📄 Choosing Your Billing Model: Fixed-Cost vs. Cost-Plus

At Ozark Acres Design, we believe that how you pay for your project should be just as transparent and tailored as the design itself. That’s why we offer two billing models to fit the scope, style, and level of involvement you prefer: Fixed Cost + Contractor Fee or Cost-Plus.

💸 Fixed Cost + Contractor Fee

Best for: Homeowners who want budget certainty, a set price, and peace of mind.

This model is based on a well-scoped, upfront estimate that includes:

  • Labor

  • Materials

  • Project management

  • A clearly defined contractor fee

Once we agree on the scope, we commit to completing the job at the agreed-upon price.

🔐 Why Receipts Are Not Provided

In a fixed-cost project, you're hiring us to deliver the end result, not to report line-by-line costs. Just like you wouldn't ask a chef for the grocery store receipt behind your meal, our labor rates and subcontractor agreements are proprietary. These reflect trade discounts, long-standing relationships, and how we remain competitive.

We take on the risk of estimating these costs accurately. If something comes in higher than expected, we absorb the difference — not you.

📄 What You Do Get

  • A detailed estimate outlining all major components of the project

  • Transparent draw schedule based on milestones

  • Consistent communication and on-site walkthroughs

  • A final reconciliation confirming that the job was delivered on time and within (or under) budget

✅ Why Clients Love It

  • Set price = no surprises

  • Fewer day-to-day decisions

  • Less admin and paperwork

  • Trust-based partnership

📅 Cost-Plus Model

Best for: Clients who want to be closely involved in every financial detail and decision.

In this model, you pay for:

  • Actual costs of labor, materials, and trade services

  • A contractor fee (usually 20–25%) for managing the project

There’s no fixed price. Instead, you pay as the work progresses, with full visibility into receipts and invoices.

📃 Why Receipts Are Shared

Because you’re reimbursing us for actual expenses, we provide:

  • Material receipts

  • Subcontractor invoices

  • Labor logs (if applicable)

  • Equipment and vendor costs

This level of transparency means more oversight for you — and more administrative work for us, which is why cost-plus fees are typically higher.

⚠️ Things to Consider

  • Final cost is not guaranteed

  • Requires more of your time and involvement

  • You absorb cost changes, not the contractor

📊 Quick Comparison

FeatureFixed-CostCost-PlusTotal PriceAgreed UpfrontVariableFlexibilityModerateHighClient InvolvementLow to ModerateHighReceipts SharedNo (except client-supplied items)YesAdmin OverheadLowerHigherContractor RiskHighLow

📖 Which Model Is Right for You?

Choose Fixed-Cost + Contractor Fee if you want:

  • A set budget from day one

  • Less paperwork and fewer decisions

  • Your contractor to manage the process start-to-finish

Choose Cost-Plus if you want:

  • Full financial transparency

  • Flexibility to make changes as you go

  • Direct insight into every cost and vendor

🎨 Our Recommendation

While we’re happy to offer both models, Fixed-Cost + Contractor Fee is our preferred approach. It’s simpler, more predictable, and allows us to focus on delivering your vision without getting bogged down in billing minutiae. We bring the experience, planning, and trusted relationships — and you get beautiful, lasting results without budget stress.

Ready to get started? Let’s talk about which model is the best fit for your project.