Apples and Oranges:
Why Construction Pricing Isn’t Created Equal
When a homeowner gathers pricing for a custom home or major renovation, the assumption is simple:
all builders are pricing the same project, so the only difference is the number at the bottom.
It feels logical -but it’s entirely false.
Recently, we priced a project alongside several other builders. Our proposal came in nearly twice the cost of the next highest bidder. Not 10% higher. Not 20%. Two times higher.
And then… silence.
Despite multiple follow-ups, the client never responded.
From his perspective, I can imagine the thought process:
“Their price is so far off from everyone else’s that it’s not even worth discussing.”
But the truth is:
He wasn’t comparing the same thing.
He was comparing apples to oranges — and that difference matters more than most realize.
They Weren’t Pricing the Same Project
Custom home pricing only looks comparable when you assume all builders made the same assumptions. But assumptions are exactly where most proposals fall apart.
In this recent case:
Our proposal reflected the architect’s actual scope of work.
It accounted for the design intent — as the architect confirmed directly.
It incorporated the designer’s feedback, fixture selections, and finish expectations.
It aligned with materials and assemblies we’ve used on similar homes.
It relied on historical pricing data and close communication with subs, not guesswork.
Other proposals did not include that level of detail.
How do I know? Because if they had, the pricing would have been significantly higher.
The gap wasn’t about cost differences.
It was about clarity differences.
The Illusion of Comparing Builders
Clients often assume:
“Builder A says $1 million. Builder B says $1.5 million. They must be pricing the same house.”
But Builder A may be basing their number on:
generic finishes,
minimal allowances,
incomplete scope,
optimistic labor assumptions,
and square-foot pricing.
Meanwhile, Builder B may be basing theirs on:
architect-level detail,
confirmed selections,
realistic costs,
current labor and material data,
and transparent assumptions.
Which one is “accurate”?
Which one is “honest”?
Which one will actually build the house you think you’re getting?
The spread between bids is rarely about who’s cheaper.
It’s about who’s thorough.
Why Preconstruction Detail Actually Lowers Risk (and Saves Money)
High-end custom construction is complicated — and the cost of missing information is paid eventually, either upfront during preconstruction or later through change orders, delays, and compromise. Thorough preconstruction does three crucial things:
1. Aligns pricing with the architectural intent
When builders ignore or oversimplify the architect’s drawings, their price is detached from the design. We don’t do that. We treat the drawings as the blueprint for scope, not a loose suggestion.
2. Clarifies the level of finish
We met with the designer for this project because the finishes drive the actual cost. Cabinetry grade, tile selections, plumbing fixtures, flooring species, lighting quality — these decisions drastically impact budget. Many builders skip this step to keep the bid “competitive.”
3. Grounds the estimate in real-world projects
We’ve built homes at this size and finish level, so we know what they cost we know where the risks are and we know what corners must not be cut. Good planning protects the client — not the builder.
The Consequences of Choosing the Lowest Bid
I tell clients this with complete sincerity:
A low initial bid is not a discount. It’s a deferral.
Here’s what usually happens:
1. Change Orders Multiply
Low allowances and missing scopes lead to constant “upgrades” and add-ons.
Suddenly the low bid isn’t low anymore — but now the client is mid-project, committed, and out of leverage.
2. Quality Gets Sacrificed
Cheap fixtures and materials may pass inspection, but they don’t deliver long-term performance or comfort — especially in energy-efficient homes.
3. The Process Mirrors the Proposal
If the bid is sloppy, the build will be sloppy.
If the planning was rushed, the schedule will be rushed.
If assumptions filled the gaps in the proposal, assumptions will fill the gaps in the field.
Price reflects process.
Why DelBiondo Homes Prices Differ
Our pricing looks different because our process is different.
We engage early.
We work with architects and designers to remove ambiguity.
We eliminate assumptions wherever possible.
We budget realistically for the level of home our clients expect.
We prioritize longevity, comfort, and building science in every assembly.
We don’t apologize for accuracy.
We don’t apologize for transparency.
We don’t apologize for planning.
And we know from experience:
Clients pay the cost of detail either before construction or during it.
One option is always less painful.
If a Proposal Looks “Too High,” That’s the Time to Talk — Not Walk Away
When you receive a proposal that’s significantly higher than the others, it’s not a signal to discard it.
It’s a signal to explore it.
Ask:
What assumptions were made?
What selections were included?
What assemblies were specified?
What is the builder’s historical data based on?
How will they manage the project day-to-day?
The real value is not in the number - it’s in what the number represents.
We welcome that conversation.
We want clients to understand why numbers differ, what they’re paying for, and how to make an informed, apples-to-apples decision.
Because building a custom home isn’t about finding the lowest price.
It’s about finding the right partner - and the right process - to deliver the home you actually want.