If construction has begun and no value engineering study was performed during design, what is the best recommendation for the owner?

If construction has begun and no value engineering study was performed during design, what is the best recommendation for the owner?

• A. It Is Too Late to Hold a Value Engineering Study
• B. Conduct a Limited Value Engineering Review With the Design Team
• C. Do Not Hire a Certified Value Specialist
• D. Award Damages to the Construction Team for Any Perceived Loss

Answer: (A)

Value engineering is most effective when it can influence the design and procurement before construction starts, allowing cost savings without disrupting built forms or schedules. Once construction has begun and no VE work was done in design, a formal VE study is generally not practical or beneficial because it would require revising already issued drawings, specs, and contracts, leading to delays, change orders, and potential cost escalations. That’s why the recommended action is that it’s too late to hold a value engineering study. A limited review with the design team wouldn’t be as valuable at this stage because the design is largely fixed, and the opportunity to meaningfully improve value without major rework is minimal. Not hiring a Certified Value Specialist would forgo the specialized, systematic approach VE studies bring, which is not ideal when timing already limits potential savings. Awarding damages to the construction team doesn’t address value optimization and isn’t a substitute for the VE process.

Value engineering is most effective when it can influence the design and procurement before construction starts, allowing cost savings without disrupting built forms or schedules. Once construction has begun and no VE work was done in design, a formal VE study is generally not practical or beneficial because it would require revising already issued drawings, specs, and contracts, leading to delays, change orders, and potential cost escalations. That’s why the recommended action is that it’s too late to hold a value engineering study.

A limited review with the design team wouldn’t be as valuable at this stage because the design is largely fixed, and the opportunity to meaningfully improve value without major rework is minimal. Not hiring a Certified Value Specialist would forgo the specialized, systematic approach VE studies bring, which is not ideal when timing already limits potential savings. Awarding damages to the construction team doesn’t address value optimization and isn’t a substitute for the VE process.