How Value Engineering Applies to PEMBs

When it comes to commercial or industrial construction, value engineering isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a practical tool. And when applied to pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMBs), it can mean the difference between a bloated budget and a well-optimized, high-performing facility.

At A.D. Constructors, we use value engineering early and often — especially with metal buildings — to help our clients in Utah get the most building for their buck, without sacrificing function or long-term durability.

Here’s how value engineering plays out in the world of PEMBs, and where you can find the biggest opportunities to save.

What Is Value Engineering?

Value engineering (VE) is the process of analyzing every component of a project and asking:

Is there a more cost-effective way to achieve the same or better result?

The goal isn’t to cut corners. It’s to reduce unnecessary costs and optimize performance. In metal buildings, this means looking at everything from framing systems to insulation types to door placements.

1. Optimizing Building Dimensions

One of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce cost is by adjusting your building’s dimensions.

Steel is fabricated in standard increments, so buildings sized in even numbers (e.g. 60’, 80’, 100’) typically result in less waste and lower fabrication costs. Similarly, reducing overall height or width — even by a couple feet — can significantly reduce the tonnage of steel required, especially in Utah where snow and wind loads already demand heavier framing.

Pro Tip: Avoid requesting a building that’s 103' wide when 100' would do. That small difference can push you into a whole new frame size — and cost tier.

2. Choosing the Right Framing System

Not all steel framing is equal.

• Rigid frame systems offer wide clear spans but are heavier and more expensive.

• Modular or multi-span frames can reduce steel weight and cost — ideal for warehouses with racking or less critical open space.

• ACT cold-formed systems offer an even more affordable alternative for shops or smaller facilities that don’t need heavy structural load capacity.

Choosing the right system based on your actual operational needs is one of the highest-leverage VE decisions you can make.

3. Adjusting Bay Spacing

Bay spacing refers to the distance between main structural frames. Tight bay spacing adds structural redundancy but also adds cost.

Many Utah contractors default to 20’ bay spacing, but moving to 25’ or 30’ bays (when layout allows) can reduce the number of frames required — which means less steel, fewer anchors, and lower labor costs.

That said, this only works if your building doesn’t require significant roof loads or interior equipment. It’s a tradeoff worth evaluating early.

4. Streamlining Openings and Accessories

Every door, window, or framed opening affects not just the architectural design, but also the structural layout.

• Large overhead doors require additional framing.

• Custom window placements may conflict with load-bearing elements.

• Translucent panels or skylights add to both material and labor complexity.

Value engineering looks at which openings are truly necessary and whether they can be relocated or resized to work more efficiently with the structural design.

Bonus Tip: Locating all your doors and windows on one side of the building can simplify your framing and reduce lateral bracing costs.

5. Insulation Systems That Match Your Use Case

Not every building needs R-30 walls and a high-efficiency roof.

• If you’re building an unconditioned ag facility or equipment storage shop, a basic single-layer fiberglass system may be enough.

• For climate-controlled warehouses, double-layer systems or insulated metal panels (IMPs) provide higher thermal value but cost more.

Value engineering helps align your insulation spec with your actual operational needs — and avoid overpaying for performance you won’t use.

6. Foundation Efficiencies

Foundations are always site-specific, but VE can help here too.

For example:

• Lighter framing systems (like ACT) may allow for shallower footings.

• Locating your building to avoid slope or poor soil conditions can cut excavation and concrete costs.

• Reviewing equipment loading needs may identify areas where slab thickening can be localized rather than generalized.

The key is early coordination between your GC and structural engineer — before final plans are submitted.

7. Roof Pitch and Panel Selection

• A 1:12 or 2:12 roof pitch is standard and cost-effective.

• Going steeper for looks or snow shedding may increase frame height and cladding cost.

Similarly, standard exposed fastener panels cost less than standing seam roofs — but may not be appropriate for buildings with high interior humidity or aesthetic requirements.

Value engineering weighs the long-term performance vs up-front cost tradeoffs here.

Final Thoughts: Value Engineering Starts on Day One

Most VE decisions happen long before steel shows up on-site. The earlier you involve a contractor who understands both PEMB optimization and Utah-specific building conditions, the more effective your savings will be.

At A.D. Constructors, we help owners, developers, and architects apply practical VE from day one — whether we’re designing a 3,000-square-foot ACT shop or a 100,000-square-foot PEMB facility with overhead cranes and specialty equipment.

If you’re in the early stages of planning, we’re ready to help you build smarter, not smaller.