BuildZoom Project Pulse – December

Client Highlight

In April, Kahala Brands partnered with BuildZoom to streamline buildouts across multiple brands, with a primary focus on Cold Stone Creamery. Together, we’re currently managing approximately 15 buildouts nationwide. Here are some recent highlights showcasing the impact of our partnership.

Full Buildout – Columbia, South Carolina:

• The final contractor bid came in at $233,000. Through value engineering & strategic negotiations on the contractor’s profit margin, the final contract was signed for $215,000-delivering an impressive $18,000 savings for the franchisee!

Store Refresh – Chula Vista, California:

• The client’s budget was $50,000 and BuildZoom successfully negotiated a final contract amount of $43,300. This resulted in a the refresh being completed $6,700 under budget!

Contractor Highlight

Scott General Contracting was named the “Top 100 Retail Contractor” by Retail Construction Magazine. SGC is an Illinois-based company licensed in 36 states. Founded in 1998 by owner Michael Scott, SGC is a full-service contractor that manages every step of the construction process from the initial concept to the grand opening.

BuildZoom Partner Since 2019

BuildZoom Score Their BuildZoom score of 127 ranks in the top 1% of 65,686 Illinois licensed contractors.

Previous projects include Buffalo Wild Wings, Dog Haus, Nothing Bundt Cake, Smoothie King, Pinot’s Palette, and Huntington Learning Centers.

Project Types Interior build outs, retail construction, retrofits, remodels.

New Location

We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of AllyAnne’s Kolache Kitchen in Magnolia, Texas. Owned and operated by a dynamic husband-and-wife duo, this restaurant specializes in homemade, Texas-style kolaches. Follow AllyAnne’s on social media to explore their inspiring journey—from taking risks and relocating to perfecting their recipes and building a successful catering business—all leading to the launch of their very own storefront.

Pro Tip of the Month

Maximize Savings with Value Engineering in TI Buildouts

Value engineering is a powerful tool in tenant improvement projects, especially for franchise buildouts. The graph highlights how early decisions in the design and preconstruction process have the greatest impact on potential cost savings.

• Program/Standards Phase: Early involvement is key. Decisions made here about the overall needs and standards of the space have the highest potential for cost savings. Defining the scope and budget accurately can prevent costly changes later.
• Schematic Design: Adjusting the layout, size, and overall design at this stage helps optimize the space efficiently. Making changes during schematic design is more cost-effective than later phases, as fewer details are set in stone.
• Design Development: Decisions regarding materials and finishes occur here. Value engineering at this stage allows for selecting cost-effective yet high-quality materials that align with franchise standards, keeping the project on budget without compromising quality.
• Construction Documents: Finalizing how everything will come together. Changes during this phase are still possible but can be more expensive. Focusing on clarity and completeness in documents can help avoid costly revisions during construction.
• Construction Phase: By the time construction begins, the potential for savings significantly decreases. Late-stage changes can lead to budget overruns and delays. Ensuring that all design decisions have been finalized before this phase minimizes unexpected costs.

By understanding the financial impact of decisions at each stage, you can prioritize early involvement and make informed choices that maximize value and keep your franchise tenant improvement buildout on budget.

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