Serious question, a property manager in Hamtramck told me to mark up every line item 18 percent, is that normal here? | Detroit Commercial Services

Harper Adams · 2026-10-17T12:40:03.099331+00:00

Was at a building owner meetup on Jos Campau back in February and a guy running 40 units said he can always tell when a new commercial service bid comes in because the numbers are too clean. He said he pads everything 18 percent and eats the change orders himself so crews stay loyal, but my cousin swears that's a quick way to lose a contract to the next low bid. So which is it, price it tight and claw back on change orders, or build it in from day one and hope they compare notes?

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Serious question, a property manager in Hamtramck told me to mark up every line item 18 percent, is that normal here? | Detroit Commercial Services - Opinions Matter