If you ask any homeowner about their renovation experience, you will likely hear the same exhausted sigh followed by the phrase: “It cost way more than we thought.”
In the construction industry, budget overruns have become accepted as “normal.” We hear stories of projects starting at $100,000 and ballooning to $150,000 due to “unforeseen costs” or “allowance overages.”
But here is the truth that most contractors won’t tell you: Going over budget is not a requirement of remodeling. It is a symptom of poor planning.
At J. Barton Construction, we operate differently. We believe you should know the final penny of the cost before we swing the first hammer. Here is the secret to how we remodel homes in North Idaho without a single surprise bill.
The Problem with the “Free Estimate”
To understand the solution, you must first understand the trap. When a contractor gives you a quick “Free Estimate,” they are often providing a Cost-Plus or Time & Materials projection.
In this model, you pay for the labor and materials as they are used. If the price of lumber goes up? You pay more. If the crew works slower than expected? You pay more.
The contractor has zero incentive to be efficient because the risk is entirely on you. You are essentially handing them a blank check.
The Solution: The Fixed-Price Contract
We flip the script. We utilize a Fixed-Price Model.
This means that the price we sign on the contract is the price you pay at the end. Period. If we miscalculate the amount of drywall needed, that is our problem, not yours. If lumber prices spike next week, our price to you remains locked.
How can we afford to take that risk? Preparation.
How It Works: The “Build It Twice” Method
We build your project twice. First on paper, then in reality.
Before we ever sign a construction contract, we guide you through our Pre-Construction Design Phase. During this rigorous planning stage, we:
- Select Every Finish: We don’t use vague “allowances” for tile or cabinets. We select the specific tile, the specific faucet, and the specific flooring.
- Verify the Structure: We bring in our trade partners (plumbers, electricians) to inspect your home’s existing systems so we aren’t surprised by a pipe in the wrong wall later.
- Define the Scope: We write a detailed scope of work that outlines exactly what is included—and what isn’t.
By the time we present you with a construction contract, there are no unknowns left. The number is hard, factual, and final.
The “Change Order” Myth
“But what if I want to change my mind during the build?”
This is a common question. In a Fixed-Price model, you still have the freedom to make changes! If you decide you want to upgrade your Kitchen Countertops halfway through the project, we simply issue a formal Change Order.
This document tells you exactly how much the change costs and how it affects the timeline. You approve it before we do the work. You are never hit with a bill you didn’t explicitly agree to.
Sleep Soundly During Your Remodel
Your home is likely your largest financial asset. You shouldn’t have to gamble with its equity.
A renovation should be exciting, not a source of financial anxiety. By demanding a Fixed-Price contract, you regain control. You know exactly when the project will end, and exactly what the final check will look like.
Don’t settle for “guesstimates.” Book Your Feasibility Consultation with J. Barton Construction today, and let’s build a plan you can trust.
