Why Hire a Construction Manager Instead of a General Contractor?
When you hire a construction manager from Build Your Own Home Services, you gain complete control over your custom home build while avoiding the excessive markups charged by traditional general contractors. Unlike contractors who typically charge 20% of your total project cost, our construction managers work for a transparent flat rate of just $6 per square foot. This means on a 3,000 square foot custom home, you'll pay only $18,000 in management fees versus $90,000 with a standard general contractor arrangement.
Cost Savings with Our Construction Management Model
The construction manager you hire from our team doesn't mark up materials, labor, or change orders. Traditional general contractors add 30-40% to every change request and material purchase, which can add tens of thousands of dollars to your final build cost. Our construction managers coordinate directly with vendors and subcontractors, allowing you to pay wholesale prices through our Pick and Pay system. You select the materials you want, and we ensure they're ordered correctly and delivered on schedule without any hidden fees.
Complete Transparency in Every Phase
When you hire a construction manager in Macomb County or Oakland County through Build Your Own Home Services, transparency is guaranteed. Your construction manager provides detailed budgets, itemized costs, and regular financial updates throughout your project. You'll always know exactly where your money is going, eliminating the uncertainty that comes with lump-sum general contractor bids.
Construction Manager Services Across Macomb & Oakland Counties
Build Your Own Home Services has provided construction management services throughout Southeast Michigan for over 28 years. We've completed more than 1,000 residential construction projects totaling over $20,000,000 in build value. Our construction managers have deep expertise in local building codes, permit requirements, and municipal regulations across every community we serve.
Lake Orion & Oakland County Custom Home Builds
Lake Orion in Oakland County is a thriving village in northern Metro Detroit popular with families seeking excellent schools and community amenities. When you hire a construction manager for your Lake Orion custom home, you benefit from our relationships with Oakland County building officials and our knowledge of subdivision requirements throughout the area. Our construction managers coordinate with Oakland County planning departments, homeowner associations, and local utilities to handle all approval processes efficiently.
Cost Savings with Our Construction Management Model
New Baltimore, a historic coastal city of 12,117 residents on Lake St. Clair's Anchor Bay, offers unique opportunities for waterfront and near-waterfront custom home construction. When you hire a construction manager familiar with New Baltimore's building department and coastal construction requirements, you avoid costly mistakes. Our construction managers understand foundation considerations for homes near Anchor Bay, drainage requirements, and how to work efficiently with New Baltimore city inspectors to keep your project on schedule.
What Does Our Construction Manager Do for Your Project?
When you hire a construction manager from Build Your Own Home Services, you receive comprehensive oversight covering every aspect of your custom home build from initial planning through final certificate of occupancy.
Pre-Construction Planning & Budgeting
Your construction manager begins by conducting thorough site analysis, evaluating lot conditions, verifying utility access, and identifying any site-specific challenges. We develop detailed construction budgets that account for all costs including materials, labor, permits, engineering, and contingencies. Your construction manager creates realistic timelines that factor in permit approval periods, material lead times, and seasonal weather considerations typical in Michigan.
Vendor & Subcontractor Coordination
Our construction managers hire and oversee all subcontractors including excavation, foundation, framing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and finish trades. We maintain a network of licensed, insured professionals throughout Macomb County and Oakland County who deliver quality workmanship at competitive prices. Your construction manager schedules all trades, coordinates material deliveries, and ensures proper work sequencing to prevent delays.
Quality Control & Site Supervision
Daily site supervision is a core responsibility of your construction manager. We conduct quality inspections at every phase, verify that work meets building codes, and address any deficiencies immediately. Your construction manager is your advocate, ensuring that subcontractors perform to the standards you expect and deserve.
Permit Acquisition & Code Compliance
Navigating building permits, engineering approvals, and inspection requirements can be overwhelming. Your construction manager handles all permit applications, coordinates required inspections with local building departments, and ensures your custom home complies with Michigan building codes and local ordinances. We schedule inspections at appropriate intervals and address any inspector concerns promptly to keep your project moving forward.
Our Construction Management Process: From Lot to Move-In
Initial Consultation & Site Analysis
When you contact us to hire a construction manager, we start with a comprehensive consultation to understand your vision, budget, and timeline. If you haven't purchased land yet, our real estate team can help you find suitable building lots in New Baltimore, Romeo, Lake Orion, Marine City, or your preferred Macomb County or Oakland County location. Your construction manager conducts site analysis to verify buildability and identify any challenges early.
Budget Development & Timeline Creation
Your construction manager develops a detailed line-item budget covering all construction costs. We provide transparent pricing for every element of your build, from excavation through final landscaping. Our timelines account for Michigan weather patterns, permit approval periods typical in your municipality, and material lead times to set realistic completion expectations.
Permit Acquisition & Contractor Selection
We handle all permit applications and engineering coordination with your local building department. Your construction manager selects qualified subcontractors, obtains multiple bids for your review, and negotiates contracts that protect your interests. Our Pick and Pay model means you approve all contractor selections and pricing before work begins.
Construction Oversight & Quality Assurance
Once construction begins, your construction manager is on-site daily to supervise work, conduct quality inspections, and maintain schedule adherence. We coordinate material deliveries, manage subcontractor schedules, and conduct regular progress meetings. You receive weekly updates and have 24/7 video access to monitor your build remotely.
Final Inspection & Certificate of Occupancy
As construction nears completion, your construction manager coordinates final inspections with your municipal building department. We create punch lists to address any minor items, verify that all systems function properly, and ensure your home meets all code requirements. Your construction manager guides you through the final walkthrough and assists with obtaining your certificate of occupancy so you can move into your dream home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a construction manager in Michigan?
Build Your Own Home Services charges a flat rate of $6 per square foot for construction management services. This means for a 3,000 square foot custom home, you would pay just $18,000 in management fees compared to the industry standard 20% general contractor fee which would be $90,000 on a $450,000 build. Our transparent pricing model saves homeowners an average of $72,000 or more on their custom home projects in Macomb County and Oakland County.
What is the difference between a construction manager and a general contractor?
The main difference is in pricing structure and transparency. General contractors typically charge 20% of total project cost and add 30-40% markup on all change orders and materials. A construction manager works for a flat fee and provides complete transparency with no markups. With our construction management model, you select and pay vendors directly through our Pick and Pay system, ensuring you get the best prices on materials and labor without hidden fees.
Do you serve New Baltimore, Romeo, and Lake Orion Michigan?
Ready to hire a construction manager for your custom home build in Macomb County or Oakland County? Contact Build Your Own Home Services today for a free consultation. Our experienced construction managers are ready to help you build your dream home while saving thousands compared to traditional general contractor fees.
What does a construction manager do for a home building project?
A construction manager oversees every phase of your home building project from initial planning to final certificate of occupancy. This includes lot research and acquisition, architectural design coordination, obtaining all permits and engineering approvals, hiring and managing subcontractors, coordinating material deliveries, conducting quality inspections, managing the construction timeline, and ensuring all work meets building codes. Our construction managers provide daily oversight and give you live video access to monitor your project remotely.
Can a construction manager help me find land to build on?
Absolutely. Build Your Own Home Services has a dedicated real estate team that helps clients find suitable building lots in New Baltimore, Romeo, Lake Orion, Marine City, and throughout Macomb and Oakland Counties. We conduct lot research to verify zoning compliance, assess soil conditions, confirm utility access, and evaluate overall buildability before you purchase. Our integrated approach means your construction manager is involved from lot selection through final construction.





