Luxury Home Construction: The Selection Process and Open-Book Contracting

Mysteries are entertaining to read, but it’s not fun to deal with mysterious pricing when building a new home. Chris Gorman Homes employs open-book contracting to help Cincinnati homebuyers realize their luxury home construction dreams through an approach centered on transparency, collaboration and client empowerment. 

Despite the common misconception, with open-book contracting, all work is competitively bid amongst trade contractors. This results not only in a high degree of competition, but also allows the construction manager to identify project risks, eliminate surprises and deliver certainty.

How It Works

Typically associated with the design-build and construction-management-at-risk (CMAR) delivery methods, open-book contracting is a construction management model that allows the design-build team, craftsmen, other trade professionals and the homebuyer to work together transparently on every element of the project. 

This creates an environment where the design-build company, such as Chris Gorman Homes, is a partner and advocate for the homeowner’s vision. Here’s a deeper look into how Chris Gorman Homes uses open-book contracting to enhance every step of luxury home construction.

Transparency in Cost and Material Selections

 At its core, open-book contracting at Chris Gorman Homes is about giving clients full access to the financial elements of their project. This means homebuyers can see all invoices, bids, labor rates, material costs and any other project expenses in real time. 

Unlike traditional hard-bid contracts — where the builder provides a fixed price with limited visibility into how costs are derived — with open-book contracting, every line item is disclosed. Clients know precisely where each dollar is spent, so they can understand the budget inputs. 

For Cincinnati homebuyers building a custom luxury residence, this transparency is invaluable. With access to detailed costs, they can make informed choices about materials, finishes and design elements based on their priorities and the overall project budget. 

For instance, if a client has their heart set on a premium marble countertop or a custom-built fireplace, they can see how these choices impact the budget and explore alternatives with the Chris Gorman Homes’ team. As a result, clients feel in control and the guesswork around costs that can lead to frustration or disappointment later in the process is eliminated.

Collaboration with Design and Construction Partners

Open-book contracting is also a collaboration tool, allowing Chris Gorman Homes to work seamlessly with architects, interior designers and other partners involved in the project. When all parties have access to the same financial data, they can better align on decisions that support the overall vision while adhering to the budget. This collaborative environment is especially important in the luxury home construction market, where details and high-end finishes matter.

The Chris Gorman Homes team facilitates open communication with every project partner to ensure that design and construction remain aligned. When an interior designer suggests a specific high-end fixture or custom cabinetry, for example, the team can examine the cost implications with the homeowner in real time, so decisions can be made easily and timely.  This approach supports creative, innovative ideas without sacrificing financial responsibility, making it easier to integrate distinctive, luxury elements into the home’s design.

Advocacy for the Homeowner’s Vision and Goals

Unlike hard bid contracting, where contractors may prioritize maximizing their margin, open-book contracting transforms Chris Gorman Homes into advocates for the client’s goals. By prioritizing the homeowner’s vision, the team actively participates in ensuring the final product aligns with the client’s lifestyle, design preferences and functional requirements.

For instance, a homeowner seeking a luxury home with modern, expansive indoor-outdoor spaces may have specific ideas about flow, layout and materials. In open-book contracting, the team at Chris Gorman Homes guides the client on how to allocate their budget to support these desires without compromising on quality. They can recommend adjustments or phased upgrades that help achieve a cohesive vision without overspending, always focusing on what the client values most in their future home. 

This advocacy role builds trust and satisfaction, as homeowners feel that their dreams are championed, not compromised.

Enhanced Budget Management With Real-Time Adjustments

Budget management is a key aspect of any luxury home project, and open-book contracting empowers clients to adjust and refine their budget as needed. Throughout the building process, clients can review expenses, compare estimates for different materials or finishes, and adjust their choices accordingly. This level of flexibility is uncommon in traditional contracts with general contractors, where change orders are seen as a profit center, and unforeseen costs can increase the budget and delay the project.

For example, if a homeowner wants to allocate more of their budget toward a custom-built Cincinnati Modern style home with an expansive porcelain fireplace, as seen in our 2024 HOMEARAMA home, they can see how these choices impact other areas of the budget. They can then make informed trade-offs, such as opting for a more cost-effective appliance package to afford their desired aesthetic. 

Chris Gorman Homes’ approach enables clients to adapt their vision to evolving preferences, helping bring their luxury aspirations to life without overextending the budget.

Greater Control for the Client

A hallmark of open-book contracting is the high degree of control it offers homebuyers, especially during the selections process. Chris Gorman Homes places decision-making power in the hands of the client, allowing them to steer the project in ways that matter most to them. This method assures clients that they retain the final say on every element, from the structural framework to fine interior details.

Open-book contracting allows homebuyers to review the costs associated with materials like steel, glass, wood and other modern industrial elements. Home buyers can weigh the costs and benefits that come with high-efficiency HVAC systems or high-performance insulation. This empowers homebuyers to build a luxury home that aligns with their values. 

Chris Gorman Homes supports these choices by providing insights and recommendations, but ultimately respects the clients’ decisions, ensuring that the finished home truly reflects their vision.

Building Trust Through a Team-Oriented Approach

Open-book contracting redefines the traditional builder-client dynamic by fostering a team-oriented approach. Chris Gorman Homes operates as a partner to the homebuyer, with shared goals and an emphasis on long-term satisfaction. With all parties — homeowner, the design-build team and craftsmen at the building site — working from the same playbook. This approach minimizes conflicts, with solutions reached faster.

This team-oriented approach allows the team at Chris Gorman Homes to build trust with Cincinnati homebuyers who invest significantly in a custom luxury home. When all parties are aligned, the process becomes smoother and more enjoyable, resulting in a final product that meets or even exceeds expectations. 

By collaborating on issues openly, such as unexpected site conditions or fluctuating material costs, Chris Gorman Homes can quickly pivot to alternative solutions that maintain the project’s integrity and vision.

High-Quality Outcomes With Long-Term Value

In addition, open-book contracting helps Chris Gorman Homes deliver high-quality outcomes that offer long-term value for homebuyers. By eliminating hidden costs and fostering a culture of accountability, the design-build team focuses on delivering quality. Since clients see exactly what they’re paying for, they can be confident in the quality of materials and craftsmanship that go into their luxury home construction.

Discover Luxury Custom Home Construction

Do you have ideas for a luxury home but aren’t sure how to make them a reality? Or are you at step one and would like to know more? Contact us today so we can help you build your dream home.

Here’s what to expect: During the discovery call, we’ll talk about your vision, your goals and your budget. You’ve got questions about the home-building process. We’ve got answers. Book a discovery call with the team at Chris Gorman Homes to get started making your dream home a reality.