Owner-Builder Construction Consulting
Building your own home in El Reno or Canadian County? I help you plan the work, line up the right subs, and stay on track — for a flat fee, not a 10–20% contractor markup.
Unlisted page · Shared by invitation · Serving El Reno / Canadian County, OK
How it works
You stay the builder of record. I bring the schedule, the checklist, and another set of experienced eyes.
Walk the property
We meet on your land, look at access, utilities, and site realities, and talk through what you want to build.
Review plans and budget
I go through your plans and numbers with you and write up a clear punch list of next steps before dirt moves.
Build the schedule and line up help
I map the order of work, help you source and vet subcontractors, and guide you on permit prep. You hire and pay the subs directly.
Phase check-ins
Before work gets covered up, we walk the job: foundation, framing, dry-in, rough-in, and final punch — so issues get caught early.
Clear roles. No surprises.
What I do
- ✓Walk the property with you
- ✓Review plans and the budget
- ✓Build the schedule and order of work
- ✓Help source and vet subcontractors
- ✓Phase check-in walks before work gets covered up
- ✓Answer questions by phone or text
What you do
- →You are the builder of record
- →You pull the permits
- →You hire and pay subcontractors directly
- →You buy the materials
- →I never handle your construction money
- →I take no markup on subs or materials
Note: A typical general contractor fee is often 10–20% of build cost — that's $20,000–$40,000 on a $200,000 build. This consulting service is a flat, phased fee and can save you that markup. (Not a guarantee — every build is different.)
Packages and pricing
Starting prices. Each phase is paid before the visit. Work runs under a written consulting agreement. A typical full-build consulting total is about $8,000–$9,500.
Property Walk & Plan Review
Starting at $850
- On-site property walk
- Plan and budget review
- Written punch list of next steps
Pre-Construction Package
Starting at $2,750
- Budget planning support
- Build schedule
- Sub sourcing and bid review
- Permit prep guidance
Phase Walks
Starting at $650 each (typically 5)
- Foundation
- Framing
- Dry-in
- Rough-in (mechanical, electrical, plumbing)
- Final punch
Extra time
$110/hour
- Additional calls, walks, or reviews outside a package
Ready to talk it through? Request a consultation below.
Request a consultationWhy owner-build with a consultant
A lot of folks around El Reno and Canadian County want a new home and want to keep the total build under about $200,000. Acting as your own general contractor can help — but the schedule, the sub list, and the "what happens next" questions are where builds get stuck.
I have past experience building homes with Home Creations, an Oklahoma home builder. I use that background to help owner-builders stay organized: property walks, plan and budget review, order of work, sub sourcing, and phase check-ins before things get covered up.
You keep control of the money and the contracts. I help you make better calls along the way.
About Steven
I'm Steven Spencer with Done By Friday LLC, based in El Reno, Oklahoma. I have past experience building homes with Home Creations. Today I help homeowners who want to act as their own general contractor — especially folks aiming for a sensible build budget in the El Reno / Canadian County area.
This is consulting, not a turnkey GC job. You pull permits, hire and pay your own subs, and buy materials. I walk the property with you, help you plan the work, and show up for phase check-ins so you are not figuring it out alone.
Good to know
- •Many construction lenders require a licensed builder. Check with your lender that they allow owner-builders before you commit.
- •The budget usually does not include land. Septic, well, and site work can add a lot — plan for them early.
- •You are responsible for permits and for your subs' licensing and insurance.
- •I provide guidance — not engineering, architectural, or legal services.
Common questions
Who is this for?+
Owner-builders — homeowners acting as their own general contractor — who want a new home in the El Reno / Canadian County area, often keeping the total build under about $200,000.
Do you hire the subcontractors for me?+
No. I help source and vet them. You hire and pay them directly. I take no markup on subs or materials and never handle your construction money.
What's included in a full build with you?+
Most people start with the Property Walk & Plan Review, then the Pre-Construction Package, then about five Phase Walks (foundation, framing, dry-in, rough-in, and final punch). Extra time is $110/hour. A typical full-build consulting total is about $8,000–$9,500.
How does payment work?+
Each phase is paid before the visit. Everything runs under a written consulting agreement.
Will this work with my construction loan?+
Maybe — many lenders require a licensed builder. Check with your lender that they allow owner-builders.
Are you still with Home Creations?+
No. I have past experience building homes with Home Creations. This consulting work is through Done By Friday LLC and is not an endorsement or affiliation with Home Creations.
Request a consultation
Tell me a little about the project. I'll reply within one business day.