How much does it cost to hire a contractor to build a house?
Christopher Anderson
Published Mar 02, 2026
How much does it cost to hire a contractor to build a house?
Standard General Contractor Fee Percentage. General contractor management fees generally total 10 to 20% of the project cost. The rate can get as high as 25% depending on the size of the project. The fees are calculated from a markup on materials, subcontractor labor and the total price of the job.
Is it cheaper to build your own house or hire a contractor?
Hire a Professional. It might seem like building a house on your own is more affordable than hiring professional homebuilders. If you have a background in general contracting work, or even some specialized experience and can go the owner-builder route, you’ll likely save money.
Do construction contractors make a lot of money?
General Contractors (including construction managers) earn an average of $43.93 per hour, or $91,370 per year.
What is the most expensive part of building a house?
Framing
Framing is the most expensive part of building a house. While exact framing costs can sometimes be tricky to predict, there are general guidelines that can help you understand what will drive costs up. Size. The bigger the house, the more expensive it will be to frame.
How do I get rich in construction?
5 Ways to Make More Money on Your Next Construction Job
- Get better at bidding on jobs. Bidding on jobs takes time but it’s important.
- Get the most out of your crew.
- Consider the total cost of tools and equipment, not just the purchase price.
- Care for your tools.
- Waste less material.
What type of contractor makes the most money?
Highest Paid Contractors/Construction Job
- Building Engineer (Average salary: $25.71 per hour)
- Electrician (Average salary: $25.26 per hour)
- Plumber (Average salary: $25.07 per hour)
- Construction inspector (Average salary: $23.97 per hour)
- Ironworker (Average salary: $20.09 per hour)
How much would a 2000 square foot house cost?
Cost By Size
| Size | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 1,000 sq. ft. | $100,000 – $200,000 |
| 1,200 sq. ft. | $120,000 – $240,000 |
| 1,500 sq. ft. | $150,000 – $300,000 |
| 2,000 sq. ft. | $200,000 – $400,000 |