Definition of "Cost-plus contract"

Agreement in which the contract price to build something is equal to the total costs incurred plus a predetermined profit. The profit may be based on a percentage of cost (e.g., 20% of cost) or a flat profit figure (e.g., $60,000). This type of contract is not good for the buyer because the contractor may intentionally overstate the construction costs to obtain a higher profit figure when profit is determined based on a percentage of total costs. If the construction costs are $100,000 and the percentage of profit is 25%, the total contract price will be $125,000.

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

Continuous beam on top of supporting walls, usually constructed of concrete and often having steel rods for additional strength placed within it. Supplies lateral support as well as ...

Legal contract with a property owner empowering a real estate agent in selling, leasing, or mortgaging the principal's property. A listing has a legal description of the property, is valid ...

Rights, interest, and benefits inherent in the ownership of real estate, as distinguished from personal property ...

Expenditures pay by the owner of house to keep and maintain it including real estate taxes, interest on a mortgage, repairs and maintenance, and capital additions (e.g., new roof, new ...

An individual for whom a court has awarded a financial judgment against a debtor. For example, a court award makes Smith a judgment creditor against Cole for $2,000. ...

A public area, or plaza with a series of walkways permitting pedestrians easy access to shops, stores and restaurants. Modern malls are often enclosed enabling all weather access. Malls are ...

Formal, written, unconditional promise to pay on demand or at a future date a definite sum of money. The person signing the note and promising to pay is called the maker of the note. The ...

Provision of the Internal Revenue Code applying to gains from the sale of personal property subject to depreciation. In most cases, the gains are at the capital gains tax rate limited to ...

Roof design having two different pitches. See also gambrel roof. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions