Pricing bids to builders as a sub
Hey everyone, my company is new. I run a carpentry business in SE Mi focused on doing high end work when I can get it. I'm having several struggles and dilemmas but, what I'm wondering is do people w...
Forum Discussion
Absolutely, your pricing should change depending on1. They’re looking for a sub they can throw on the schedule and not babysit. That means:
* They expect tighter numbers.
* They expect fewer change orders.
* And they’ll compare your bid to the last 3 guys they used.
So yes, mark up your material, maybe not as aggressively as you would for a homeowner, but enough to:
* Cover your time sourcing,
* Cover risk (returns, damage, delays),
* And actually make it worth doing.
Even 10–15% is fair if you’re managing the materials.
2. Don’t let the builder dictate what your profit should be.
If you’re doing labor + material, yes, add a margin. That’s not greed. That’s sustainability.
Just be clear and consistent in how you show it:
* Some guys bake it all into the line items.
* Others break out a line for “overhead & profit.”
Either way, don’t apologize for it.
