5 Ways We Safeguard Your Wallet
Budget protection is one of the smartest steps you can take before you break ground. When it comes to building a new custom home or remodeling, going over budget is more common than you might think — a reality tracked by industry groups like the National Association of Home Builders. Good budget protection starts long before the first invoice. In a study that examined more than 16,000 construction projects, over half went over budget, and the average cost overrun was a staggering 65%.
Budget overruns often result from poor communication, vague estimates, or simply not having the right systems in place to track and manage costs throughout the project. At Scroggs Construction Services, we take a different approach.
As a family-owned design-build firm rooted in Asheville, we’ve built our reputation on transparency, accountability, and trust. Whether you’re updating a kitchen in Arden or breaking ground on a brand-new home in Hendersonville, we’re committed to keeping your budget on track and your project moving forward.
Here are five ways we help protect your wallet from day one:
1. Built-In Contingencies for the “What Ifs”
No matter how carefully a project is planned, there are always surprises—fluctuating material prices, incomplete design plans, unexpected site conditions. That’s why we build a contingency line item into the budget for more complex builds and remodels.
“Basically, we’re pricing risk into the contract,” says Nick Scroggs, our co-owner. “We’re planning ahead and trying to account for those unknowns.”
This built-in buffer helps absorb small budget fluctuations without slowing down progress. It’s one way we keep projects moving forward and finances under control.
2. Detailed Change Orders for Every Decision
One of the most common reasons home construction projects go over budget is when the scope of work expands beyond what was originally agreed upon. From more expensive tile in the kitchen to an additional window in the primary bath, changes that seem small in the moment can add up quickly.
At Scroggs, we use detailed change orders to document every client decision that affects the budget. No handshake deals. No forgotten conversations.
“The financial management system we use is highly sophisticated and allows us to chronicle every change in cost on every job,” Nick explains. “You pick flooring that’s $500 more than the allowance? The system tells you and we get your approval before moving forward.”
3. Locked-In Pricing with Purchase Orders
In the residential construction world, it’s not unusual for general contractors to operate on vague verbal agreements with subcontractors. That kind of informality can lead to miscommunication, surprise charges, or price disputes down the line.
At Scroggs, we operate differently. Every subcontractor receives a formal purchase order before work begins. This document outlines the scope of work and the exact payment terms, so there’s no ambiguity about who’s doing what and for how much.
“When subcontractors show up to our job, they know how much they’re going to get paid,” Nick says. “They can’t change that price unless there’s a change in scope.”
4. Value-Based Subcontractor Selection
Choosing the cheapest subcontractor can sometimes cost more in the long run, whether it’s due to poor workmanship or delays. At Scroggs, we take a value-based approach to picking subcontractors.
Instead of going with the lowest bidder, we request multiple bids (usually from three vendors per trade) and weigh each proposal based on price, availability, and quality.
“Sometimes,” says Nick, “it’s worth it to hire a larger crew who can get the job done faster, saving time and money overall.”
5. Lien Waivers That Protect You From Double-Paying
In North Carolina, even if you’ve paid your general contractor in full, you can still be legally responsible if that contractor fails to pay subcontractors. The subcontractors have the right to file a mechanic’s lien against your property, and you could end up paying twice.
That’s why Scroggs issues lien waivers with every subcontractor payment. These legal documents confirm that the subcontractor has been paid and eliminates their ability to file a lien for that amount.
“This is a safeguard for both us and our clients,” says Nick.
Unfortunately, many smaller or less organized contractors skip this step, putting their clients’ homes on the line.
Ready to Build Your Dream Home (and Stay on Budget)?
Whether you’re planning a bathroom remodel in Black Mountain or a custom home build in Mills River, financial clarity matters. At Scroggs Construction, we combine thoughtful pre‑construction planning with systems that protect your investment.
Want to learn more about how we build smarter budgets? Contact us today to start the conversation.