Work in Process's Podcast
Welcome to Work in Process, an Austin-based podcast guiding homeowners, builders, and design professionals through the journey of building high-performance custom homes in Central Texas. From client relationships to behind-the-scenes project management, each episode explores the real-world process of homebuilding in Austin, TX.
Work in Process's Podcast
Ep. #29: Understanding Cost Plus
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Hosts: Daniel Glauser and Tim Hill
Cost Plus is one of the most misunderstood concepts in custom homebuilding. In this episode, Daniel Glauser and Tim Hill break down what Cost Plus actually means, why it serves as the foundation of Risinger Build’s process, and how it creates transparency and flexibility throughout a custom home project.
The conversation covers how construction budgets are developed, why estimates evolve as design decisions become more refined, and the role contingency plays in managing the unknowns that come with building one-of-a-kind homes. Daniel and Tim also discuss the importance of trust, open-book accounting, and why bringing a builder into the design process early often leads to better outcomes.
In This Episode:
- What a Cost Plus contract actually is
- How custom home budgets are developed
- The purpose of contingency
- Common misconceptions about Cost Plus
- The value of transparency and open-book accounting
- Why early builder involvement matters
- How collaboration creates better projects
Whether you’re planning a custom home or simply want a better understanding of how the process works, this episode offers a practical look at one of the most important—and often misunderstood—aspects of custom homebuilding.
Subscribe and follow along as the Risinger Build team shares insights, stories, and lessons learned.
Connect with Us:
📧 hello@risingerbuild.com
📷 Instagram:
Risinger Build - @risingerbuild_atx
Daniel Glauser - @glauserbuilding
Tim Hill - @tim_risingerbuild