Subcontractors send bids or quotes to GCs, often competing against other subs on the same plans and scope. The GC compares the total price, but also what is included, what is excluded, schedule availability, and insurance and license status.
When to use estimates: Use estimates to provide project quotes and get client approval before starting work. Once approved, convert your estimate to an invoice with one click to collect payment.
Create an invoice for payment collection
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Invoice_1001_Client_2026-10-14.pdf
Referencing the documents you priced prevents arguments about whether something was included.
Listing what is not included, such as permits, patching, painting, or demolition, protects you from being assigned work you did not price.
Specific products and allowance amounts keep you from absorbing cost overruns if the owner picks pricier finishes.
Pricing assumes a certain number of trips and a start window, and extra mobilizations should be billable.
Note assumptions such as power, water, hoisting, clear access, and a clean substrate that the GC will provide.
Material prices, especially lumber, copper, and steel, shift quickly, so state how long the price holds.
Stating your expected terms and what coverage you carry sets expectations before the subcontract is drafted.
| Service | Priced | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Journeyman labor (T&M change orders) | per hour | $55-110 |
| Foreman or lead labor | per hour | $70-130 |
| Drywall hang and finish | per sq ft | $2-4 |
| Interior or exterior painting | per sq ft | $1.50-4 |
| Concrete flatwork (slab, driveway) | per sq ft | $6-14 |
| Framing labor | per sq ft | $6-16 |
| Equipment rental (skid steer, lift) | per day | $250-600 |
| Mobilization or small-job minimum | flat fee | $250-1,000 |
Typical US ranges. Rates vary by region, experience, and job size.
Measure quantities from the plans, apply labor production rates and current material quotes, then add overhead and profit. Subs commonly add 10 to 20 percent for overhead and profit, depending on the trade and market.
When quantities may change, such as extra footings or additional drywall area, include unit prices for add or deduct work so changes are priced upfront.
Lock material pricing with supplier quotes and note their expiration dates. If a supplier quote expires before the job starts, your bid price should say so.
Show base bid, alternates, and optional upgrades as separate lines so the GC can pick and total them without asking you to rebid.
Lump sum is common for bids, but a breakdown helps later because it can become your schedule of values for progress billing. Provide a breakdown if asked and make sure it adds up to the bid total.
Many subs use 30 days, shorter for volatile materials. Put the expiration date on the bid, and state that pricing may change if award or start is delayed.
That is common, and you can negotiate by reducing scope, adjusting schedule, or changing materials rather than just cutting profit. Whatever you agree to, get the revised scope and price in writing.
Most subs absorb bid costs on competitive GC work. For complicated design-assist or repeated revisions on a private job, a flat estimating fee that is credited to the job if you win is reasonable.
Use the Subcontractor invoice template to bill the client, or convert this estimate once it's approved.
Subcontractor invoice template