How much do general contractors typically charge?

<div>Generally, general contractors charge between $50 and $150 hourly, though not every contractor charges by the hour. If charging based on the project, you can expect a markup of 10% to 20% of the construction cost. You can expect to pay between $300 and $500 daily if charged by the day. </div>

What does a general contractor do?

<div>General contractors are the ones that coordinate home construction projects. They are in charge of the day-to-day oversight of the subcontractors to ensure that the project is completed on time and to resolve problems as they arise. General contractors:<ul><li>Complete pre-construction planning, both with the customer and crew</li><li>Provide realistic cost estimates</li><li>Develop construction timelines</li><li>Ensure deadlines are met</li><li>Acquire permits as needed</li><li>Purchase supplies and materials</li></ul></div>

What questions should I ask a general contractor?

<div>Before hiring a general contractor for your home project, it’s a great idea to write down a list of questions to discuss with each prospect. Some example questions to get you started include:<ul><li>Which types of insurance do you carry?</li><li>Can you provide a list of references?</li><li>What is the expected timeline for this project?</li><li>How will my project be supervised?</li><li>Will you hire subcontractors for the job?</li><li>What is the best way to communicate changes?</li><li>Will you obtain all of the required building permits?</li></ul></div>

Should general contractors be certified or licensed?

<div>While city and state laws vary on general contractor licensing requirements, hiring an unlicensed general contractor could lead to poor quality work, costly future expenses, and potential code violations. Be sure to check our <a href="https://www.angi.com/angi-license-check.htm">state licensing tool</a> to review the local general contractor guidelines for your area.As you browse our pro listings, take note of the “Angi Approved” badge. Angi Approved businesses meet our standards for certification which include: <ul><li>The owner, principal, or relevant manager passed a criminal background check</li><li>Required to have applicable state and local licenses</li><li>Maintain an average star rating of 3.0 or better on our network, if they have at least one review</li><li>Paying to advertise their services</li><li>Meeting any other eligibility criteria required by Angi</li></ul>Keep in mind licensing is different from certifications. A license is a legal requirement to operate a business, while certifications are voluntary.</div>

Do general contractors require a down payment for projects?

<div>Yes, most general contractors require a down payment for project completion. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-reasonable-down-payment-contractor.htm">A reasonable down payment for a contractor</a> is 10% to 25% of the total project cost, though that will vary based on project size and location. The down payment helps cover the upfront costs of materials and permits and helps ensure payment for the project at hand. </div>

Top 10 Best Contractors in Carmel, IN

Madison County Cabinets Inc

Madison County Cabinets Inc

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 99% of Angi customers

93 local quotes requested

Since 1973, it has been our mission to build cabinets that we would be proud to put in our homes. Over the years, we have continued to refine our process and continuously learn so that we can provide you with the best custom cabinetry in Indiana. We remain committed to exceeding customer expectations and we hope that you give us the opportunity to exceed yours. To maintain a high quality installation experience, we only install our own cabinetry. We have won quite a few Angie's List Super Service Awards - including for 2013-2022. To maintain a high quality installation experience, we only install our own cabinetry. When you are ready, please let us know when you'd like to come out to our showroom for a tour. If you would prefer, we also love the opportunity to meet you at the job site. Thanks for looking at Madison County Cabinets. Family Owned & Operated. Cost Is Determined By The Job. No travel charges. 19 Employees.

"My husband and I began looking for a home in the area three years ago. In one of the houses we looked at, the cabinets were beautiful and were made by MCC. When we did our new home build we knew no one one else would build our cabinets. We couldn't have been more pleased with the attention and time spent by MCC to make our cabinets into the fine furniture they are . The special lighting features, drawer spice rack, under cabinet mixer stand and kitchen utensil pull out made our kitchen a wonderful place to prepare meals. Working with MCC was truly a blessing."

Katherine O on March 2023

Since 1973, it has been our mission to build cabinets that we would be proud to put in our homes. Over the years, we have continued to refine our process and continuously learn so that we can provide you with the best custom cabinetry in Indiana. We remain committed to exceeding customer expectations and we hope that you give us the opportunity to exceed yours. To maintain a high quality installation experience, we only install our own cabinetry. We have won quite a few Angie's List Super Service Awards - including for 2013-2022. To maintain a high quality installation experience, we only install our own cabinetry. When you are ready, please let us know when you'd like to come out to our showroom for a tour. If you would prefer, we also love the opportunity to meet you at the job site. Thanks for looking at Madison County Cabinets. Family Owned & Operated. Cost Is Determined By The Job. No travel charges. 19 Employees.

"My husband and I began looking for a home in the area three years ago. In one of the houses we looked at, the cabinets were beautiful and were made by MCC. When we did our new home build we knew no one one else would build our cabinets. We couldn't have been more pleased with the attention and time spent by MCC to make our cabinets into the fine furniture they are . The special lighting features, drawer spice rack, under cabinet mixer stand and kitchen utensil pull out made our kitchen a wonderful place to prepare meals. Working with MCC was truly a blessing."

Katherine O on March 2023

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

132 local quotes requested

I have a small interior trim business, in which I am the one who does the work. I've been in this field for over 19 years, and can do any job when it comes to interior trim. Whether it's a remodel or a new home, any job big or small, I can get the job finished. You will be dealing directly with me, and I am not happy until the customer is happy.

"Miles Dover did an amazing job. He created a beautiful bay window seat. He exceeded my expectations! I am so thankful I used Angi to find the help I needed."

Jennifer C on June 2025

I have a small interior trim business, in which I am the one who does the work. I've been in this field for over 19 years, and can do any job when it comes to interior trim. Whether it's a remodel or a new home, any job big or small, I can get the job finished. You will be dealing directly with me, and I am not happy until the customer is happy.

"Miles Dover did an amazing job. He created a beautiful bay window seat. He exceeded my expectations! I am so thankful I used Angi to find the help I needed."

Jennifer C on June 2025

Shep Quality Construction, LLC

14074 Trade Center Drive, Suite 233

Shep Quality Construction, LLC

14074 Trade Center Drive, Suite 233

Customers say: True professional

5 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

Shep Quality Construction was founded in 2022 and to date we have executed 100+ contracts. We are a locally owned company that values honesty, integrity, and treats your home as if it were our own. We offer a variety of services that are customized to each individual project. Our expertise is seeking the most cost-effective way to bring your dreams to life. You will find us to be competitively priced while paying close attention to the details of each project that we are involved with. We guarantee satisfaction and look forward to building long lasting relationships.

"I had the absolute worse bathrooms that you could imagine and I was extremely stressed of their deteriorating condition then I met Shep Quality Construction and they put my mind to ease and assured me that this was their speciality. They began to work the next day, the demo was fast and clean and before I knew it new electrical, plumbing and walls were going up. The crew has been exceptional from beginning to end...the end result is better than I could have imagined. I highly recommend Shep Quality Construction for your renovation dreams."

John L on August 2025

Shep Quality Construction was founded in 2022 and to date we have executed 100+ contracts. We are a locally owned company that values honesty, integrity, and treats your home as if it were our own. We offer a variety of services that are customized to each individual project. Our expertise is seeking the most cost-effective way to bring your dreams to life. You will find us to be competitively priced while paying close attention to the details of each project that we are involved with. We guarantee satisfaction and look forward to building long lasting relationships.

"I had the absolute worse bathrooms that you could imagine and I was extremely stressed of their deteriorating condition then I met Shep Quality Construction and they put my mind to ease and assured me that this was their speciality. They began to work the next day, the demo was fast and clean and before I knew it new electrical, plumbing and walls were going up. The crew has been exceptional from beginning to end...the end result is better than I could have imagined. I highly recommend Shep Quality Construction for your renovation dreams."

John L on August 2025

MG Home Innovations, LLC

4260 Cornelius Avenue

New on AngiNew on Angi•

Approved Pro

MG Home Innovations, LLC

4260 Cornelius Avenue

New on AngiNew on Angi•

Approved Pro

7 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

MG Home Innovations is a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity in all aspects of our business. Our dedicated team of professionals have over 12 years of hands on experience, to provide innovative ideas and suggestions tailored to your projects. Our services are customized to your individual needs, paying close attention to the details of each project that we are involved with. Please feel free to contact us today!

JP Construction

3844 North Wittfield Street

New on AngiNew on Angi•

Approved Pro

JP Construction

3844 North Wittfield Street

New on AngiNew on Angi•

Approved Pro

17 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

At JP Construction, our company is based on the belief that our customers' needs are of the utmost importance. Our team is committed to meeting those needs. We welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the best service. No job is too big, or too small, for our experienced team. Call today for a quote.

Maynor Construction, LLC

Maynor Construction, LLC

Customers say: Terrific value

Recommended by 96% of Angi customers

34 local quotes requested

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumers needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship, and complete customer satisfaction, from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate, with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

"My family experienced water and wind damage earlier this year. We had to be placed in a hotel. After reaching out to numerous companies, we chose Maynor construction. I am glad we did!! If it wasnâ t for Maynor and his staff, I wouldnâ t have made it. The process was long and depressing because of being away from home. However Maynor and his staff reassured me. They showed patience with me and worked hand and hand with my insurance company with getting my home repaired in a timely manner. Thank you Maynor! I truly feel like we are family!"

Markeisha D on October 2023

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumers needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship, and complete customer satisfaction, from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate, with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

"My family experienced water and wind damage earlier this year. We had to be placed in a hotel. After reaching out to numerous companies, we chose Maynor construction. I am glad we did!! If it wasnâ t for Maynor and his staff, I wouldnâ t have made it. The process was long and depressing because of being away from home. However Maynor and his staff reassured me. They showed patience with me and worked hand and hand with my insurance company with getting my home repaired in a timely manner. Thank you Maynor! I truly feel like we are family!"

Markeisha D on October 2023

LUME CLEANING CO, LLC

LUME CLEANING CO, LLC

50 local quotes requested

6 years of experience

Our company is built on a foundation of reliability, clear communication, integrity, and high-quality workmanship. As specialists in our field, we’re committed to keeping you well-informed throughout your project. We hope to get your business and get started on something great.

"Very friendly and efficient "

Tisha K on May 2025

Our company is built on a foundation of reliability, clear communication, integrity, and high-quality workmanship. As specialists in our field, we’re committed to keeping you well-informed throughout your project. We hope to get your business and get started on something great.

"Very friendly and efficient "

Tisha K on May 2025

Customers say: Quality work

12 local quotes requested

10 years of experience

Custom Home Medic provides complete custom remodel, addition, and renovation services to the greater Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Zionsville, and Noblesville areas. We provide free consultations, project estimates, and professional design services. All complimentary design services include 3D color renderings and virtual tours of your project as seen on your favorite HGTV channels. Call us and schedule an appointment with our Interior Designer or Project Managers today. See what your project is going to look like before you ever spend a dime. See us at www.customhomemedic.com or call us at 317-983-4937

"I have had numerous people and companies out over the years for various projects but CustomHome Medic was without a doubt the best company Iâ ve worked with. First Russ came and assessed the problems . I had years of water damage under the kitchen sink and was now affecting the floor. They replaced the floor and even attended to other issues such as a water line that other companies had merely zip tied. They were very precise and attentive to every detail. They also adapted to changes in the original work order. Replacing a threshold, adding a deadbolt and moving my ceiling light-Twice ! They replaced all the doors upstairs with regular, bi-fold and sliding glass. This was a repair from a previous botched job, but Larry and Chris made sure they fit perfectly. They really have a lot of pride in their work and it shows. The final project was a tearing out and replacing a shower. Russ provided me with 3 price points to help save money and a tons of options. It is absolutely Stunning. !! I just love how beautiful it is. When I selected tile we found out it had been discontinued and Russ went above and beyond to find some just like it. Larry made sure that the giant hole in my family room from the shower water damaged was repaired to look like nothing ever happened. Larry and Chris are very skilled and great to work with. The owner Adam was onsite frequently and actually did my shower because the guys were busy with another job and he didnâ t want me to have to wait a week until they finished. Really so so glad I called them. Told my daughter about them and she is having all new flooring and kitchen remodeling done. Everyone did their absolute best to make this a well-done and stress-free experience. I Other estimates were thousands more and included work that Russ told me most likely did t need to be done. Honest and reassuring. Also had Larry and Chris remove and replace all the upstairs doors and install new glass sliders, bi- fold and regular doors that instantly updated the look in all the rooms. Again, work was started on time, completed when promised and done the right way. Unlike the previous workers I had hired. The final Project was the most involved. Tearing out and replacing the upstairs shower. Russ gave me estimates with 3 different price points to help me save money. Again, even the highest one was less than 2 other well-known restoration companies quoted me. There was such a wide selection of materials"

Susan C on October 2020

Custom Home Medic provides complete custom remodel, addition, and renovation services to the greater Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Zionsville, and Noblesville areas. We provide free consultations, project estimates, and professional design services. All complimentary design services include 3D color renderings and virtual tours of your project as seen on your favorite HGTV channels. Call us and schedule an appointment with our Interior Designer or Project Managers today. See what your project is going to look like before you ever spend a dime. See us at www.customhomemedic.com or call us at 317-983-4937

"I have had numerous people and companies out over the years for various projects but CustomHome Medic was without a doubt the best company Iâ ve worked with. First Russ came and assessed the problems . I had years of water damage under the kitchen sink and was now affecting the floor. They replaced the floor and even attended to other issues such as a water line that other companies had merely zip tied. They were very precise and attentive to every detail. They also adapted to changes in the original work order. Replacing a threshold, adding a deadbolt and moving my ceiling light-Twice ! They replaced all the doors upstairs with regular, bi-fold and sliding glass. This was a repair from a previous botched job, but Larry and Chris made sure they fit perfectly. They really have a lot of pride in their work and it shows. The final project was a tearing out and replacing a shower. Russ provided me with 3 price points to help save money and a tons of options. It is absolutely Stunning. !! I just love how beautiful it is. When I selected tile we found out it had been discontinued and Russ went above and beyond to find some just like it. Larry made sure that the giant hole in my family room from the shower water damaged was repaired to look like nothing ever happened. Larry and Chris are very skilled and great to work with. The owner Adam was onsite frequently and actually did my shower because the guys were busy with another job and he didnâ t want me to have to wait a week until they finished. Really so so glad I called them. Told my daughter about them and she is having all new flooring and kitchen remodeling done. Everyone did their absolute best to make this a well-done and stress-free experience. I Other estimates were thousands more and included work that Russ told me most likely did t need to be done. Honest and reassuring. Also had Larry and Chris remove and replace all the upstairs doors and install new glass sliders, bi- fold and regular doors that instantly updated the look in all the rooms. Again, work was started on time, completed when promised and done the right way. Unlike the previous workers I had hired. The final Project was the most involved. Tearing out and replacing the upstairs shower. Russ gave me estimates with 3 different price points to help me save money. Again, even the highest one was less than 2 other well-known restoration companies quoted me. There was such a wide selection of materials"

Susan C on October 2020

26 years of experience

Stop overpaying on Services and Projects for CEOs to take vacations and continue spending thousands on advertising! Residential and Commercial Clients (Not Customers), Services and Projects, is our main focus, with our driving force behind our day to day operations centering around, providing only the highest quality in the area and the best rates to our clients! For over 25 Years BL has specialized in All Source Services, From The Footer To The Ridge, with pricing that always beats the big box companies and with quality that is far superior than your local handyman! (Trust us, we've seen some of the worst, and cleaned up after some of the worst) Don't let the handyman leave you an unfinished project! Don't let the big box companies tell you that, that service is for another contractor, or it will cost you thousands more! (Big Box Guys, frequently have left massive holes in Clients walls, huge messes on the floor and walls, holes in your yard, and just generally incomplete work, left for you to hire another company.) We have never paid for advertising except for our website! Over 350 services and projects performed this year alone! No advertising required, just providing Top Tier Quality Standards is enough! Make BL your only call! No matter the client, Landlord, Homeowner, or Business Owner, we will work with you fully in house on your project or service, no service or project is too big! When we cant, WE hire the best of the best from our network of high quality service professionals, completing your project or service from Start To Finish! Building/Structural Interior and Exterior Home Renovations and Repairs Basement Finishing Real Estate Remodels and Repairs Project and Property Management HVAC Window Treatments Flooring Drywall Paint Plumbing Custom Baths Electrical Lighting Custom Kitchens Custom Millwork, Furniture and More Check Out Our Website To Learn More and Get Started! We Accept All Forms Of Payment, With Buy Now Pay Later Options Available!

4 years of experience