What Is Value Engineering? Cut Retrofit Costs, Not Corners
When you’re planning a seismic retrofit, unexpected challenges can drive up costs fast. Value engineering helps you plan smarter—identifying cost-saving alternatives early, before changes become expensive or complex.
With the right guidance, you can reduce expenses without sacrificing safety or long-term performance.
What Is Value Engineering?
Value engineering is the process of reviewing a project to identify more efficient ways to achieve the same or better result. For seismic retrofits, this means finding alternative materials, relocation strategies, or design adjustments that meet safety standards while reducing costs or minimizing installation time.
Not all engineering plans are created equal—even when they aim for the same outcome. Our team reviews plans and frequently identifies smarter, more practical ways to execute design details that improve constructability without compromising safety or compliance.
Value engineering isn’t about cutting corners. It’s about making the design work better in the field while preserving performance and reliability.
Where Value Engineering Fits in the Retrofit Process
Value engineering is most effective during the early planning phase—before designs are finalized or permits are submitted. This is when you have the most flexibility to make meaningful adjustments.
By reviewing proposed plans at this stage, an experienced seismic contractor can recommend alternatives that:
- Lower installation time and labor costs
- Reduce material expenses or lead time delays
- Address access or tenant constraints
- Preserve or enhance performance
Many design details leave room for improvement. Spotting those opportunities, however, takes real-world construction experience. A seasoned seismic contractor can often streamline the scope, simplify installation, or suggest alternative methods that still meet the engineer’s intent—even if those solutions aren’t reflected in the initial plan.
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Value engineering takes a little more time during the bidding process—especially if we need to submit RFIs and wait for engineering responses.
But it’s time well spent. In some cases, that process has cut construction costs in half.
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The earlier you start asking planning questions—like how access, materials, or tenant needs might affect the design—the more time and money you can save.
Real-World Value Engineering for Seismic Work
Construction experience plays a vital role in supporting engineers and clients throughout the value engineering process. Common areas where field knowledge can add value include:
- MEP Coordination: Identifying ways to relocate or work around mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems that interfere with retrofit elements.
- Access Planning: Addressing challenges such as ceiling heights, wall configurations, or tenant constraints that may limit installation options.
- Framing Adjustments: Recommending changes to framing details to improve constructability and reduce installation time.
- Alternate Materials: Selecting alternative materials when supply chain issues or long lead times make original specifications unavailable, while still meeting code and performance standards.
- Hidden Damage Solutions: Anticipating issues like roof condensation damage or beam failures and planning ahead to avoid costly surprises.
Budgeting Support for Real Estate Transactions
Value engineering also plays a role in seismic budgeting during property acquisitions. If you’re considering purchasing a building, a detailed budget can help estimate potential retrofit costs before the sale is finalized.
Saunders Seismic offers free project budgeting services to help clients understand potential retrofit costs before moving forward.
A comprehensive budget typically includes:
- Low, median, and high cost ranges
- Line items based on the building’s specific conditions
- Notes highlighting key cost drivers and known constraints
Accuracy improves when more information is provided. Helpful documentation may include:
- Existing structural plans (S-pages)
- Property condition assessments or seismic reports
- Roof and interior photos
- Office layout and square footage
- Usage details (e.g., warehouse, office, mixed-use)
Why Value Engineering Matters
Retrofits aren’t one-size-fits-all. Every building comes with its own surprises—and value engineering helps you plan for them.
It also supports structural engineers by addressing site access, material sourcing, and tenant coordination early in the process. A collaborative approach during design improves field performance and helps avoid costly redesigns.
Work With Experts Who Look Out for You
Thousands of successful retrofit projects across five states have taught us one thing: every building has its quirks, and every decision affects the bottom line.
At Saunders Seismic, we treat your project like we’re financial partners. That means solving problems before they become costly, keeping your tenants happy during construction, and helping you get the most value from every dollar you spend.
Whether you’re planning a seismic retrofit or evaluating a property purchase, our value engineering and budgeting support can help you:
- Avoid costly surprises
- Eliminate design inefficiencies
- Spend wisely—without compromising safety
We’ve got your back, so you can move forward with confidence.
Contact us today for clear answers, expert guidance, and a practical path forward—whether you’re just gathering information or ready to take the next step, we’re here to help.