General Contractors Cost Calculator
Big projects need a GC — remodels, additions and whole-home work. Answer 4 quick questions for an instant estimate tuned to your state.
Where's the project located?
Labor and material costs vary a lot by state — this tunes your estimate to your market.
We use regional cost factors so a project in California doesn't get a Mississippi price.
What project are you planning?
Tap the one that matches your project.
What's your material & finish quality?
Better materials cost more up front and last longer.
How complex is your project?
Tricky conditions and custom work take more labor.
Why this estimate?
Typically included
May cost extra
Estimates start from national-average project costs (updated Oct 2026), then adjust for your state's labor and material rates, plus your quality and complexity choices. Always get 3+ written quotes — this is for planning, not a bid.
Get quotes from local General Contractors prosWhat affects general contractors costs in 2026?
General contractor project costs in 2026: full kitchen remodels $15,000–$55,000, bathroom remodels $8,000–$28,000, basement finishing $30,000–$75,000, home additions $80,000–$200,000, and whole-home renovations $100,000–$300,000+.
As the project manager coordinating every trade, a GC typically charges 10–20% overhead and profit on top of subcontractor costs — that's the premium for single-point accountability. Scope changes mid-project are the #1 budget killer; change orders routinely add 10–25%. Structural work, permits, and inspections add both cost and timeline, especially for additions.
Protect your budget with a detailed written scope before work starts, a payment schedule tied to milestones (never large upfront deposits), and a 10–15% contingency fund. Check license, insurance, and references — and call those references. The cheapest GC bid on a major project is the riskiest bid you'll ever accept.
Typical General Contractors project costs
| Project | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Kitchen remodel (full) Cabinets, counters, appliances, flooring. Scope drives price. | $15,000 – $55,000 |
| Bathroom remodel (full) Gut renovation with new fixtures and tile. | $8,000 – $28,000 |
| Basement finishing Turn unfinished basement into living space. | $30,000 – $75,000 |
| Home addition Single-room addition, ~300 sq ft. Permits and foundation included. | $80,000 – $200,000 |
| Whole-home renovation Gut renovation of an average home. | $100,000 – $300,000 |
How we estimate costs
Cost ranges in this calculator start from typical U.S. homeowner project costs compiled from contractor rate surveys, material pricing data, and published project cost databases (base data updated Oct 2026). Your estimate is then adjusted three ways: a regional factor for your state's labor and material rates (e.g. California runs ~22% above the national average, Mississippi ~15% below), your quality choice, and project complexity.
Important: this is an educational estimate, not a quote. Actual prices vary significantly by location, contractor, material choices, and site conditions. Always get at least three written quotes from licensed contractors before starting a project.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a typical general contractor project cost?
It depends on the project. For example, kitchen remodel (full) typically runs $15,000–$55,000, while whole-home renovation ranges from $100,000 to $300,000. Use the calculator above for an estimate based on your project, finish, and complexity.
How accurate is this cost calculator?
These ranges start from national-average prices homeowners actually pay (base data updated Oct 2026), then adjust for your state's labor and material rates, your material quality choice, and project complexity. That gets you much closer than a flat national number — but your local market, home size, and site conditions still matter. Always get at least 3 written quotes before committing.
Why do contractor quotes vary so much?
Labor rates differ by region, overhead varies between solo operators and large firms, and material quality tiers change the price significantly. A quote 30–50% below the average is a red flag — it often means cut corners or missing line items.
Should I choose the cheapest quote?
Not necessarily. Compare what's included: materials, warranty length, timeline, and cleanup. The middle quote from a well-reviewed contractor is usually the best value.