Can a Construction Project Really Have Zero Hidden Costs?

Yes—if the construction process is organized transparently, based on the "open book" cooperation model.

OPEN BOOK is a construction model where the client covers the actual costs of labor, materials, and construction equipment, alongside a pre-agreed fee for the builder's administrative expenses and profit. In this cooperation model, the builder openly shares all financial information related to the execution of the specific project—subcontractor invoices, material costs, and employee hourly rates. This allows the client to see clearly where every single euro spent is being invested.

Equally important—this approach reduces the risk of the majority of the budget remaining in the hands of the general contractor while subcontractors lack the funds to properly compensate their employees.

In construction, the true costs are not always visible to the client, but we, the SIA Northproject team, advocate for openness, fair cooperation, and a transparent construction process. We believe that trust and transparency are the foundation of a successful project without unpleasant surprises.