offer a full range of construction services from pre-construction consultation and site assessment to project management to value engineering.

If you’re a restaurant owner wanting to build a new facility from the ground up, build out a commercial space, or renovate an existing location, we’re ready to help. Give us a call at (865) 982-1734, or contact Leon Williams Contractors online to learn more.

Leon Williams Believes in the Power of Client Relationships

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Leon Williams Contractors LLC is proud to be the Maryville construction expert, serving our hometown and all East Tennessee. Want to know what we’re proudest of? The relationships we’ve made along the way.

For more than 30 years, we’ve built restaurants and churches and businesses and facilities for some of the region’s universities. Leon Williams, our founder, has been involved in construction even longer. He started out working with his father and uncle, in 1964, before founding the business that became Leon Williams Contractors in 1986.

Today, Leon Williams Contractors continues to embody his promise to only provide the highest levels of value and quality. We commit to:

  • Attentive on-site management
  • Reliable communication
  • Providing quality
  • Acting with high ethical standards.

When it comes to any commercial construction project, you need a trustworthy contractor. Without attention to details, small mistakes can snowball to huge problems down the road. If you’re building a new church, a new office, or just want your facility renovated, you shouldn’t have to worry about these issues.

That’s where we come in. Leon Williams Contractors will treat your project like it’s our own. As proven value-engineering experts, we’ll be on the lookout for potential problems, working with our clients to simplify the building process and get them more bang for the buck by finding ways to get the most out of their money. Most of all, we promise to listen and always act in the best interests of our clients.

In our decades in the business, Leon Williams has become an expert at preventing problems before they start. We’ll treat you like a partner, and we’ll listen to you concerns. Contact Leon Williams Contractors online or give us a call at (865) 982-1734 to learn more.

Spruce Up Your Business with a New Façade

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Don’t underestimate the power of a facelift. A new façade can quickly transform a commercial building, boosting its curb appeal and generating increased traffic and brand awareness. On top of that, a façade installation can provide many of the same benefits of a full-scale renovation or new construction at a fraction of the cost — and with far less inconvenience.

Fast & Friendly

New construction can take years to plan and complete. Full renovations may require excessive interruption of business and inconvenience customers and vendors. Façade improvements, on the other hand, can be wrapped up in a matter of weeks or months, and usually don’t impede operations or create barriers for foot traffic.

When completed, a new façade might include improved lighting, more visible signage, and pleasant landscaping. A stylish, modern look that’s legible from a distance encourages curiosity and invites more traffic than an outdated, rundown or generic exterior.

Façade projects are a good option in many different situations, whether it’s a new business moving into its first space or an existing business rebranding, relocating or opening a new location. Any company that wants to quickly freshen up its appearance and attract new attention can consider a façade improvement as an effective, affordable option.

Save Energy (and Money)

Before dismissing façade upgrades as purely cosmetic, think about the potential energy savings. Many older buildings lose heat in the winter and cool air during the summer through uninsulated storefronts and old, drafty windows and doors. Insulation, new energy-efficient building materials and energy-saving windows and doors can improve indoor comforts and help reduce utility costs for years to come.

Leon Williams Contractors is a Maryville construction firm with decades of experience working closely with business owners to ensure the best possible results for their commercial projects. We can assist you in assessing your company’s needs and work with you to create the right solution. To learn more about façade improvements or other renovation and construction options, contact us today.

Finding the Right Site for Your 2021 Construction Needs

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Looking for a site for a new commercial facility can be a chore. It’s important to find the right match to meet your business needs and ensure your success. As the saying goes, it’s all about “Location, location, location.” It’s important for any business. Is there enough traffic to justify building a retail location? Can the property be easily accessed or will inconvenient roadway access drive away customers?

Site Assessment

Leon Williams Contractors, your Maryville construction expert, can help you find the perfect site for your facility. Our preplanning and site assessment services are thorough. We’ll ensure there are no unexpected, expensive surprises at a proposed location such as environmental issues requiring remediation, geotechnical issues that would need overly-extensive sitework to overcome and insufficient utilities or infrastructure.

If you think that finding the right site for your commercial facility will take care of any potential issues, that’s not quite the full story. Businesses also have to consider what happens to the site once construction begins and design plans are being implemented. A construction company needs expertise and the ability to work well with designer and architects to execute their vision exactly. Otherwise, problems can creep in.

We Can Help

That is where we can help. The team at Leon Williams Contractors has decades of design-build construction experience working closely with our clients and their design firms on commercial construction projects. We take pride in properly executing all aspects of a project, ensuring that both commercial facilities and sites are built out in the best way possible.

At Leon Williams Contactors, we’re ready to assist our East Tennessee clients assess the right site for their building projects. If you are ready to talk about your construction plans for 2021, contact us today.

Etowah City Hall

Looking Back at the Accomplishments of 2020

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This has been a challenging year in East Tennessee, but Leon Williams Contractors has been proud to continue helping our clients create new and renovated spaces.Etowah City Hall

Etowah City Hall

After beginning work in late 2019, Leon Williams Contractors completed construction on a new 3,200-square-foot city hall in Etowah, Tennessee. The new Etowah City Hall is the city’s new permanent dedicated building for municipal government. The new one-story structure complements the historic L&N Depot, which was extensively renovated in 2012. The depot currently houses a railroad museum, the Etowah Chamber of Commerce, and serves as a facility for public and private events.

Benchmark Physical Therapy

Leon Williams completed the new Benchmark Physical Therapy location in Maryville in July. “We were thrilled with the work done by Leon Williams Contractors,” said Jason Hutcherson, Benchmark Physical Therapy facilities director. “They brought our project in on budget, ahead of time, and with a great final product. Their communication and professionalism is above board and they went above and beyond to make sure our move was a success. I will certainly use them again for projects in the area.”

So Many Projects

During the past year, our Maryville construction experts have worked on a variety of great projects around East Tennessee including:

  • The Donut Shop, renovating the flat iron building across from Regions Bank in Knoxville’s Fourth & Gill neighborhood.
  • Renovations for the Blount County Landfill Office.
  • Shift Church Knoxville opened in its new facility on Alcoa Highway.
  • Repair of damages at Everett Hills Baptist Church and Pecks Memorial Church in Blount County and working to help develop upcoming projects for several other area churches.
  • Construction began on the TLC Maryville facility, which is expected to open early 2021.
  • The new Freshens located inside Lupton Hall at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga.
  • Various trade work on Pellissippi State Community College’s new Multi-Purpose Building at the Hardin Valley campus, the new classroom Building for TCAT Morristown and the new Anderson County Higher Education Center for TCAT.

As your Maryville construction expert, we always love to assist our East Tennessee clients with their building projects. If you’ve seen our work and want to talk about your construction need for 2021, we’d love to talk. Contact Leon Williams Contractors today.