High-Performance Custom Homes with Transparent Pricing
Most builders avoid talking about pricing.
Most builders also avoid talking about how their homes actually perform.
At Mellor Woodworks, we believe both matters.
We build homes using building science principles focused on:
Air Control (stopping uncontrolled air movement)
Thermal Control (continuous insulation and reduced thermal bridging)
Bulk Water Management (drainage and drying)
And we believe pricing should be just as clear as the system behind the walls.
Why Our System Is Different in Oklahoma
Oklahoma is not an easy climate to build in.
You are dealing with:
Hot, humid summers
Cold Snaps in winter
Strong winds (north and south)
Wind-driven rain events
Most homes are built to minimum code, which means:
Air leakage is high
Insulation is inconsistent
Moisture control is reactive instead of designed
That leads to:
Drafty homes
Uneven temperatures
Higher energy bills
Long-term durability issues
We design the house as a system, not a collection of parts.
Most builders focus on finishes. We focus on what you don’t see—the parts that determine how your home performs for the next 100+ years.
That means we intentionally control:
Where air can and cannot move
Where heat flows
How water is managed and drained
Base Home Cost
(Conditioned Living Space Only)
When we talk about price per square foot, we are referring to the conditioned living space only.
Not Included:
Open porches
Covered porches
Detached garages or shops
Dirt work and site preparation
These items vary too much between projects to be accurately included in a base square-foot number.
Our Building Science Standard
Every Mellor Woodworks home uses the same control layer strategy.
Wall Assembly (Control Layers Defined)
Structure: 3-ply 2x6 laminated post frame system
Air Control Layer: 5/8" ZIP System sheathing, fully taped and detailed
Water Control Layer: Integrated ZIP WRB
Thermal Control Layer:
1.5" Rockwool Comfortboard (continuous exterior insulation)
Rockwool cavity insulation between framing
Drainage Plane + Rainscreen: 2x4 furring creating a ventilated gap behind cladding
Roof Assembly (Unvented System)
Air Control Layer: Taped ZIP roof deck (continuous with wall system)
Water Control Layer: ZIP roof underlayment
Thermal Control Layer:
3" Rockwool Comfortboard above roof deck (~R-12)
R-30 Rockwool below roof deck
Assembly Type: Conditioned, unvented attic
What This Actually Does
Controls air leakage (no random airflow through the structure)
Reduces thermal bridging
Keeps assemblies warmer and drier
Allows controlled drying instead of trapping moisture
This is not an upgrade.
This is our standard.
How Pricing Actually Works
We are a cost-plus builder.
Your total project cost = actual cost of construction + 20% builder fee.
For early planning, we use square-foot ranges.
But what you are really seeing is Cost Distribution Control.
Every decision moves money somewhere:
More complexity → more labor
Higher ceilings → more structure + labor
Better finishes → more material cost
Our Three Pricing Tiers
The Key Concept
This is NOT basic vs luxury
This is simple vs complex homes
Every home uses the same high-performance system.
What changes are:
Complexity
Finish level
Labor and coordination required
Keeping Projects on Track
If a project starts in one tier but selections push beyond it, there are only two options:
Adjust other areas to stay within the tier
Move the project into the next tier
This keeps expectations aligned and prevents surprises.
Why We Share This Publicly
Most builders avoid pricing because it creates hard conversations.
We share it because it creates better ones.
Clear expectations lead to better decisions.
Better decisions lead to better homes.
Let’s Start the Conversation
If you're planning a custom home, we’ll help you:
Understand realistic pricing early
Align your design with your budget
Build a home that actually performs
Mellor Woodworks is not a production builder.
We are a building science-driven custom builder focused on performance, durability, and clarity.
Disclaimer
Square-foot pricing ranges are for planning purposes only. Final costs are determined by actual project scope, selections, site conditions, and complexity under a cost-plus agreement.
Efficient Living
$190–$210 per sq ft
A high-performance home focused on simplicity and efficiency.
Design + Build Characteristics:
Simple rectangular or low-offset floor plans
Straightforward rooflines
9' ceilings
Minimal vaults
Limited framing transitions
Finish Level:
Stock or semi-stock cabinetry
Practical flooring (LVP or similar)
Basic fixtures and lighting
Limited tile coverage
Minimal built-ins and trim detail
Cost Driver: Low complexity = controlled labor and tighter finish budgets
Signature Living
$210–$235 per sq ft
A balanced custom home with upgraded finishes and moderate complexity.
Design + Build Characteristics:
Moderate plan offsets and articulation
More complex roof geometry
9'–10' ceilings
Vaulted living areas or tray ceilings
Finish Level:
Semi-custom cabinetry
Quartz or granite countertops
Upgraded fixtures and lighting
Tile showers standard
Feature walls and selective built-ins
Cost Driver: More budget shifts into finishes while complexity increases moderately
Premium Living
$235–$275+ per sq ft
A fully customized home with higher complexity and design emphasis.
Design + Build Characteristics:
Complex layouts with multiple offsets and transitions
Advanced rooflines (valleys, hips, intersections)
10'+ ceilings
Vaults, beams, and mixed ceiling details
Finish Level:
Custom cabinetry
High-end countertops
Extensive tile work
Detailed trim and built-ins
Premium fixtures and design features
Cost Driver: More complexity + more labor + more time
Let's Start Building
Contact us today for a consultation.



