Best For:

Larger custom builds, remodels, or clients who value flexibility, transparency, and an earlier start

When It’s Used:

Often signed during or immediately after Preconstruction—before final selections or engineering are complete

Cost-Plus contracts are designed for clients who want to move forward proactively while maintaining full transparency and flexibility throughout the process.

You pay the actual cost of labor, materials, trade partners, and general conditions—plus a fixed builder’s fee (usually a percentage of the total project cost) that covers our overhead and profit.

How It Works:

- You sign the construction agreement during or after Preconstruction
- We bill actual costs to the project—nothing hidden or padded
- Our fee is agreed upon upfront (as a percentage of total project cost)
- We begin planning, scheduling, and even procurement before final selections are complete

Key Features:

- Total transparency—you see every invoice and cost
- All site-specific work and general conditions (e.g. project management, site supervision, dumpsters, temp fencing, etc.) are billed directly to the project
- Builder’s fee (typically X%) is clearly defined and covers overhead and profit
- Real-time budget updates by line item
- Can be signed early, so we can start proactively planning and scheduling

Built-In Tracking, Clarity, and Confidence

We don’t just say we’re transparent—we show it.

Our Cost-Plus clients receive detailed financial reports updated in real time. You'll know exactly where your budget stands at all times—no surprises, no vague allowances.

We track all project costs by trade, selection, and scope, giving you a crystal-clear view of how your decisions affect the budget.

Behind the scenes, our full project management and financial coordination team is working with multiple vendors and trade partners during Preconstruction to make sure we’re getting the best value for every line item. We compare bids, negotiate pricing, and build your budget intentionally—so your investment is protected and used wisely.

Why We Recommend Cost-Plus

Cost-Plus contracts allow us to serve you better. They give us the ability to:
- Start sooner (no need to wait for all selections to be complete)
- Plan and schedule proactively
- Build with flexibility and precision
- Provide full transparency into your budget
- Align with you as a partner—not just a contractor

We believe in open communication, honest pricing, and excellent craftsmanship. That’s why Cost-Plus is our preferred method—it reflects how we do business: with trust, care, and clarity.

Best For:

Smaller remodels or projects with a clearly defined scope

When It’s Used:

After the Preconstruction Planning & Investment Package is completed and final drawings, selections, and engineering are finalized

Fixed Fee contracts are most often used for smaller or more straightforward projects. These agreements offer a single, set price for your build based on finalized construction documents and specifications.

How It Works:

- You complete the Preconstruction Planning & Investment Package with our team
- After all plans, selections, and engineering are finalized, we issue a Fixed Fee contract with a set total project cost
- Any changes after signing are processed as change orders
- Scope and pricing are locked in prior to construction

Key Features:

- Predictable total cost
- Clear scope and expectations
- Ideal for projects where no major changes are expected after design is complete

Limitations:

- Requires full design and selection completion before signing
- Less flexibility to make changes once construction begins
- Slower start—cannot begin construction or procurement until contract is signed