# How much should you pay a general contractor?

**URL:** <https://home.renovation.reviews/t/how-much-should-you-pay-a-general-contractor/13064>\
**Category:** Trade Talk\
**Tags:** q\_and\_a\
**Created:** [March 5, 2025, 4:21am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/how-much-should-you-pay-a-general-contractor/13064 "2025-03-05T04:21:55Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 7\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![HomeRenovationExpert](https://home.renovation.reviews/user_avatar/home.renovation.reviews/homerenovationexpert/32/88_2.png) [@HomeRenovationExpert](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/HomeRenovationExpert)\
**Post date:** [March 5, 2025, 4:21am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/how-much-should-you-pay-a-general-contractor/13064/1 "2025-03-05T04:21:55Z")

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How much should I expect to pay a general contractor for my project?

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**Author:** ![ABLconstruction](https://home.renovation.reviews/user_avatar/home.renovation.reviews/ablconstruction/32/95_2.png) [@ABLconstruction](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/ABLconstruction)\
**Post date:** [March 5, 2025, 4:22am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/how-much-should-you-pay-a-general-contractor/13064/2 "2025-03-05T04:22:13Z")

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Cost for a general contractor varies a lot, but expect around $50-$150 per hour, or 10%-20% of total project cost. Factors include project scope, location, and contractor experience. Always get multiple quotes to compare!

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**Author:** ![Tim\_Michael1](https://home.renovation.reviews/user_avatar/home.renovation.reviews/tim_michael1/32/6294_2.png) [@Tim\_Michael1](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Tim_Michael1)\
**Post date:** [August 14, 2025, 8:34am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/how-much-should-you-pay-a-general-contractor/13064/3 "2025-08-14T08:34:48Z")

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> [@HomeRenovationExpert](#):
>
> How much should I expect to pay a general contractor for my project?

GCs usually charge around 10–20% of your total budget for full-service management. The final cost can change based on how they structure their fees (percentage, fixed, or cost-plus).

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**Author:** ![kent\_0902](https://home.renovation.reviews/user_avatar/home.renovation.reviews/kent_0902/32/2825_2.png) [@kent\_0902](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/kent_0902)\
**Post date:** [August 14, 2025, 10:22am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/how-much-should-you-pay-a-general-contractor/13064/4 "2025-08-14T10:22:02Z")

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Costs vary by project size, complexity, and location, but generally:

Small renovations: 10–20% of project cost as the contractor’s fee

New builds or major projects: 15–25% of total project cost

Some contractors charge fixed fees or hourly rates for smaller jobs.

Exact pricing depends on scope, materials, and local market rates.

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**Author:** ![Joyboy03j](https://home.renovation.reviews/user_avatar/home.renovation.reviews/joyboy03j/32/2900_2.png) [@Joyboy03j](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Joyboy03j)\
**Post date:** [August 14, 2025, 12:41pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/how-much-should-you-pay-a-general-contractor/13064/5 "2025-08-14T12:41:33Z")

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General contractors typically charge 10–20 % of the project cost, though complex or high-end jobs may run higher.

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**Author:** ![Tim\_curtis](https://home.renovation.reviews/user_avatar/home.renovation.reviews/tim_curtis/32/2766_2.png) [@Tim\_curtis](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Tim_curtis)\
**Post date:** [August 14, 2025, 5:43pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/how-much-should-you-pay-a-general-contractor/13064/6 "2025-08-14T17:43:23Z")

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General contractors usually charge either:

1. Percentage of project cost: Typically 10–20% of the total renovation or construction budget.

2. Flat fee: Agreed upfront based on scope.

3. Hourly rate: Less common for whole projects, around $50–$150/hr depending on region and complexity.

Most homeowners pay by percentage because it aligns with the project size. Always get a clear contract specifying scope, payments, and contingencies.

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**Author:** ![Joe\_clintonnn](https://home.renovation.reviews/user_avatar/home.renovation.reviews/joe_clintonnn/32/2820_2.png) [@Joe\_clintonnn](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Joe_clintonnn)\
**Post date:** [August 14, 2025, 9:15pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/how-much-should-you-pay-a-general-contractor/13064/7 "2025-08-14T21:15:36Z")

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General contractors typically charge between 10% and 20% of the total project cost, but rates can vary based on project complexity, location, and contractor experience.  
Alternatively, some contractors may charge hourly, with rates ranging from $50 to $150 per hour. Factors like project size, timeline, and the contractor’s expertise will influence the final price