January 29, 2025

The Importance of Professional Estimating and Value Engineering in New Mexico Construction Projects

When it comes to ensuring successful, cost-effective projects in New Mexico, Franken Construction relies on professional estimating and value engineering to consistently deliver the best results. These two practices are the backbone of successful projects. Utilizing  both practices helps meet budget constraints and client expectations, while maximizing efficiency without sacrificing quality. 

What is Professional Estimating?

Professional estimating refers to the practice of preparing detailed cost estimates for various construction projects. This includes an analysis of all potential resources and materials, labor, equipment, and overhead. Professional estimating is more than just outlining budgets, it involves a very strategic process that allows all stakeholders, clients, and contractors to make informed decisions that boost the overall project results. 

This process can be presented with challenges that must be tackled from many different angles. Estimating is a heavily time-driven portion of project management. The ultimate goal of project estimating is to deliver detailed budgets that account for every aspect of a project takeoff. This allows us to plan as efficiently as possible and ensure that expectations are met with the highest form of quality.

What is Value Engineering?

Within the construction industry, value engineering is the process to improve a construction project by examining a project’s functions and exploring strategies to reduce costs without compromising performance or quality. Here at Franken Construction, our team identifies efficient materials, methods, and designs that achieve better results with a lower overall project cost. When weighing the function to cost ratio, our team is able to provide advantageous value engineering.  

When it comes to value engineering, the key is to focus on the project’s functionality and long-term sustainability. Recommending energy-efficient solutions, from solar panels to HVAC systems, that can help reduce future energy bills, while building a more environmentally-friendly project.

The process of value engineering also involves rethinking the design and construction process to achieve client savings. From sourcing materials to the project construction sequence, every step of planning and construction can contribute to a more efficient process overall. For us, value engineering is an integral aspect to every project. By implementing these strategies, we can ensure every client will get more out of their budget and explore all possibilities to improve their project, down to the very last detail.

Why Are These Practices Critical Within New Mexico Construction Projects?

To have a successful construction project, the results are contingent on planning and execution. In the state of New Mexico, professional estimating and value engineering can be even more critical due to the state’s unique environment and needs. From geographical features, ever-changing material costs, and environmental conditions that can change at any second, accurate professional estimating and value engineering are important to delivering high-quality projects that meet the regions demands. 

New Mexico’s vast landscape can directly impact construction budgets. Remote locations can require more in transportation costs while high altitude areas require specific materials that are able to withstand weather fluctuations. The construction market within New Mexico can also be subject to change, from material pricing to labor availability. Because of a relatively smaller state population compared to others and seasonality of construction work, materials and labor continue to vary year over year. 

The state has very specific regulatory codes and standards that must be followed with every project. These codes often require projects to be completed with energy efficient and sustainable practices. Accurate professional estimating contributes to mitigating these variables, while value engineering identifies various opportunities to offset certain costs through smarter material choices, design adjustments, or more efficient construction methods and practices.

In a state like New Mexico, where many factors like terrain, labor, climate, and sustainability concerns all play a pivotal role in construction projects, our strategies are not just beneficial but essential for success. 

How Franken Construction Utilizes Professional Estimating and Value Engineering 

Here at Franken Construction, both professional estimating and value engineering are not just services we offer, but are integral to our approach to ensure the best possible results. Our team continues to leverage these tools while navigating the unique construction environment within the state of New Mexico. Whether it’s tailored projected estimating or implementing value engineering for maximum cost efficiency, we are committed to delivering projects that not only meet client expectations, but exceed them. At Franken Construction we don’t just estimate and engineer for the present, we plan for the future.