How we work
Preconstruction first. Open books throughout.
The best additions and remodels are planned by a team — homeowner, architect and builder — working together before the drawings are done. That’s how we keep design, budget and schedule in line from day one.
Why start early
Drawings priced at the end often don’t get built as drawn.
When plans are finished before a builder sees them, the first real number often comes in over budget. Then comes redesign, value engineering and lost months — or a low bid that grows through change orders.
A preconstruction agreement brings our team in while your design is still flexible. We price each stage as it’s drawn, so decisions are made with real numbers, and your finished plans match a budget you’ve already agreed to.
The preconstruction agreement
What’s included
Existing-conditions walkthrough
Structure, systems and surprises found before design, not during demolition.
Budgets at every design stage
Estimates at concept, design development and final drawings — with options to stay on target.
Architect & engineer coordination
We work alongside your architect, or introduce you to architects we trust.
Selections & allowances
Realistic allowances for finishes, fixtures and appliances, set early.
A detailed schedule
Built with our trades so you know when work starts and when you move back in.
Permits & historic review
Village permitting and, where it applies, historic preservation review.
“They provided excellent suggestions to refine our plans where they may have been a little light on detail… they finished the project quickly as promised.”
Open-book pricing
You see what we see.
| Typical lump-sum bid | Wetmore open book (cost-plus) | |
|---|---|---|
| When the builder joins | After plans are finished | While the design is taking shape |
| What you see | One total price | Every subcontractor bid and invoice |
| Trade discounts | Kept by the builder | Passed straight to you |
| Builder’s fee | Built into the price | Cost of the work plus our fee, stated in your contract |
| Changes | Priced on the builder’s terms | Priced at real cost, shown before approval |
“They are very transparent on timeline and costs and had great suggestions for keeping our costs within our budget.”
Your project team
Everyone at one table, from first meeting to final walkthrough.
You
Your goals, budget and timeline lead every decision.
Your architect
Designs with live pricing and constructability input.
Project manager
Owns budget, schedule and communication. Your main contact.
Superintendent
On site daily, running the trades and the quality of the work.
Architects we work with
Trusted partners on project after project.
Already working with an architect? We’ll join your team. Still looking? We’re happy to introduce you to firms we know well.
Gallagher Architects, PC
GenevaZ+O architecture + interiors
Glen EllynMarc S. Kollias – Architect
WheatonBDS Architecture
GenevaCommon questions
Do I need an architect before I call you?
No. The earlier we join, the more we can help. If you have an architect, we’ll work alongside them; if not, we can introduce you to architects we work with regularly.
What does cost-plus mean?
You pay the actual cost of the work — labor, materials and subcontractors, all documented — plus our fee, agreed before construction starts. Any trade discounts we receive are passed through to you.
What happens after we move back in?
Every project carries a one-year warranty. Beyond that, we build in four towns and many of our clients are neighbors and repeat customers, so if something comes up years later, call us. We’re not going anywhere.
How will I know where the project stands?
Your project manager sends weekly updates on progress, schedule and budget.
Planning an addition or whole-house remodel?
Tell us about your home and your plans. We’ll set up a walkthrough with our team.