How Can I Charge a Fee When Hiring Other Tradesmen for a Job?

Question from Johny, Mandeville:

"Hey. I'm an independent mason but sometimes I get work for other tradesmen on the job I'm doing. As a mason, how do I charge for other tradesmen and collect a fee for each job like a contractor too? Example: I get work for a tile man and I would be the one paying him after a job is done. How do I calculate and collect a fee for myself?"

Answer by Wellesley:

Hi Johny, big respect! That’s a smart move you’re making—shifting from being just a mason to acting more like a contractor or site coordinator. It not only adds value for your client but also creates an additional stream of income for you.

If you're bringing in other tradesmen (like a tile man, plumber, or painter), here's how you can charge and collect your own fee the professional way. First, you quote your client for the entire job—including your masonry work and the other work you’re bringing in. Let’s say you tell the client that the tile work will cost $100,000 JMD. That figure should already include your cut or management fee.

Most small contractors or site leads usually charge a percentage of the subcontracted work—anywhere between 10% and 25%, depending on the size of the job and how involved you are in managing it. So if the tile man’s actual cost is $80,000, you could quote the client $100,000. That leaves $20,000 for you as your management or coordination fee.

Your cut is for finding and securing the tradesman, supervising or coordinating the work, making sure the job is done to standard, and handling payment and communication. Just be sure you don’t undercut the tradesman too much, or you might end up with poor quality work or unhappy partners.

Also, make it clear to the tradesman up front: “Mi a go get the job, mi deal wid the client, and mi a collect a fee as the lead.” And let the client know that you’re the one managing the team, so they don’t go behind your back.

In time, you can even give your service a name and build a proper small contracting business, where you’re the go-to man for all kinds of building work, not just masonry.

📚 Recommended reading: Discover Jamaica