Profit Recovery · Framing & Carpentry

Lumber prices changed between your bid and your purchase. Your contract didn't. The escalation clause is a 15-minute fix.

Fixed bids with no escalation clause, foundation delays with no compensation mechanism, and custom finish scope expanding without billing are compressing margin on every project before the first nail goes in.

Lumber Market Price vs. What You Bid ($/MSF)

Every bar above the bid line = absorbed cost. No escalation clause = you absorb every spike.

Lumber Exposure

"On a framing contract, 3 to 5% in custom scope additions is $6,000 to $10,000 in completed work that never got invoiced."

30-Day Lumber Price Lock With Escalation Beyond

Lumber escalation clause that defines a 30-day price lock from bid date, specifies the escalation mechanism (supplier invoice pass-through), and sets the notification requirement. On projects with extended lead times, this converts lumber price movement to a neutral event.

Pre-Start Confirmation Gate and Delay Compensation Clause

Pre-start site readiness checklist that must be completed and signed before crew dispatch. Compensation clause that defines the rate for owner-caused delays and the notice requirement. Idle crew time becomes a billable event instead of absorbed overhead.

Change Order Process That Feels Like Standard Procedure

One-page change order form, a field script for foremen when custom requests come in, and a GC-facing communication that positions documentation as professional practice. Goal: 95%+ of custom additions documented before work begins.