How much do general contractors charge to subcontract deck work in New Brunswick?

General contractors in New Brunswick typically mark up subcontracted deck work by 15-25% above the deck builder's direct pricing, meaning if a deck specialist would charge $8,000 directly, the GC would bill $9,200-$10,000 for the same work.

This markup covers the general contractor's project management, coordination with other trades, warranty responsibility, and profit margin. For deck projects, this translates to an additional $3-8 per square foot depending on the complexity and materials chosen.

Why General Contractors Use Deck Subcontractors

Most general contractors in New Brunswick subcontract deck work because specialized deck builders have the specific expertise for our challenging climate conditions. Deck specialists understand critical details like proper frost depth requirements (1.2m in southern NB, 1.5m in northern regions), ledger board flashing techniques to prevent house rot, and material selection for Maritime humidity. They also carry the specialized tools and have established relationships with decking material suppliers.

The GC's role becomes project coordination — ensuring the deck work aligns with other home renovations, managing permits and inspections, and providing a single point of contact for the homeowner. This is particularly valuable for whole-home projects where deck construction needs to coordinate with roofing, siding, or landscaping work.

When This Arrangement Makes Sense

Using a general contractor for deck subcontracting works best when the deck is part of a larger renovation project. If you're already doing a home addition, kitchen renovation, or major exterior work, having the GC coordinate everything simplifies scheduling and warranty issues. The markup becomes worthwhile for the convenience and unified project management.

However, for standalone deck projects, you'll typically save money by hiring a deck specialist directly through New Brunswick Decks' matching service. Direct pricing for a typical 12x16 composite deck ranges $8,600-$14,400, while the same project through a GC would cost $9,900-$18,000.

Regional Variations in NB

General contractor markups tend to be slightly higher in Fredericton and Saint John (20-25%) compared to smaller centers like Miramichi or Bathurst (15-20%), reflecting different market dynamics and overhead costs. During peak building season (June-August), some GCs increase markups due to high demand and scheduling challenges.

The key is understanding what you're paying for — if you need true project coordination with other trades, the markup provides value. For standalone deck projects, direct hiring through a deck specialist typically offers better pricing and more focused expertise on New Brunswick's specific deck building challenges.