., general conditions, general requirements, fees, bonds, etc.) are line items costs before the single digit markup is applied.  

I don't understand this...My word is my bond..if I did something that wasn't to their liking why don't they respond to my messages?????

Start a discussion with these companies, and most everyone probably knows the 'Old Guy' that's looking to maybe scale back his hours at the end of his career.I've never had to hire a FT handyman myself, but I know I would be looking for that Old Guy with all of the experience.It's definitely a lengthy process requiring a lot of calls, but I think you will find you end up with quality leads, rather than the quality you likely got off of CL.

Real estate, stocks, bonds, businesses, etc.  

These expectations change with the market and with investors' perception of risk/return from other investment alternatives (stocks, bonds, REITs, gold, etc).

Do roofers have to be bonded, too?

You an do better with bonds.  

Do big corporations issue amortizing bonds?

- Do the contractors need to be insured and bonded ? 

Hi Pat,We operate a GC company in Plainfield IL, and of course,with licenses and insurance bonds.