Essentially, value engineering is when you identify a project’s cost goal and then find ways within the design parameters to reduce the costs to meet that goal. Ideally, this reassessment should occur several times during the course of a project, but sometimes you can’t tell what the ultimate cost will be when you break ground. “Often, a project will be over-designed or over-conceptualized, in which case you’ll have to make cuts that won’t affect your enjoyment of your new home,” says Steven Fontana, project manager and treasurer at Fontana Construction, Inc. in San Rafael. “That’s why it’s so important to bring your contractor on board during the design stage.”
Mr. Fontana says many architects and designers don’t understand costs as well as contractors, who deal with vendors and suppliers every day and have their fingers on the pulse of the construction materials industry. By involving your contractor early in the process, you can often save a considerable amount of money without sacrificing your design goals. “It’s also important to look for a contractor who keeps open books,” he adds. “You should be able to see where every penny is being spent, even for small items like nails.”
Mr. Fontana stresses that no contractor should tell you what a project will cost until there’s a specific design in place and materials have been selected. Understanding the goal and concept are the first steps, which lead to a preliminary design. Only then can the contractor provide an accurate rough estimate of the cost. Proceeding systematically saves money because the contractor doesn’t have to go back and undo work that has already been done.
Here are some ways to use value engineering to cut project costs and still keep your design standards high:
Larger pantries
In the kitchen, drywall pantries are less costly than cabinetry pantries, and walk-in pantries can justify much less cabinetry. Wire shelving is far more cost-effective than cabinetry in terms of kitchen supply storage.
Foundation alternatives
By adding storage space over the garage and in attic roof trusses, storage space can be delivered more cost-effectively.
Master bathroom options
An oversized soaking tub takes up a lot of space. The most common solution is to include a 42x60 tub/shower combo with a separate shower as an option, although vice versa can work as well.
Window count and placement
Do secondary bedrooms have one or two windows? Does the master suite have two or three? Given a choice of locations, windows on the front wall/street facade will add perceived value to the plan.
