Why Contemplate Turnkey Costs?

When contemplating the cost of building your timber frame home, you may think in terms of individual pieces. For example, the foundation, the frame, and the roof are separate pieces, and you may think of each as a separate cost. However, you may prefer to think in turnkey terms—considering the entire home as a whole. But, why contemplate turnkey cost? Is there an advantage?

What is ‘Turnkey’

The term ‘turnkey’ originates from the final stage of a project, e.g., when homeowners first “turned the key”, stepping into the completed home. Thus, turnkey cost is an accumulation of what will be spent on your project. This includes everything from your initial design to the final touches. These costs, however, do not include any land improvements, utilities brought in, roads, or the cost of the land.

How Thinking Turnkey Better Prepares You

Some timber frame companies provide package prices, giving you a percentage of how much the total cost will be. This is in direct contrast to Riverbend. Instead, we use turnkey estimates. We do this because it helps you see if the home you designed is feasible to build. And, it shows you that feasibility within the context of your complete, wholehome budget. By thinking in terms of turnkey, you receive a clear understanding of how much it will actually cost to build your home. Further, you receive it upfront. Subsequently, turnkey costing gives you the confidence needed to move forward into construction.

Read how we design to your budget.