Expert Witness Journal Issue 68 August 2026 - Flipbook - Page 65
Value Engineering Is it Truly Valuable?
by David Waddle, DipICArb FCIOB FAPM MCIArb AMICE , Regional Director,
Construction Expert Witness at RIMKUS.
It is often the case that the individual suggestions
are put forward by the contractor as part of its tender
submission or during the lead-in period following
award of the contract. Or it may be an exercise
which is instigated by the Employer. Engineering
solutions will have been considered when the design
was 昀椀rst developed; however, VE can be carried out
in more detail once the contractor is involved, as it
has access to a wider specialist supply chain and its
own practical experience.
Introduction
Value Engineering is intended to bring value to a
project often by saving time and money. Ironically it
sometimes has the opposite e昀昀ect.
What is meant by value engineering?
Value engineering was 昀椀rst developed in the USA
during World War II and in its aftermath, when there
were shortages of both skilled labour and materials.
As a result of these shortages, manufacturers looked
for acceptable alternatives. It was discovered that
the alternatives often led to reduced costs, improved
the product, or both.
VE is not a cost-cutting exercise that relies on
reducing scope or omitting items to reduce cost,
nor is it about downgrading the speci昀椀cation below
the level of performance set by the design team
and Employer. The exercise seeks to reduce costs
while delivering the same or better function or
performance.
In construction projects, most will be familiar with
the process of one party suggesting alternative
materials or design changes, which the team will
consider and may develop. Some ideas may be
adopted and others discarded. The idea being that,
where these VE suggestions are adopted, they will
save time and/or money without compromising
quality or function.
EXPERT WITNESS JOURNAL
The best time for value engineering
VE can take place throughout the project design and
construction period. The bene昀椀t of the VE exercise
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AUGUST 2026
