General contractors typically charge 10% to 20% of the total project cost as their fee, on top of materials and labor. On a $50,000 remodel that's roughly $5,000–$10,000 for managing the job. Smaller jobs and handyman work are often billed $50 to $150 per hour instead. The fee pays for coordination, scheduling, permits, insurance, and standing behind the work.
This guide explains how contractor pricing and markup actually work, gives real ranges, and shows how to compare bids so the cheapest number doesn't cost you the most. We build websites and marketing for contractors — we don't bid your project — so there's no angle here on the price.
The standard for larger jobs and remodels. The contractor's fee is a percentage on top of materials, labor, and subs, covering management and overhead.
You pay actual costs plus a set markup. Transparent, but the final number isn't fixed, so it works best with a trusted contractor and a cap.
For repairs and small tasks. Plus materials and sometimes a minimum or trip fee. Specialty trades like electricians and plumbers sit at the higher end.
Markup isn't a hidden charge — it's the cost of a contractor who shows up and stands behind the job:
Get three written bids and compare scope line by line. The lowest number is rarely the cheapest job — it often leaves out permits, cleanup, contingencies, or uses cheaper materials. Confirm each contractor is licensed and insured, ask what's excluded, and make sure the payment schedule ties to milestones, not the calendar. Never pay in full up front.
For a small repair you can handle the timing yourself, hourly handyman work is fine and you may not need a general contractor at all. For anything with permits, multiple trades, or structural work, the management fee earns its keep.
This is exactly the kind of page we build so your company owns the "how much do contractors charge" search instead of a directory that sells the lead to five competitors. A homeowner who reads an honest pricing explainer trusts the contractor who wrote it — and a page that earns that trust hands them to you with a tap-to-call.
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No, 10–20% is standard for general contracting. Below 10% often means corners cut or hidden charges later. Judge the full scope, not just the percentage.
Most offer free estimates for standard jobs. Detailed design or large commercial takeoffs may carry a fee, sometimes credited if you hire them.
Usually 10–30% to secure the job and order materials. The rest should follow completed milestones. Full payment up front is a warning sign.
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