Q: At the end of remodeling my home (original contract price $149,000) I was hit with an extra $24,500 for items I was unaware of. The contractor said every time that they were ordered by my architect. But I don't have an architect! I only had the architect to draw up the original plans but not stay involved with the project. Some of the items are door change, tearing down … [Read more...] about Should I Pay Extra Charges at End of Remodeling Job?
COST-PLUS Q&As
See also Cost-Plus Bids
Cost-Plus: How Much Markup?
Bryn asks: On a cost-plus bid, what be an average to high-average markup to expect from a contractor with a strong reputation for doing good work? What is the highest percentage one might expect? Are there other factors in comparing bids? Steve Bliss, of BuildingAdvisor.com, responds: There is no industry standard for markup percentage and the numbers vary a lot depending on … [Read more...] about Cost-Plus: How Much Markup?
Cost-Plus: Are Supervision Costs Billable?
Brad asks: On remodels, are supervision costs typically included in contractor's percentage fee or are these billable? Steve Bliss, of BuildingAdvisor.com, responds: There is no definitive answer to your question as different contractors handle this issue differently. Some bill for all supervisory time, some bill for only specific types of supervisory time, and some bill for … [Read more...] about Cost-Plus: Are Supervision Costs Billable?
Cost-Plus Contract for New Home
Dino writes: What is the average percentage that builders charge when they build a new home on a cost-plus contract? Do you recommend that route for a custom home? Steve Bliss, of BuildingAdvisor.com, responds: In pricing a new home, contractors typically mark up their hard costs by 18% to 25% for overhead and profit, although the actual number can vary considerably by … [Read more...] about Cost-Plus Contract for New Home
Allowances — What’s Fair? Also Fixed-Price vs. Cost-Plus Bids
Dawn writes: I need help! I am a homeowner who is doing a major remodel. I should say up front that I really like the GC we have picked... good reputation and references, been around forever. He has been very fair about working with us to change wording in our potential contract so that both of us feel like our interests are covered, etc. We have not signed a contract with … [Read more...] about Allowances — What’s Fair? Also Fixed-Price vs. Cost-Plus Bids