7 Hidden Costs That Sink Construction Bids

You bid a job. You lose it — or worse, you win it and lose money. Nine times out of ten, one of these line items is missing.

1. Soil testing. $1,500–$3,000. Skip it and you own every foundation problem for the next decade.
2. Utility connection fees. Water, sewer, electric hookup. Utility company invoices.
3. Debris removal / dumpster rental. $300–$800 per dumpster; a residential remodel eats 3–8.
4. Temporary power. Framing has to happen before the panel is set.
5. Sales tax on materials. Depends on state. If you don't have a resale certificate, add 6–10%.
6. Change-order buffer. If your bid doesn't have a 5–10% contingency line, you're bidding scared.
7. Warranty period labor. Include it in overhead, not as a line item.