Ultra high-end single-family projects – typically eight-figure hard construction budgets – are a core part of our practice. We are proud to count as our clients private owners and family offices, and architecture firms. Tall penthouse build-outs, multi-structure mountain estates, large single-family homes, and complex urban renovations reflect the range of our work.
Recent Projects and Budgets
Our recent work includes a $32 million custom single-family home in a mountain resort town developed under a cost-plus arrangement; a $20 million guaranteed-maximum-price contract for an ultra-high-end penthouse build-out atop a near-100-story tower; a $17 million, about 12,000-square-foot single-family home; and an approximately 9,600-square-foot modern mountain home with an estimated construction budget of about $11.5 million. Additional matters include multi-structure mountain estates exceeding 17,000 square feet and single-family projects approaching 8,500 to 10,000 square feet with architectural and engineering services fees exceeding $3 million. These dollar figures are approximate hard construction budgets, excluding soft costs – architectural, engineering, legal, and other owner expenses – and exclude real estate acquisition costs, whether land or a full-floor penthouse.
Delivery Strategy and Market Considerations
Market conditions drive delivery strategy. Where competition and supply chains support it, we lock price; where uncertainty is inherent, we manage cost transparently and guard against risk premiums.
In major cities, deep benches and mature supply chains support competitive pricing and lean fees for ultra high-end residential projects such as these. Since scope definition and market conditions allow it, we structure fixed or capped pricing – often by using AIA Document A102–2017, Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Contractor where the basis of payment is the Cost of the Work Plus a Fee with a Guaranteed Maximum Price, or AIA Document A101–2017, Agreement Between Owner and Contractor where the basis of payment is a Stipulated Sum.
We help private owners make clear-eyed decisions and coordinate with seasoned design teams. We identify the right delivery method – such as design-negotiate-build, design-build, or fast-track. Then we draft and negotiate the full suite of construction and design agreements among the owner, contractor, and designers to align price, schedule, and risk.
Remote Luxury Markets and Cost Management
Remote luxury markets – especially the Mountain West – mean a compressed, weather-driven construction season, demanding sites, stringent environmental oversight, fragile logistics, and volatile material pricing. In that environment, trades seldom lock firm numbers; forcing a fixed-price only bakes in a risk premium, and general-contractor fees can sometimes exceed ten percent of the cost of the work. Sometimes we employ AIA Document A103–2017, Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Contractor where the basis of payment is the Cost of the Work Plus a Fee without a Guaranteed Maximum Price – paired with robust safeguards. We require a living cost-tracking exhibit tied to a control estimate; real-time visibility into bids, actuals, and variances; pre-approval of major subcontracts and purchase orders; competitive checks where practical; not-to-exceed packages for defined scopes; disciplined contingency and allowance governance; long-lead procurement planning; shared-savings mechanics; and clear change-order procedures. The result is transparency and active cost management that protects owners from paying for uncertainty twice while reflecting market realities. Execution at this level demands tight coordination.
Owner Engagement and Project Execution
Many of our ultra-high-net-worth owners prefer direct counsel on key decisions, and we handle those conversations personally by phone and email. For operational logistics – such as self-funding and coordinating seven-figure monthly payment applications – we work day-to-day with family-office teams and designated advisers. The cadence and depth of our engagement is bespoke: we calibrate who we work with, when, and how, so the principal is as engaged as they wish to be in both contract negotiation and project execution. We stay embedded through construction – working directly with owners and family offices, collaborating with globally ranked design firms, coordinating with building management in tower environments, and partnering with title insurance professionals on monthly payment applications to keep cash flow, quality, and schedule aligned.
Contact us today to discuss how we can support your ultra high-end single-family project from start to finish.
