What Is Flat Fee Construction Management?
Flat fee construction management is a transparent pricing structure where you pay a fixed dollar amount for complete project oversight rather than a percentage of your total construction cost. Build Your Own Home Services pioneered flat fee construction management in Southeast Michigan, charging just $6 per square foot for comprehensive services from initial planning through final certificate of occupancy.
How Flat Fee Pricing Saves You Money
Traditional general contractors charge 20% of your total project cost. This percentage-based fee creates a conflict of interest because the contractor earns more when your project costs more. Flat fee construction management eliminates this conflict by establishing a fixed fee upfront that never changes regardless of final construction costs. Your flat fee is calculated by multiplying your home's square footage by $6, making budgeting simple and predictable.
Transparent $6 Per Square Foot Management Fee
Our flat fee construction management rate is straightforward and easy to calculate. A 2,000 square foot home costs $12,000 in management fees. A 3,000 square foot home costs $18,000. A 4,000 square foot home costs $24,000. This flat fee includes all construction management services including planning, permitting, contractor coordination, daily supervision, quality control, and project closeout. There are no hidden fees, percentage add-ons, or surprise charges.
No Hidden Costs or Material Markups
Beyond the flat fee structure, Build Your Own Home Services guarantees zero markups on materials, labor, or change orders. Traditional general contractors add 30-40% markup to every material purchase and change request. Our flat fee construction management model uses the Pick and Pay system where you select materials and pay vendors directly at wholesale prices. This transparency saves thousands of additional dollars beyond the flat fee savings.
Flat Fee vs Percentage-Based General Contractor Pricing
The True Cost of 20% General Contractor Fees
Most general contractors charge 20% of total project cost for their services. On a $450,000 custom home build, this equals $90,000 in contractor fees. Additionally, general contractors typically markup materials and change orders by 30-40%. These hidden costs add tens of thousands of dollars to your final bill beyond the already substantial 20% fee.
Why Flat Fee Construction Management Costs Less
Flat fee construction management costs significantly less because the fee is based on square footage, not total construction cost. For that same 3,000 square foot custom home with a $450,000 construction budget, flat fee construction management costs just $18,000 versus the $90,000 general contractor fee. That's an immediate $72,000 savings. Combined with zero markups on materials and changes, total savings often exceed $100,000 on custom home projects in New Baltimore, Romeo, Lake Orion, and throughout Macomb County and Oakland County.
Our Flat Fee Construction Management Services
Complete Pre-Construction Planning
Flat fee construction management begins with thorough pre-construction planning. Our team conducts comprehensive site analysis, evaluates lot conditions, verifies utility access, and identifies any potential challenges. We develop detailed budgets that account for all construction costs including site work, foundation, framing, mechanical systems, finishes, and landscaping. Our budgets are realistic and based on current material costs and local labor rates in Macomb County and Oakland County.
Permit Acquisition and Code Compliance
Navigating building permits and code requirements is included in flat fee construction management. We handle all permit applications with your local building department whether you're building in New Baltimore, Romeo, Lake Orion, Marine City, or other communities we serve. Our construction managers coordinate required engineering approvals, schedule inspections at appropriate phases, and ensure your home meets all Michigan building codes and local ordinances.
Subcontractor Management and Coordination
Our flat fee construction management includes comprehensive subcontractor management. We maintain a network of licensed, insured professionals throughout Southeast Michigan including excavation, foundation, framing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and finish trades. We obtain multiple bids for your review, coordinate scheduling to maintain efficient workflow, and manage all subcontractor relationships. You approve contractor selections while we handle daily coordination.
Daily Site Supervision and Quality Control
Once construction begins, your dedicated construction manager provides daily on-site supervision included in the flat fee. We conduct quality inspections at every phase, verify work meets building codes, coordinate material deliveries, and address any issues immediately. Our live video monitoring system gives you 24/7 access to view your project from your smartphone.
Final Inspections and Project Closeout
As construction nears completion, flat fee construction management includes coordination of all final inspections with your building department. We create punch lists, verify all systems function properly, ensure complete code compliance, and guide you through the final walkthrough. We assist with obtaining your certificate of occupancy so you can move into your new home.
Flat Fee Construction Management Service Areas
New Baltimore Flat Fee Building Services
New Baltimore, Michigan is a prime location for flat fee construction management services. This coastal city of 12,117 residents on Lake St. Clair's Anchor Bay offers excellent opportunities for custom home construction. Our flat fee construction management in New Baltimore includes expertise with coastal building requirements, foundation considerations for homes near water, drainage system design, and coordination with city building officials.
Romeo and Marine City Fixed Fee Management
Romeo Michigan and Marine City along the St. Clair River are popular locations for our flat fee construction management services. Clients in these communities appreciate the budget certainty that flat fee pricing provides. Whether you're building on a large rural lot in Romeo or a riverfront property in Marine City, our flat fee construction management delivers comprehensive oversight for one predictable price.
Lake Orion Oakland County Flat Rate Services
Lake Orion in Oakland County attracts families seeking flat fee construction management for custom home builds in communities with excellent schools and amenities. Our flat fee construction management extends throughout Oakland County including Rochester Hills, Troy, Auburn Hills, and Clarkston.
Macomb County Communities We Serve
Flat fee construction management from Build Your Own Home Services is available throughout Macomb County including Harrison Township, Shelby Township, Washington Township, Chesterfield Township, Macomb Township, Clinton Township, and Sterling Heights. We've completed flat fee managed projects in every corner of Macomb County, building strong relationships with local building departments and networks of quality subcontractors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Over 1,000 Homes Built Since 1997
Build Your Own Home Services has provided flat fee construction management since 1997, completing over 1,000 custom homes throughout Macomb County and Oakland County. This experience means we've refined our flat fee construction management process to deliver maximum value and efficiency.
Average $72,000+ Savings Per Project
Clients choosing flat fee construction management save an average of $72,000 or more compared to traditional 20% general contractor fees. These savings are real dollars that stay in your pocket or go toward upgraded features for your home.
Live 24/7 Video Project Monitoring
Our flat fee construction management includes live video monitoring of your build site accessible 24/7 from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. This transparency and access are included in your flat fee with no additional charges.
No Markup on Materials or Change Orders
Unlike general contractors who add 30-40% markup to every material purchase and change order, our residential construction management services include zero markups. When you select materials or make changes,.
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.
