The cost for general builders can vary depending on the project. Some jobs require more time and labor, while others are completed quicker with less work needed to complete. General builders can charge anywhere between $250 and $60,000 - it all depends on the project at hand. For example, building a new home might cost around $200,000 - $300,000 whereas new roof installations may cost anywhere between $4,000 - $40,000. With such a broad range of building work that can be performed, remodeling projects can differ in cost vastly.
What Does a General Builder Do?
A general builder oversees can oversee a wide range of activities that happen on a building site. They take responsibility to ensure everything stays on schedule and the work proceeds as planned. They deal with laborers, and sub-contractors, and manage a site as the foreman. They distribute the correct materials and labor as required and plan ahead to get the project done within a specified timeframe.
Typically, the general builder is hired by clients directly. This can include homeowners, project engineers, architects, and general contractors.
How To Estimate The Cost of a General Builder
Estimating how much a builder will charge is not straightforward. First, you need to figure out the cost of your building project. The general builders' fee is typically anywhere between 10% - 20% of the project’s total cost. With this in mind, you can be assured that general builders will charge anywhere between $25,000 and $56,000 for building a new home. For a new driveway installation, you may be looking at costs anywhere between $150 - $6000 or more. That's why we suggest you make use of our cost calculator. By entering your ZIP and describing your project, you'll be looking at costs and comparing quotes in no time at all!
Let's take a look at some general builders' rates. Keep in mind, however, that these rates are based on national averages and you should always take into consideration your regional pricing factors and trends.
| Project Type | Average Project Cost | Builder's Costs |
|---|---|---|
| New Home Building | $280,000 | $28,000 – $56,000 |
| Home Additions | $47,075 | $4,700 – $9,400 |
| Large Home Remodeling | $48,125 | $4,750 – $9,500 |
| Bathroom Remodeling | $11,300 | $1,100 – $2,400 |
| Kitchen Remodeling | $25,600 | $2,600 – $5,200 |
| Drywall Building | $1,985 | $185 – $370 |
| Brick or Stone Walls | $2,650 | $250 – $1,000 |
| New Deck | $7,915 | $775 – $1,600 |
| Garage Building | $16,000 | $1,750 – $5,850 |
| New Concrete Patio | $3,000 | $300 – $600 |
| New Driveway | $4,650 | $250– $930 |
*The costs mentioned above are simplified and based on national average costs. We highly recommend entering your ZIP on this page, describing your project, and comparing some estimates to get a better idea of how much your general builder will charge.
General Builder's Hourly Rates
While most general builders like to charge a percentage of the project's value, many agree to work on an hourly rate dependent on the job at hand. General builders may charge anywhere from $48 - $175 per hour for their knowledge and expertise. When they do settle for an hourly rate, it's likely that a minimum hour of work has been guaranteed for the particular project at hand.
Factors Influence General Builder's Rates
The cost of a general builder will depend on the scope of the job, the materials, and the type of subcontractors that need to be hired.
Scope of Project
What is the nature of your project? Are you remodeling a kitchen? Installing a new roof? The larger the project, the more expensive a general builder will charge. Naturally, larger projects require more materials and a larger workforce to manage.
Type of Materials
Depending on the type of project, materials types and amounts can vastly differ. Building a home obviously requires more materials and expertise that installing a new driveway. The more elements you have to your project, the more materials you'll be dealing with, and the higher your general builder will end up charging.
Subcontractors
It is likely that your chosen general builder will be hiring subcontractors for larger projects. Again, depending on the type of work at hand and the type of expertise required, pricing could be impacted.
General Builder's Cost Calculator | Enter Your Zip for a Free Quote
The actual cost of a general builder in your area may vary depending on your location and the specific materials you choose. Let's get started! Simply enter your zip below for an estimate on the cost of a general builder for your project.