When you're building a custom home, it’s easy to just go with the flow. Your builder has their people, their process, and it all seems fine—until you realize you might be spending way more than you need to.
We saw that happen last week.
One of our clients was getting ready to move forward on their landscaping and irrigation. The builder had a subcontractor lined up, price included, everything buttoned up. But when we asked, “Did we get a second bid?”—the answer was no.
So we got one.
And that second quote? Came in $10,000 lower—for the exact same scope:
- Zeon zoysia sod
- 12 wax myrtles
- 11 sprinkler zones
- River rock beds
- Stone pavers in the back
Same work. Same materials. Big difference.
Why Did It Cost So Much More?
Builders usually work with subs they trust. That’s normal—and often helpful. But it can also mean:
- There’s no reason for the sub to offer their best price
- You might be paying a hidden markup
- Nobody’s double-checking the scope or numbers
This is why we step in. Scopewell isn’t here to replace your builder—we’re here to protect your budget. We ask the questions, get alternate bids, and flag costs that don’t add up.
We’ve Seen This Before
This isn’t just a landscaping thing. We’ve helped clients catch overcharges in:
- HVAC
- Low-voltage wiring
- Roofing
- Grading and drainage
- Even fencing and gutters
The point is: these cost differences happen constantly during a build. But most homeowners never catch them—because they don’t know what to ask, or they’re too deep in the process to slow down and check.
That’s where we come in.
When You Have a Second Set of Eyes, You Build Smarter
At Scopewell, we look out for the stuff most people miss. Not to nickel-and-dime—just to make sure you’re not overpaying for no reason. And if there’s savings to be had, you’ll see the difference clearly, in writing.
Planning a custom build? Let’s make sure your money’s going where it should.