Riley vs. the
typical custom builder
Eight categories. No favorable framing.
Each row states what Riley specifies and what is common practice. If you find something inaccurate, tell us.
One team: design, interiors, construction
Separate architect + GC with hand-off
Fixed price from design phase
Cost-plus with allowances that balloon at selection
Standard packages screened against the ILFI Red List
Conventional. VOCs, formaldehyde, PVC standard.
Net zero operational. Solar included, standard.
Code-minimum solar. All-electric only where the city requires it.
10/10/5/2. Published, transferable.
1-year express warranty typical, plus the statutory latent-defect period
Vetted catalogue. Every option pre-specified.
Start from scratch each project
Real-time dashboard. Every dollar tracked.
Monthly reports, periodic updates
Selected for year 30 performance, not move-in day
Selected for showroom appeal. Degrade over time.
Publishing prices means
competing on terms you set.
Custom builders keep pricing opaque until deep in the sales process because transparency exposes their real advantage: confusion. When a client can’t compare, they default to trust signals — reputation, referrals, and whoever has the best mood board.
Riley’s price includes net-zero-sized solar, Red List screened materials, a structured warranty, and materials designed to age beautifully. Price transparency with spec transparency lets you compare the whole specification, line by line.
The goal of this page isn’t to disparage anyone. Most custom builders are doing their best within a broken model. We’re describing a different model — one where the product is specified before it’s sold, the price is known before design begins, and the warranty is published because we stand behind what we build.
Ready to see the
full picture?
The Riley Standard page covers every commitment in detail — the building system, sustainability specs, warranty terms, and finish packages. Then talk to us when you’re ready.