5 Things Your General Contractor Won't Tell You

I've been in construction for over 17 years. Here are five things most GCs will never voluntarily tell you.

1. Their Bid Includes 25-40% Markup

When a GC gives you a “competitive bid,” that number includes their profit margin, overhead, contingency padding, and sometimes a buffer for subcontractor markups on top of that.

2. Change Orders Are Often Planned

Many GCs submit low bids knowing they'll make it up in change orders. It's not bad luck. It's a business model.

3. They Don't Always Use the Best Subcontractors

Most GCs have a roster of subs they use repeatedly — not because they're the best, but because they're the cheapest.

4. Your Timeline Is Padded

GCs add buffer to timelines so they can juggle multiple projects.

5. They Don't Want You on the Job Site

If your GC discourages site visits or gets uncomfortable when you ask detailed questions, that's a red flag.

What to Do About It

Ask hard questions. Demand cost breakdowns. Request open-book accounting.

We answer the questions everyone else is afraid to. That's not a tagline — it's how we operate.