What about the cost of materials? Do most contractors mark up the cost? Is it cheaper to buy materials myself?

Hi tosara

All contractors mark up material costs. This is to cover unseen costs.

Some of these costs are insurance, time to get material, office costs and truck maintenance.

This is a very short list of some expenses. If u pick up materials, there will probably be an adjustment in contract bid (before u see it) to aid in these costs.

Chuck