What Is the No Surprise Guarantee?
- 5 days ago
- 6 min read
If you’re planning a home addition or remodel, you’re probably asking the most important question first:
“Is this actually going to cost what they say it will?”
At Clark Construction, we believe you deserve a clear, honest answer.
Yes! The No Surprise Guarantee means that after your design is complete, and the construction contract is signed, your price is final.
Basically, If it’s shown on the plans and required to build your project, it is included in the price.
What the No Surprise Guarantee Actually Means for You
This isn’t a loose promise. It’s a structured, disciplined approach to remodeling.
Clear Plans
Every detail of your project is fully designed before construction begins:
Layouts
Materials
Fixtures
Finishes
Structural requirements
Nothing is left undefined.
Fixed Price
Once your design is complete and your agreement is signed:
Your contract price is your final price.
You can move forward with confidence, knowing exactly what your investment will be.
No Surprises
If it’s required to build your project and it’s on the plans:
It’s included. Period.
What Can Change the Price (And What Can’t)
We believe transparency matters, so here’s exactly how it works.
Your price will only change if:
You decide to change the scope of work; maybe add another built-in or upgrade your counter for example.
You request upgrades or additions; ”While you’re at its”.
A truly hidden condition is uncovered (something no one could reasonably see in advance). For example finding unsafe electrical, rot hidden in a wall, etc.
A change that the building department requires
There is a legitimate allocation (for example, taking out dirt from excavation)
Our client average for change orders caused by unforeseen circumstances is 3%, which is well below the industry typical of 15-30%.
Your price will NOT change because:
Something was missed during planning
Overlooked items that are reasonably assumed to be included
The project was underpriced to win the job
If something was reasonably foreseeable and not included:
We cover it.
That’s part of our commitment to unconditionally do the right thing.
All Changes Are Documented And Approved
Every change is clearly documented
Pricing is transparent and approved by you
No work proceeds without your authorization
You’ll never pay for something you didn’t request or approve.
Why Most Remodeling Projects Go Over Budget
If you’ve heard horror stories, there’s a reason they’re so common.
Most projects don’t fail because of bad intentions. They fail because of an unreliable process.
Allowances
Low placeholder numbers that make an estimate look attractive, but increase once real selections are made.
Incomplete Plans
Projects start before details are finalized, leading to constant changes and price increases during construction.
Design and Construction Disconnect
Separate teams create gaps, miscommunication, and costly revisions.
Underestimated Pricing
Some contractors simply guess low, then adjust later.
The result?
A price that keeps changing and jumping up unexpectedly.
How Clark Construction Eliminates Those Problems
We take a fundamentally different approach.
One Team. Full Accountability.
Design and construction are handled under one roof. No gaps. No finger-pointing.
Everything Is Decided Before Construction
You’re not making rushed decisions mid-project.
Instead, you’re making informed choices during design, when they’re easier, smarter, and cost-controlled.
Real Pricing, that’s transparent, Not Estimates
Because every detail is defined upfront, we can give you a true price, not a moving target.
You can see the details of the pricing from the very beginning and make informed decisions that keep you within budget.
What This Means for Your Experience
The No Surprise Guarantee isn’t just about money. It changes how the entire project feels.
Financial Confidence
You know your number. You can plan around it.
Less Stress
No unexpected invoices. No uncomfortable conversations.
Better Results
Thoughtful decisions lead to a more cohesive, higher-quality outcome.
A More Enjoyable Process
You get to focus on the transformation of your home, not managing problems.
The Risk of Not Having a Guarantee
Without this level of clarity, the problems can look like this:
Cost overruns during construction
Choosing more expensive materials because it wasn’t fully thought out.
Constructability issues due to incomplete planning.
Projects that stall when costs increase
These situations aren’t rare. They’re the natural result of unclear planning and flexible pricing.
A successful remodel starts long before construction.
It starts with a clear plan, a complete design, and a price you can trust.
Clear plans. Fixed price. No surprises.
That’s what the No Surprise Guarantee delivers.
Frequently Asked Questions About the No Surprise Guarantee
1. What exactly is the No Surprise Guarantee?
The No Surprise Guarantee means that once your design is complete, and your construction contract is signed, your price is fixed. If it’s shown on the plans and required to build your project, and not a truly hidden/unforeseen condition (rot, faulty mechanicals, etc), it is included in the contract price.
2. Is the price really fixed, or is that just an estimate?
It’s not an estimate. It’s a fully developed, fixed price based on completed plans, finalized selections, and detailed specifications. That’s what allows us to stand behind it.
3. Why don’t most contractors offer this kind of guarantee?
Because most projects begin with incomplete plans and allowances. Without full clarity upfront, contractors can’t confidently lock in a price. Our process is different. Since we are a design-build company we complete the design first in house, then finalize pricing with our construction team.
4. What are “allowances,” and why are they risky?
Allowances are placeholder budgets for items like cabinets, fixtures, or finishes. They often look reasonable at first, but once real selections are made, costs increase.
With Clark Construction, your selections are made upfront, so there’s no guesswork.
5. What happens if something was missed in the planning phase?
If it was something that could have been reasonably anticipated and it’s required to complete your project:
We cover it.
That’s part of our commitment to doing the right thing.
6. Are there any situations where the price can change?
Yes, but only in three clearly defined cases:
You choose to change the scope of work
You request upgrades or additions
A truly hidden condition is uncovered (something no one could reasonably see ahead of time)
7. What is considered a “hidden condition”?
A hidden condition is something that cannot be discovered through reasonable investigation during design. Examples might include concealed structural damage or unexpected conditions behind walls.
If it’s visible or reasonably predictable, it should already be included in your price.
8. How does the design-build process support this guarantee?
Because everything is handled by one unified team, there’s no disconnect between design and construction. That means:
Better planning
Accurate pricing
Full accountability
No gaps. No finger-pointing.
9. Do I need to make all my selections before construction starts?
Yes, and that’s intentional.
By making selections during the design phase, you:
Avoid rushed decisions
Understand true costs upfront
Keep your project on schedule and on budget
10. Will this process take longer upfront?
The design phase is more thorough, but it saves significant time during construction by eliminating delays, rework, and change orders.
You invest time upfront to avoid problems later.
11. How detailed are the plans before pricing is finalized?
Very detailed. Your plans will include:
Layout and structural design
Materials and finishes
Fixtures and features
Construction requirements
This level of detail is what makes a fixed price possible.
12. How is this different from getting multiple bids?
Most bids are based on incomplete information, which is why prices vary so widely and often increase later.
With Clark Construction, you’re not comparing guesses. You’re getting a fully defined project with a guaranteed price and fully transparent pricing.
13. What if I want to make changes during construction?
You absolutely can. Any changes you request will be clearly priced and approved before work proceeds.
The key difference is: Changes are your choice, not surprises.
14. Is this approach more expensive?
Not necessarily. In fact, it often prevents costly overruns.
Instead of starting with a low number that grows, you start with a real number you can trust.
15. How do I get started?
It begins with a conversation. Click here to schedule a call.
We’ll learn about your goals, guide you through the design process, and develop a clear plan so you can know exactly what your project will cost before construction begins.
Clear plans. Fixed price. No surprises.
