I also make sure all materials are already onsite, and if the contractor picks up something that was not known to be needed.

That's right around the supply house price here for a low end 2 ton system and that's without a line set, electrical, installation, and any other materials.    

You should be familiar with material costs, suppliers and time required for a job so you can judge any bid.

The $6500 is in materials.

He also works for a marble company where he is able to get a lot of material for countertops, floors and other for less than wholesale.I have not done any of the work however I have paid 100% of all costs.The questions that are coming up now are:Do I stage the properties when we are going to sell?

He can purchase the materials at cost.

Costs for plumbing is going to depend on how much material and how hard it's going to be to get it in place.

This is also useful in determining labor costs per  job within the house , not just materials.

A great big hurdle for many people, especially if they were burnt by a contractor before or they have heard horror stories from friends and family.There are a few ways to overcome this dilemma - one, buy the materials needed yourself and have them on the job, when the contractor shows up.

I am working with my wife to get marketing material together.