Applying Lean Construction Practices

October 28, 2025
Applying Lean Construction Practices

At JE Dunn, lean is part of who we are and everything we do. Lean provides a mindset and approach to construction that helps us generate value for clients through respect for people and continuous improvement.

To deliver quality outcomes, we are better served when lean practices are woven into all parts of the project timeline. Value comes through using the right tools and processes at the right time for the project. That’s why, at JE Dunn, we implement Target Value Delivery (TVD) whenever possible as part of our approach to promote innovation and eliminate waste while meeting the needs and values of our clients.

To do this, we work with clients to strategize the best applications for core TVD components along the project timeline. For a breakdown of these core components, why we use them, and when, keep reading:

Design & Preconstruction:

  • High Performing Teams – Program designed to maximize team cohesion and optimize work throughout planning and construction with client values at the forefront.
  • Conditions of Satisfaction – Clearly defines the client’s requirements for a successful project.
  • Big Room and Work Groups – A mindset of collaboration that streamlines meetings and promotes consistent progress for the project.
  • Cost Benchmarking – Utilizes JE Dunn’s database of historical data to fine-tune expected cost to assure feasibility of the project during the earliest phases of programming and design.
  • Target Values – Combines cost benchmarking with specific project needs to set realistic cost targets.
  • Last Planner System in Design – System that helps plan design and preconstruction activities to forecast the last responsible moments for decisions and eliminate roadblocks before they affect the ultimate project schedule.
  • Set-Based Design – Maps out all possible project solutions using the minimal amount of design documentation in progressive rounds, advancing a maximum number of options in each round to allow for informed decisions without wasted effort.
  • Choosing by Advantages – Five-pronged decision-making system that can help teams determine the best course of action for a project or issue after weighing advantages of each option.

Construction:

  • Continuous Estimating – Process that continuously keeps track of changes to the budget based on real-time decisions.
  • Last Planner System in Construction – System that helps teams plan construction activities to eliminate wasted time and uncover constraints before they set the project behind schedule.

Want to learn more about implementing lean construction? Visit our Services page or reach out to us directly about your upcoming project.

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