Plans spell out the structural and finish details that are integral to building a home. At Chilkat Custom Contractors, we want to make the process as smooth, efficient, and cost effective as possible. Because there are so many details to decide upon when building a home, too many unclarified assumptions make it impossible to provide you a reasonably accurate estimate that we can stand behind. If you are just trying to get a ballpark budget number in order to take the first steps in determining the basic size and shape of project you want to pursue, we suggest using $300 – $350 per square foot.  

If your project is to renovate your existing home, we will start with a phone consultation, and move forward with a site visit. We may invite other trades, such as an electrician and/or a plumber, to the on-site consultation. A set of plans may be required. Following the consultation, we will provide a list of information needed from the owner, and then will provide a proposal either as a lump sum bid, or a time and materials estimate.

In general, we will not take on a project with a majority of owner-provided materials. We know from experience that getting the right quantity of the correct materials to the job site on time is crucial to keeping a project moving efficiently and within budget. When we provide materials, these services are included: we do a detailed “material take off” to determine quantities needed; we provide the owner with a submittal for their approval showing exactly what materials will be purchased (when relevant); we work with vendors to procure the materials; arrange and track freight as needed; and provide safe delivery to job site. That being said, if you want to provide a few specific items, or you have a small project and the materials are already on hand, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

A lump sum bid is basically a fixed price to complete your project. A lump sum bid proposal will include a comprehensive list of scopes of work that are included in the price (and a list of exclusions, or any items not included in the price). A lump sum bid is based on the plans submitted by the owner. Some benefits of a lump sum bid include knowing there is fixed total price for your project (barring any changes made by the owner or unforseen conditions such as rot); greater ease working within the constraints of a home construction loan; and ability to set a payment schedule at the outset of the project. Monthly billing is based on percentage complete for each scope outlined in the bid documents.

In Time and Materials projects, the owner pays monthly for all labor worked and materials purchased. The Contractor may provide an estimate at the outset of the project, but billing is based on costs incurred and the total project budget is not guaranteed. With either a lump sum bid, or time and materials billing, Chilkat Custom Contractors will work hard to help you realize the outcomes you are looking to achieve with your project within your budget. 

Most customers prefer ACH payments, or bank transfers. Our invoices come with a link for ACH payment. Wire transfers are also accepted, as are checks and cash. We will accept credit cards for an additional 3.5% added to each invoice.

Here are 2024 Basic Rates:

Carpentry Labor – $85/hour, Markup – 15% on Labor and Materials.

What factors into these rates? 1. We pay a living wage to our crew. Our employees are experienced professionals, they are excellent, and we want to retain them in a very competitive industry! 2. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured for the scopes of work we offer. We pay our taxes. We pay workman’s comp. We believe in doing things the right way for our employees, our customers, and our community. 3. Labor covers wages, payroll taxes, work comp insurance, and other employee associated costs. Markup helps cover overhead – the indirect costs of running the business – and profit. Profit is built in at roughly 10% of the gross income on a project.

 Contact us for more information!