“Change order”—it’s a common phrase you hear contractors throw around, and one you may be unfamiliar with if you don’t have extensive experience with the construction industry. But when choosing a contractor for your home improvement project, the concept of a change order is an important one to understand.

Cost factors for estimates by experienced contractors versus discount builders in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

In a previous post, we discussed the how contractors determine the prices they charge for home improvement jobs. They generally break their estimate figures into thirds between (1) materials, (2) labor, and (3) overheads and profit. Why, then, do so-called design build firms and other higher quality contractors oftentimes offer higher initial estimates than their discount competitors? Are they simply charging more money for comparable work?

Contractor Profit Margins: MD & VA Deck Builders

General Contracting and the Rule of Thirds

Residential contractors typically earn 10-20% profit margins, though outdoor living projects like screened porches and decks often run higher due to specialized skills and materials. For homeowners in Montgomery County MD and Fairfax County VA, understanding these margins helps you evaluate estimates fairly and recognize the value behind quality craftsmanship in your outdoor space.

Is My Contractor Overcharging Me? Maryland & Virginia Guide

How to Determine if Your Contractor’s Estimate is Accurate

Yes, many homeowners in Montgomery County and Fairfax County overpay for outdoor living projects. Contractors often present estimates missing hidden costs, unexpected fees, and scope changes. Understanding what a complete estimate should include—materials, labor, overhead, and contingencies—helps you identify overcharging before your deck, screened porch, or outdoor kitchen build begins.

Why Your Decking Contractor’s Portfolio Should Be Large, and Other Portfolio Considerations

When choosing a doctor, lawyer, or therapist, you are able to look to their license, education, and certifications as proof of their expertise. Even electricians and plumbers are required to undergo extensive training and experience before they become licensed to work. However, deck building is a unique industry in that there is no governing body that decides who is and who isn’t qualified to work as a decking contractor.