How We Price
Your Vision.
A Price You Can Count On.
Our Philosophy
Fixed Contract.
Flexible Selections.
We don't offer packages or preset tiers. Every CJS home is priced from the ground up based on your architect's plans, your lot, and your selections — then locked into a fixed contract so you know exactly what you're building and exactly what it costs.
With over a decade of custom homes built across Acadiana, we understand the land, the climate, and the way families live here. That knowledge shows up in every framing decision, every drainage call, and every detail spec. We document everything. We answer the phone. And when we hand you the keys, we're proud to put our name on what we built.
How It's Structured
Two Parts. One Clear Price.
Part One
The Fixed Contract
Every line item we can price upfront is locked at a fixed number. These don't change after signing.
- Structure, framing & roofing
-
Electrical, plumbing & HVAC
-
Site prep, drainage & foundation
-
Labor for all installed items
Part Two
Owner Selections & Allowances
Items you choose are carried as allowances in your contract — windows, doors, flooring, cabinets, fixtures, tile, and appliances. Most of our clients work with an interior designer, and we work closely with them to make sure every selection stays on budget.
We work with you to make selections early so allowances stay realistic and accurate — not artificially low to win a bid. If you go over an allowance, you pay the difference. If you come in under, you keep the savings.
Why Not Open-Ended Cost-Plus?
Because the Price Should Be Clear Before You Build.
Many builders work on a cost-plus basis — where allowances are set low to win the bid, fees grow with total cost, and you make major financial decisions without knowing your final number. We take a different approach.
"Our incentive is the same as yours: build it right, and keep it on budget."
| Open-Ended Cost-Plus | CJS Fixed Structure | |
|---|---|---|
| Price at signing | Estimated | Locked |
| Structural costs | Can change | Fixed |
| Allowances | Sometimes set low to win the bid | Set realistically upfront |
| Builder fee | Tied to total cost, grows as costs grow | Fixed |
| Change orders | Varies, often undisclosed | 15% - documented & owner-approved |
| Final number | Known at completion | Known before you start |
| Progress visibility | Varies | Photo documentation in JobTread |
Payment Structure
Six Draws Tied to Real Milestones
You never pay ahead of the work. Each draw is released only after a verified construction milestone, coordinated with your construction lender. No surprises. No deposits that vanish into overhead.
1
Foundation / Slab
2
Blacked In
Due when all exterior doors and windows are installed and the building envelope is closed.
3
Rough-Ins Complete
Due when plumbing, electrical, and HVAC rough-in work is complete and inspected.
4
Sheetrock, Roof & Exterior
Due when sheetrock is finished, the roof is fully installed, and exterior cladding is complete.
5
Cabinets & Flooring
Due when cabinets and all hard flooring are installed.
6
Certificate of Occupancy
Due when the CO is issued and all punch list items are complete.
Get Started
Ready to Get a Real Price
on Your Custom Home?
Our homes typically range from 265- 325 per sq foot. Let's sit down, look at your lot, and give you an honest number. No packages. No guesswork. No obligation.