Changes to UPE: Benefits for You
The Unit Price Estimate (UPE) is a customized pricing tool used to estimate project budgets based on client preferences. Alfred Bottego, Living Stone’s Director of Construction Sales, will discuss the recent changes to UPE and how they can benefit clients. We will explore three key factors contributing to these changes: the supply chain, gross product pricing, and competitive pricing.
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Table of Contents
About UPE
Q: What is UPE, and how is it calculated?
A: The Unit Price Estimate (UPE) is a customized pricing tool used to estimate project budgets based on client preferences. Alfred Bottego, Living Stone’s Head of Sales, will discuss the recent changes to UPE and how they can benefit clients. We will explore three key factors contributing to these changes: the supply chain, gross product pricing, and competitive pricing.
Q: Give a brief overview of what’s going on with UPE right now?
A: UPE are constantly updated and refined based on completed projects to provide the most accurate pricing for new clients. Currently, there has been a downward shift in UPE due to several factors, including a more accessible supply chain, reduced gross product pricing, and increased competitiveness in the market.
Factor 1: Supply Chain
Q: What has changed about this factor?
A: The supply chain has caught up, allowing for increased availability of raw materials. Moreover, a slight decrease in demand has contributed to this shift, enabling the supply chain to better meet the required product availability.
Q: Do you anticipate this shift to last?
A: We expect the shift to remain consistent, although we anticipate a plateau at some point. Pricing will become more competitive and affordable over time as the market stabilizes, thanks to the availability of raw materials and lower demand.
Factor 2: Gross Product Pricing Reducing
Q: Can you provide examples of the specific aspects of a build where prices are being reduced?
A: Currently, we are witnessing reductions in the prices of construction essentials such as wood, windows, sheathing materials, and other similar products.
Q: Do you anticipate this shift to last?
A: In the short term, yes. However, we expect that other factors influencing UPE, such as appliance costs, electrical expenses, metal prices, and labor rates, will soon offset the reduction in UPE.
Learn About the Cost to Build
How are macroeconomics affecting the cost to build a new home? Where should you spend your money on a custom home? Find quarterly pricing updates, answers to these questions, and more in our blog posts about construction prices.
Factor 3: Competitive Pricing
Q: What has changed about this factor?
A: Competitive pricing is a priority when generating UPEs for our clients. We provide three competitive quotes from various vendors for each line item to ensure the best overall budget price.
Client Transparency and Awareness
Q: How important is it for clients to be aware of UPE and these costs?
A: It is crucial for our clients to be fully informed about UPE and the associated costs. We prioritize transparency and clarity, enabling clients to make well-informed decisions about their home build. Ensuring clients are fully aware and involved in the budgeting process creates satisfaction and fosters a positive client experience.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, recent changes to UPE offer advantages to clients in terms of pricing and competitive options. The supply chain has improved, resulting in increased availability of raw materials, while reduced gross product pricing and competitive pricing contribute to more favorable project budgets. It is essential for clients to stay informed about UPE and associated costs, ensuring transparency and clarity throughout the budgeting process.
"Alfred
"Director
With 20 years of infield construction experience, I have weathered the last recession and gained valuable insights from that experience. I bring this expertise to the present, including navigating the challenges and opportunities posed by the post-Covid era. My aim is to serve as the best steward for our clients, ensuring their needs are met and their expectations exceeded.
Preventative Maintenance
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30+ Years of Design-Build Experience
Green Building Leadership
We prioritize designing and building homes that are as low-maintenance as possible—but no home is maintenance-free. Much like a high-performance vehicle, a high-performance home is designed to perform at a higher level, but it still requires thoughtful, routine care to keep it operating at its best. Living Stone Concierge helps protect that performance—and your investment—by giving you a trusted team to manage the ongoing care your home needs for years to come.
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Through the Preventative Maintenance Program, your Living Stone Concierge delivers single point of contact service, so you no longer need to worry about finding trusted service contractors or waiting countless hours for them to show up. When there are third party workers in your home you can rest easy that your Living Stone Concierge will be there monitoring and ensuring a quality job is done.
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Michael Blackstone
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As the overseer of our Preventative Maintenance Plan, he meticulously examines every detail of your home to ensure it is perfectly finished and maintained. With a wealth of experience in home construction and renovation from his years with various trade-related companies, Michael is the ultimate guardian of Living Stone standards. Beyond his professional expertise, Michael is a family man with a son, residing in the charming community of Old Fort. Entrust your project to Michael, where craftsmanship meets care.

