Value Engineering In Construction & How Metal Buildings Help

If you’re a construction contractor, you already know the benefits of value engineering in construction. But, if you’ve not a contractor, you may have questions about value engineering. In this post, we’ll define value engineering (VE) and explain why it’s an important concept for you, as a metal building owner.

The definition of value engineering in construction

In the world of construction, value engineering guides contractors on weighing costs and benefits of construction methods, materials, and building designs. The goal of value engineering isn’t simply to cut costs or corners in a project. Rather, it’s to optimize each aspect of a project to balance costs, upkeep effort, maintenance concerns, aesthetic value, and other factors. 

In value-engineered construction projects, architects and contractors collaborate to establish and deliver on the needs, goals, and requirements of a project.

Applied value engineering in construction projects

Contractors who employ value engineering in a construction project will often adjust the project specifics to achieve optimal value. For example, you might change the paint formulation, deflection criteria, column depth restrictions, or locations of the braces. As mentioned before, the goal of value engineering isn’t just to cut budget costs. Rather, value engineering prioritizes quality while exploring alternative methods for fulfilling project requirements.

Planning

It’s in the planning phase of construction projects that most value engineering activities occur. With blueprints in hand, architects and construction project managers examine the project objectives and requirements to determine whether alternatives exist that provide optimal value.

Design

At this stage, project owners work with architects to draft documentation and calculate estimates. If an estimate is outside of the project’s scope and budget, the team will re-examine the materials and methods used to improve long-term value.

Construction

After construction is started, project managers and planners continually analyze the viability and cost-effectiveness of the project. This ensures that resources are allocated wisely and the project is kept on track. 

How metal buildings support value engineering

Prefabricated metal buildings provide many benefits for those employing value engineering in construction projects. Steel buildings have become popular choices for builders because of their long-term value, durability, and design flexibility. Construction time for metal buildings is much faster than building projects made from other materials like wood, masonry, and concrete. So, let’s discuss exactly how metal buildings can help you use value engineering in construction projects.

Initial cost vs. lifetime cost

As mentioned earlier, many value engineering decisions are made during the planning phase of construction projects. After all, the planning phase is when supplies, materials, requirements, and the project budget determine which path forward is the optimal route.

Many builders find that metal buildings provide both short-term savings and long-term value. In the short term, metal buildings can be erected by up to 30 percent faster than traditional construction methods. Prefabricated metal buildings like those at California All Steel arrive ready-to-assemble on the job site. Each component and piece is measured to fit together, so you just have to follow the assembly instructions. This reduces construction time, labor costs, and the amount of time lost while waiting for the new building to be finished.

Our team uses computer-aided design (CAD) software to design and fabricate metal building components to uphold rigorous quality guidelines. The American Institute of Steel Construction estimates that using metal buildings in construction projects can provide up to 20 percent savings.

Versatile design

Versatility reason to look into choosing metal buildings as you’re using value engineering in construction projects. Project owners and architects appreciate the flexibility and versatile design of metal buildings. This is also known as a modular design, since building additions and structural repurposing can easily be achieved in the future. If you plan on expansion, a metal building can be designed to include the necessary collateral load and extendable endwalls.

Durable, low-maintenance building design

Steel buildings like those at California All Steel need less maintenance than other buildings, which results in a much lower maintenance budget over the long-term. Additionally, the nature of prefabricated metal buildings means you won’t have to compromise on strength, durability, or weather resistance.

Contact California All Steel to get superior steel buildings!

Our steel buildings are manufactured using the best materials available. This commitment to superior quality and customer service are why California All Steel remains a trusted metal building company in California, Nevada, and Arizona. If you’re using a value engineering approach in your construction, it’s worth considering the benefits of a metal building. Feel free to get a building quote over the phone or through our website contact form. 

Whether you want a metal carport or a steel workshop, our commitment to great quality is evident in every one of our metal buildings. Visit our gallery to see pictures of our steel buildings or contact us with general inquiries and sales questions. We’re always happy to hear from you!