Contractor currently charges % on total spent which gives him no motivation to keep bids low or fight for better deals with subs/suppliers.

When it comes to the selection of subcontractors and suppliers, you will have the peace of mind knowing that they are hiring the trades, vendors and suppliers who have the right experience and can deliver what they promise.General Contractors Are Focused on the CustomerWhen it comes to having a successful project, there is nothing more important than communication.

Any granite/natural stone budget recommendation around Cleveland?Doing a flip in Highland Heights for around $180. Kitchen size is medium.

We are looking to buy kitchen cabinets wholesale but are having a difficult time. Companies just don't get back to you. We are an LLC and I am going to apply for a contractor license for my husband today. He will be d...

Any landlords out there in the Greater Cedar Rapids, Iowa City area sick of their Coin-Op laundry suppliers? 

Your General Contractor may have used Subs and you should cover your assets and make sure he has all those subs paid and you have lien waivers to back that up, or other documentation that similar from him, just because they are licensed doesn't mean they paid all their subs off or suppliers for parts and materials.

Just came back from a local REIA meeting, the presenter(property manager) recommended contacting the supplier to find good contractor.

FWIW I bought from a local supplier who also did the installation, and paid just under $4 sq/ft. 

They basically just take assets from suppliers around the US and put a large mark up on them. 

On a typical project, here are the contractors I'll probably use:- Demo- Roofer- Painter- Carpenter- Plumber- Electrician- HVAC- Window Company- Tile Guy- Carpet Guy- Hardwood Guy- Cabinets/Countertops Company- Termite Inspection- Landscaping- Garage Door Company- House CleanerIn addition, on many projects I'll also use:- Drywall Guys- Insulation- Surveyor- Structural Engineer- Inspectors- Concrete Company- Driveway/Paving Company- Grading- Tree Trimming- Shower Glass CompanyFor big projects, new construction:- Architect- Civil Engineer- Foundation- Asbestos Removal- Sediment Control- Excavation, Dirt Hauling- Interior Sprinklers- Stone WorkEach of those contractors will typically get between 1-4 draws, depending on the scope of the work they have for the project.Then there are materials and other non-labor costs:- Permits (0-3 transactions per project)- Porta Pottys (0-3 transactions per project)- Home Depot Materials (3-5 transactions per project)- Dumpsters (1-3 transactions per project)- Paint Purchase- Cabinets/Countertops Purchase (2-4 transactions per project)- Flooring Material Purchase (1-2 transactions per project)- Specialty Material Suppliers (0-10 transactions per project)- Utility/Service Installation (0-5 transactions per project)- Private Inspections (0-5 transactions per project)- Insulation/Airtightness Tests- AppliancesOn top of that, I will potentially write several checks to:- Title Company- Property Inspector- Appraiser- General Contractor or Project Manager- Interest Payments- Utility Payments- Tax PaymentsOn top of that, I have my general business expenses:- Accounting- Legal- Interest Payments- Tax Payments- Brokerage Fees- E&O Fees- MLS Fees- Overhead/Office (Supplies, Equipment, Subscriptions, Software, etc)- Telephone/Fax/Internet- Income from Property SalesAll of these easily add up to a couple hundred transactions on a large project or new build, meaning many dozen per month.