When you’re planning a custom home or major remodel, one of the biggest questions is: How much will it cost? While some contractors lock clients into a lump-sum contract, Wheatland Construction uses a cost-plus contract—a transparent approach that keeps your project flexible, honest, and in your best interest.
If you’ve never heard of a cost-plus contract, let’s break down what it is, why it matters, and how it benefits you as a homeowner.
What Is a Cost-Plus Contract?
A cost-plus contract is exactly what it sounds like:
- Cost – You pay the actual costs of materials, labor, and subcontractors.
- Plus – A clearly defined percentage or fee that covers the contractor’s overhead and profit.
Instead of locking you into a single “guess-timated” price at the start, a cost-plus contract shows you exactly what your money is paying for, line by line.
The Advantages of Cost-Plus Pricing
Homeowners often find this model fairer and more transparent than a lump-sum contract. Here’s why:
1. Full Transparency
You see where every dollar goes—from lumber and roofing materials to subcontractor bids. There are no hidden markups or surprises.
2. Flexibility for Changes
Dream homes evolve during the design/build process. With cost-plus, you can make changes or upgrades without having to renegotiate an entire contract.
3. True Cost Control
Because you’re paying the actual costs, you’re never stuck overpaying for inflated estimates. If materials come in lower than expected, you benefit.
4. Higher Quality Results
Some lump-sum contracts incentivize cutting corners to protect profit margins. With cost-plus, your builder is motivated to focus on craftsmanship, not cost-cutting.
5. Trust and Partnership
Cost-plus aligns the homeowner and builder as a team working toward the same goal: delivering your project on budget, with character and integrity.
Why Wheatland Construction Uses Cost-Plus
At Wheatland Construction, our commitment is to honesty and transparency. We believe our clients deserve to see exactly where their money is going. A cost-plus contract allows us to provide:
- Accurate estimates up front with room for flexibility.
- Detailed invoices so you always know your investment is being used wisely.
- Peace of mind knowing we’re partners in the process, not adversaries.
Cost-Plus vs. Fixed-Price: Which Is Better?
Fixed-price contracts may seem simpler, but they often come with hidden risks:
- Inflated bids to cover “what-if” scenarios.
- Lower-quality materials or labor to protect profit.
- Tension when homeowners request changes mid-project.
With cost-plus, you avoid those pitfalls. Instead, you get clarity, choice, and a builder whose interests are aligned with yours.
Building with Character Means Building with Transparency
Your home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. You deserve a contract that’s fair, honest, and flexible enough to deliver exactly what you want.
At Wheatland Construction, our cost-plus pricing model reflects our values: integrity, transparency, and building with character. It’s how we ensure every project is as stress-free as possible for Kansas homeowners.
Ready to Start Your Project?
Whether you’re planning a custom home in Butler County, remodeling your kitchen, or adding on to your existing space, Wheatland Construction is here to guide you through every step with transparency and trust.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn more about how our cost-plus approach can work for you.
