What Makes a Cost-Plus Contract Work: Scoping, Selections and Teamwork, with Fionna and Ed

Hello! This is Episode 379, and it’s Part 3 of my conversation with HOME Method members, Fionna and Ed, as they share their new build journey in Canberra.

I decided to continue sharing our conversation so we could have this as a four-part series on the podcast, and then you get to hear the whole scope of their project through Pre-Design, Design, Pre-Build and Build.

I hope, as a result, it’s super helpful for you to follow along and hear where they invested their time, efforts and money, and how that’s influenced their project journey.

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/379]

If you haven’t listened to the previous parts of our conversation and want to hear the whole story from the start, head back to Episodes 377 and 378. You’ll find them at www.undercoverarchitect.com/377 and www.undercoverarchitect.com/378

In this episode, we move into the construction or Build phase of their project, and unpack what’s helped it run smoothly under a cost-plus contract.

We discuss the power of fully scoping a project before construction begins, and how having detailed documentation, thorough selections, and early decision-making created real certainty in cost and confidence in delivery.

Fionna and Ed also talk about the collaborative relationships they've built… with their architect staying involved through construction and assisting with key details like shop drawings, and with trades and subcontractors actively contributing ideas and expertise to improve outcomes on site.

You’ll also hear how their builder’s appetite for recycling materials, and finding avenues to repurpose demolition waste, brought an additional layer to the sustainability to the project.

And we explore how their cost-plus contract includes thoughtful mechanisms to encourage time efficiency and accountability, which, combined with a transparent quoting process, has helped keep things on track.

At its core, this is a story about what happens when you have the right team (professional, passionate, and committed) all working together with an informed and educated client, to bring a shared vision to life.

Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find all of that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/379.

Now, let’s dive in!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/379

Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways

Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when designing, renovating or building your future home inside my signature online program, HOME Method >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/

Just a reminder: All content on this podcast is provided by Undercover Architect for reference purposes and as general guidance. It does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in any circumstances, including but not limited to circumstances where loss or damage may result. The views and opinions of any guests on the podcast are solely their own. They may not reflect the views of Undercover Architect. Undercover Architect endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time.

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