Find a Building Contractor near you
The average rating for Bark Building Contractors is 4.76, based on 135,228 reviews
5/5
based on 135,228 reviews
The job of a general contractor can’t be overemphasized, especially if you want your building project to be successful and completed within record time! Read on to find out how much you’ll pay when you hire a general contractor.
Revamping your home sweet home or considering a new property project? The prospect of hiring a general or building contractor can flip your excitement into an overwhelming maze of questions, starting with the pivotal one – how much does a general contractor cost in 2024? Relax, we're here to build a straightforward plan for your project, one brick of information at a time.
In 2024, a general contractor in the United States doesn't come cheap. Whether you're remodeling a kitchen or paying for a garage conversion, the costs can vary significantly. However, as a baseline, the average general contractor's price can reach up to $10,000 or more, depending on your project's scale and location.
Full-on property additions can cost even more. Here's our guide to the price of home additions..
Unlike many service providers, general contractors don't typically charge hourly. It's more common for them to offer a project-based quote or charge a daily rate. This conventional approach allows contractors to allocate their time efficiently across multiple projects, it better accounts for their unpredictable work hours, and it allows clients to grasp a more inclusive, project-focused accounting of labor.
If you decide that a daily rate suits your project more effectively, be prepared for a median cost of $300 to $1,000 per day, with an average of $400 for a seasoned contractor. Daily rates can be flexible, especially for long-term projects where consistent work is guaranteed.
| Average cost | $400 |
| Low end | $300 |
| High end |
Navigating a project-based rate is a bit like signing a pay-by-the-day contract. A general contractor is likely to provide a project cost for the entirety of the work, ensuring both clarity and certainty in your budget. This sum can range from 10% to 20% of your total project costs, which is typically the recommended figure when you factor in labor, materials, and unforeseen expenses.
The cost of hiring a general contractor is not set in stone, and merits special attention as the cost estimate evolves. Several key variables can substantially swing the financial pendulum, and you should be well-informed of these factors before committing to your project.
Location:
The cost of living in vastly different between New York City and rural Kansas, resulting in significant variance in pay across the board.
Experience:
A contractor fresh to the scene might charge substantially less than a veteran builder with a stellar reputation. Remember, inexperience brings a price of its own, but it may be worth the savings for less complex projects.
Materials:
Some contractors sell materials at cost, while others add a markup. Choose carefully how hands-on your contractor is in the supply chain to control your budget.
Project Complexity:
A simple kitchen remodel will be kinder to your wallet than a full-scale house makeover. The more specialized the work, the more a contractor, or their sub-contractors, may charge.
Project Duration:
Per-day or hourly rates for labor don't change, but the longer the project, the more labor is required. A time-sensitive project may involve overtime costs for labor.
Now, here's a snapshot of some average prices by state (as of 2024):
| Low end | High end | |
| North Dakota | $240 | $400 |
| Conneticut | $400 | $560 |
| California | $560 | $1,200 |
These prices are affected by the cost of living, the cost of materials, competition, and the cost of labor in your particular state.
A general builder, not to be confused with our well-loved "jack-of-all-trades" general contractor, can come at a cost too. Their role is more focused, often within a single trade, and their rates reflect this. Here's a glimpse at their paychecks:
Bricklayer/Mason:
Expect about $30 to $60 per hour, depending on location.
Roofer:
Their rates average from $40 to $60 per hour, with nuances depending on industry demand in your area.
Carpenter:
The art of woodworking could cost you $20 to $35 per hour.
Different tasks, different costs, but each as integral to a finished product as the general contractor. Remember, you might not need a general builder or a general contractor for all jobs. For example, if you're thinking of rebuilding a porch, finding a porch installation specialist might be best.
Sure, we've outlined the broad spectrum of costs associated with a general contractor, but who doesn't want to pocket some savings, right? There are a few practical ways to ensure the project doesn't laud over your budget like an unfriendly Landlord.
Do What You Can:
Not everything requires a professional touch. In fact, some heavy lifting on preparing the site can easily be a DIY affair.
Source Your Own Materials:
This can cut out the middleman, saving you on potential markups the contractor might add.
Negotiate Like a Pro:
If you're ready to sign up, it doesn't hurt to negotiate. Just keep it friendly and professional.
Timing is Money:
A flexible start date can sometimes secure a deal.
This isn't about cutting corners; it's about being savvy with your investment.
Remember that the highest bid doesn't always guarantee the best work, and the lowest doesn't always signify a bargain. Your budget should be the blueprint for your choice, and transparency in all financial dealings with your potential contractor is a must.
When comparing quotes, ensure they include a breakdown of:
Labor costs
Material costs
Any expected hidden costs
A clear schedule of payment
Make sure to align your budget with your project's reality, and don't be swayed by attractive figures alone. Your home or development project deserves quality work that's financially viable, and a bit of deep digging into what you can afford is worth the peace of mind.
In the buzzing world of real estate and home renovation, aligning your vision with your budget through the employment of a general contractor marks the beginning of an exciting endeavor. Trust in your preparation and awareness of costs ensures you won't just build structures; you'll construct a wise investment in your most valued spaces.
You should now have a grip on what a general contractor might cost you, and with these nuggets of financial wisdom, you're ready to get that deal sealed. When you're ready to get started, find a general contractor on Bark today - and happy building!
The average rating for Bark Building Contractors is 4.76, based on 135,228 reviews
5/5
based on 135,228 reviews
