Value Engineering

Value Engineering for Cost-Effective Projects

Value Engineering is not as simple as selecting cheaper options to cut costs. In construction, Value Engineering (often called “VE”) should be shaped by analyzing all of your project’s factors – costs, upkeep, wear-and-tear, aesthetic value, lifecycle costs, and more. When done well, Value Engineering optimizes the value of your project to make the most of your budget, providing a long-term investment that suits the goals of your organization. It should reduce unnecessary costs and drive conscientious decision-making. 

What is Value Engineering?

Value Engineering is a process within the construction industry whereby a project is analyzed to provide the best value at the lowest cost. While the approach from company to company can vary greatly, the ultimate goal is to reduce project costs while maximizing the project’s efficiency and value. To truly provide advantageous value engineering, your construction and design team need to first understand the project as a whole and your vision and goals for the project. Every project is different, as is every client’s definition of value.

Our VE Process

At Horst Construction, our focus is on optimizing your project’s value. We start by examining the function of each element and its associated cost so your team can evaluate the function-to-cost ratio. We’ll also walk you through lifecycle cost analyses, efficiency, maintenance needs, and ways you can enhance the value of your final project. This process guides your decision-making through an analytical approach prioritizing practical cost reduction measures without sacrificing the vision, quality, or safety of your project.

How VE Works

Horst has had the privilege of guiding hundreds of clients through the VE process to manage the cost, maximize the value, and provide partnership that gets their project across the finish line. One such client is Lancaster Bible College, who selected Horst as their building partner on more than half a dozen projects throughout the years. Former President of LBC Peter Teague said this about working with Horst: “I’m sure that we are not unique; we are probably like many others who come wanting a Taj Mahal built on a very small budget. They helped us to get the beautiful building we had envisioned in our mind to coincide with the amount of budget that we have.”

Every contractor’s value engineering process will be different, but Horst is uniquely positioned to offer maximum value with a suite of available services that encompass master planning, preconstruction, value engineering, design/build, and even a specialized team that focuses on renovation and remodel projects within occupied facilities. 

We would be thrilled to hear more about your project vision and obstacles, and help you get off the starting block with clear and accurate budgeting and planning services.