how to figure 18% of construction project
I am remodeling my home. I am using a general contractor. He has told me that to keep things honest he straight line charges 18% onto all invoices. Now that I have the contractors statement the numbers don't line up. How would the real person get the 18% of the total bill of $239,540.18?? He has used some sort of math that take the total divided .82 to get the total charge ($292122.17) minusing the original bill of 239,540.18.
The builders fee (his numbers) are $52581.99 But to me that is not 18%. The way I figure is $239,540.18 X 18% get a number of $43,117.23..
Is there some weird math going on or am I just crazy.
If I am crazy fine but a difference of $9464.76 could pay for some new appliances.
If this contractor is screwing the numbers, how can I get him to change them? Or does it do better by lawyers?
Thanks in advance