Questions and answers

ROY SHEPHERD gives direct answers to a range of questions about value engineering.Value engineering is the buzz word of the industry but what is it?
Value engineering is an essential part of the design process. It enables a client’s needs to be fully understood and also makes it possible to provide the most cost-effective solutions to those needs. Its role within the construction industry is becoming increasingly more important. What are the common practices of value engineering?
In line with Egan’s ‘Rethinking construction’, value engineering is about implementing a more streamlined and efficient approach. Innovative methods such as modularisation are high on the agenda and products such as plastic-pipe systems can lend themselves well to prefabrication. We know from discussions with consultants and contractors that they are also increasingly focusing on products which do not require a highly skilled and certificated labour force to install and which can minimise the installation time. In addition, the building-services industry is looking for products that can offer a 50-year design life and which can offer reduced running and maintenance costs for the whole life span of the building. What role does whole life cycle costings have on the value engineering process?
Life-cycle costings are an integral part of value engineering. Initial cost of products must be viewed as only one component of a much bigger picture. The lowest initial outlay on materials does not necessarily offer the best value to the client. How can specifiers deploy value engineering through a pipe manufacturer?
As manufacturers of high integrity thermoplastic pipework systems, Durapipe, for example, is able to offer cost-effective solutions to building services requirements. Such pipework systems are quick and simple to install, corrosion free and resist build-up of limescale, which offers reduced running and maintenance costs. What role does Durapipe play in the specification of value engineering?
We can assist in the process by producing project-specific comparisons of installed costs between our products and traditional products such as BS1387 steel pipework and copper pipework. We also offer advice and recommendations on the correct use of products, training on the correct and safe method of installing them, and also can visit site to provide advice during the installation. Roy Shepherd is technical support manager with Durapipe UK, Walsall Road, Norton Canes, Cannock, Staffs WS11 9NS.
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