How Much to Charge as a General Contractor

What drives the price on general contracting

• Trade and subcontractor quotes, including supervision and coordination time
• Crew and site labor, including mobilization, protection, and cleanup
• Materials, fixtures, deliveries, and a realistic waste allowance
• Permits, equipment rental, disposal, and other direct project costs
• Overhead, profit, and a contingency tied to documented scope risk

Jobs general contractors price most often

• Kitchen or bathroom remodel
• Whole-home renovation
• Room addition
• Deck or porch build
• Tenant improvement

Pricing tips for general contractors

1. Mark up subcontractor quotes for coordination and risk. You carry the schedule and the callbacks, so it is not pass-through.
2. Bill larger jobs on a draw schedule tied to milestones, like rough-in or drywall, rather than one invoice at the end.
3. Set allowances for customer selections, like tile or fixtures, and bill the difference when the actual choice comes in.
4. Require written, priced change orders before extra work starts, then carry each one onto the invoice.

Pricing guides for other trades

• plumber
• electrician
• HVAC contractor
• handyman