A systematic approach to construction is the most basic definition of value engineering. It involves looking at the products that are planned to be used for the project and looking for alternatives to save the client money. Oftentimes, you can get the same result by using alternative materials or opting for an easier building method. Below, we will discuss more about the value engineering process and how it can help improve your commercial project.

Achieving Optimal Results While Saving Money

As contractors, we often plan a project using the highest quality materials and processes that we know will bring optimal results. We know that some products can be expensive, especially in large quantities. By using the techniques in value engineering, we are able to provide you with a stable build, while lowering the risk of going over budget. 

Once you get above a certain size, it makes sense to consider tilt-up buildings or using other methods for building. Doing this will give you a variety of different monetary values that can help save you money. 

Steps In Value Engineering

While E.K. Bailey doesn’t do the estimating for your project, it is common for architects to over-design a project. While the final product will look visually appealing, the client will end up paying extra for this design if the materials are not evaluated. When it comes to value engineering, the goal is to simplify. Here are some of the steps that contractors, clients, or architects can take to make a project more affordable.

Gather Information

Take a good look at the recommended materials and plans for your project. Gather information about the composition of materials and what they are typically used for. Understanding the product better will help clients compare it to cheaper material options. 

Clients can also look at the lifespan of the materials to see if they are worth the investment. Looking at what aspects will provide the most value is what a client should spend money on.

Think Creatively

The engineering team will now go back to the drawing board and think about more creative solutions. Looking at new methods, alternative risks with higher rewards, etc. Brainstorm freely and come up with different ways to get from point A to B. 

Evaluate Ideas

With all the ideas on the table, the team should now think about what will provide the most value to the client. If the client wants the building to look modern without the price tag, focusing on modern colors in cheaper products may be the solution. A small change can result in a handful of benefits, but if this change will restrict the company in any way, a better solution should be proposed. 

Develop And Analyze

Before choosing the final solution and design, the project timeline should also be considered. Remember that the overall goal of value engineering is to simplify. Consider how the break-even point will affect the product application and the long-term function of the company. 

Present Discoveries

Once a design or architecture team has come up with different solutions, present them to the client or contractor. Make sure to focus on the benefits the new solutions will provide to the client. Compare the old methods to the new ones. Share pricing breakdowns. 

Implement Changes

Once the client has approved the new solutions, it is time to implement them. Start by purchasing the new materials and focusing on prepping the construction site with simplified solutions. 

Function To Cost Ratio

Balancing functionality and price is the most important part of construction. Looking at the detailed breakdown of costs before completing the project will provide the client with a bigger picture. Each different project should meet the cost-benefit thresholds of the client, otherwise, value engineering tactics are somewhat useless. 

A workplace or shipping center needs to serve the client you are building it for. Value engineering is here to provide more of a benefit for the workers, customers, and shippers, but only if it is done with functionality in mind. Saving money does not mean cutting corners. There are simple ways to save pennies without compromising the structural integrity. 

Construction From E.K. Bailey

E.K. Bailey is one of the leaders in commercial construction because of our long history of quality construction and customer service. We proudly serve the entire state of Utah and a variety of industries including healthcare, retail, auto dealerships, and industrial. Our goal is to ensure that our clients are satisfied with their building and the communication from our team. If you want a long-lasting commercial space, reach out to our contractors today!

Our world is filled with weather, natural phenomena, fluctuating temperatures, and natural disasters. Building homes and commercial buildings to withstand everything the universe throws at them is important to comfortable living. Whether it’s hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, or wildfires, proper materials and construction practices will ensure the longevity of the building. This blog will share materials and construction techniques that make a building capable of surviving natural disasters. 

The Risks To Your Building

Before constructing a building, understanding the risks that weather can pose to your building will help you execute the perfect building. Different regions and climates will create different risks for a building. Knowing the right materials and construction techniques for your region will negate the risks. Here are some common natural disaster risks:

• Earthquake-prone areas: Buildings in earthquake-prone areas should be constructed to absorb and dissipate seismic energy. These buildings will counteract the shaking of the ground to keep the building from toppling over.
• Hurricanes: Hurricanes and tsunamis are some of the most damaging natural disasters. Building in hurricane areas should be built to withstand high winds, water, and flying debris.
• Flood zones: Water resistance is important for all buildings, but in flood-prone areas, water-resistant materials are key. Exterior and interior materials that are water resistant will save you money on repairs after a flood. 
• Wildfire states: Fire-resistant materials are a smart investment for any building, but especially in dry climates. Strategic landscaping in addition to fire-resistant materials will keep your building from damage. 

Wind Resistance

High winds can cause significant damage to homes or commercial buildings. Winds can rip off roofing materials, fling heavy debris into the building, and damage windows. Incorporating wind and storm protection will increase the longevity of your structure. 

When constructing a wind-resistant building contractors can include impact-resistant windows and doors that keep the interior of the structure safe. These can also be used in hurricane and tornado areas to reduce damage. 

Hip or gable roofs can withstand high winds better than shingles or even flat roofs. A durable roof will limit flying debris that can lead to damage to surrounding structures. 

Earthquake Prep

Preparing for earthquakes can be extremely difficult as they are hard to predict. Setting up your building for the future with reinforced structural design accounts for any potential hazards that may occur. Reinforced concrete or steel frame construction will ensure that a building remains standing.

Modern construction also has introduced new practices to keep buildings stable during an earthquake. Base isolation and deep pile foundations can help during seismic events. 

Proper Drainage 

Flood prevention is important for all buildings. If your area receives a large amount of rain, or snow, or is prone to flash floods, implementing proper drainage and water-resistant materials will minimize damage. Contractors can install flood vents so water flows through the building and reduces pressure on the walls during natural disasters.

Materials To Help Withstand Natural Disasters

For builders or DIYers looking for specific materials, here are some that can lower the intensity of natural disasters. 

Reinforced Concrete

This composite material is crucial in natural disaster construction. It is made up of multiple materials that complement each other to keep a building standing. Steel is implemented as the concrete is drying to help make the building stronger during a storm. This is best used for buildings in earthquake zones so that they remain flexible during the shaking, but stay upright. 

Cross-Laminated Timber

CLT is a durable and lightweight material that does well in earthquakes, fires, and more. It is an engineered wood panel that consists of many layers that are laid perpendicular to one another to create a strong bond. 

Impact-Resistant Glass

Installing durable glass is important for any business or home, especially where natural disasters are frequent. Putting impact-resistant glass in windows and doors will prevent flying debris from entering the space, compromising the integrity of the building. 

Water Resistant Insulation

Cell spray foam insulation can prevent bacteria and mold growth from occurring after a flood. In hurricane, flooding, or heavy winter areas having the right insulation adds to your energy efficiency as well as limiting repairs. An excess of water can cause floor rotting, roof leaks, and more. 

Quality Buildings From E.K. Bailey Construction

Constructing buildings to withstand natural disasters is important to our team. E.K. Bailey started by constructing residential spaces but has now moved into the commercial building space. Constructing homes and businesses will require a professional contractor to ensure that the building can last for many years. 
E.K. Bailey is a family-owned business that is proud to serve our local community. No matter what type of building you are looking for, we can provide the highest quality materials and expert advice for durable construction. We also provide consulting and design-build services to help other contractors achieve their dream buildings. Reach out to us to schedule a consultation or hire us for a commercial project.

Change and growth are inevitable when running a business. Making choices about your business should be a strategic choice that can help your business stay relevant. When deciding between renovation and new construction you should consider your business’s daily operation, brand image, and the future growth of your business. If your business is ready to expand or you want to stretch to reach more clients, a renovation will be a worthwhile investment. 

This blog will share some of the challenges that come with business renovation and new construction. We will also discuss how they can help improve your business and make you stand out in your respective industry. 

Breathing New Life Into Existing Spaces

Older businesses could use a little refresh in order to continue to bring in business. Renovating a business is a worthwhile investment for many commercial spaces to help them stay relevant and build trust with customers. Breathing new life into your business doesn’t have to be a complete renovation to elevate the space. Adding small details or touching up worn-out areas will be worthwhile.

Reducing Environmental Impact

Keeping your existing building will be more environmentally friendly than new construction. Reusing materials and minimizing waste is important as more pollution fills our earth. If you have a stable foundation and your materials still have a usable life, renovation will work for you. Reducing your carbon footprint while pushing your business into the sight of new customers is possible with renovation. 

Cost-Effective

Buying all new materials can add up quickly, especially for larger buildings, office spaces, or industrial companies. Renovating a space you already have will limit how much you need to spend on materials. Renovation allows you to upgrade specific areas at a lower expense. Some businesses renovate regions in small batches to help stay on budget.

Less Flexibility

The challenge of renovations is that you have less flexibility with design. Because you are working with an existing space, you may not be able to change the layout or certain materials. You may need to make compromises when it comes to your budget or certain dreams to fit within your current framework. 

Building A Dream From The Ground Up

Running a business is hard work and often takes up a lot of your time. After running your business for some time, you deserve to build your dream space from scratch. Many businesses can see a large influx of new customers when they build a new commercial space. 

Fewer Surprises And Challenges

When new and modern techniques and materials are used, builders will encounter fewer roadblocks. Constructing a new building can come with its own challenges, but it comes with fewer hidden surprises (mold, rotting floorboards, asbestos, pest infestations, etc.). 

Total Customization

When you start a building from the ground up, you have complete freedom of what the space will look like. Customizing your business space will make it feel like it reflects your personality and brand identity. Customizing every aspect of a building may seem overwhelming, but sticking to your brand colors and vibe will help make decisions easier.

Longer Timeline

One of the downsides of starting from scratch is that your project timeline will be extended. New buildings will take longer to complete as contractors will need to order materials, obtain permits, install electrical and plumbing, and finalize all legal documents to build a commercial space. For commercial spaces, it can be several months or a year before your project is complete. 

Construction From E.K. Bailey

E.K. Bailey offers multiple construction services to help make all commercial spaces profitable. We offer pre-construction, consulting, design-build, and construction management. Our company grew from a small home builder into one of the top commercial construction firms in Utah. We strive to create loyal and repeat customers and business relationships. 

Whether you are in the fuel industry, need an office space, or want to share the culinary arts with residents, our team has the skills to help. We focus on high-quality materials, modern techniques, and quality customer service. Reach out to us by filling out a contact form on our website to start creating your dream project.