A formal VE approach has five key steps:

Although your design team may certainly perform VE as part of the design process, it can be beneficial to have an additional VE effort beyond only your architect and engineer. Professional VE consultants are often hired for very large and complex construction projects, in most cases, they are not likely to be needed or realistic for public housing projects. Assemble the varied expertise on your team to review the design and specifications as they are developed. This workshop is not intended to be a criticism of the design, but rather an effort for those with experience in a particular area to offer informed suggestions for improvement in function or reduction in cost. Keep in mind that VE is not simply cost cutting, but rather an effort to obtain equal or greater value for equivalent or reduced dollars spent.