Turn-key bid versus labor bid

[LB Masonry Inc]

Hi everyone, I have recently started my own masonry corporation, and I have done a few small residential and commercial projects where it was standard to just provide a labor bid only, no materials included. I am now bidding on two very large commercial projects, and the GC's are automatically asking for a "turn-key" bid, including materials and labor.
My question is: how common is it for general contractors to ask subcontractors for a turn key bid versus a labor bid??? And can I still bid just a labor bid only on the job if they are asking for a turn key bid? (if I do, I'm thinking that I won't get the job) And........... does turn-key estimating every get any easier??? It seems very overwhelming right now, that I'm doing a few for the first time.

Thanks
Abbie

[jproffer]

I don't know about masonry, but turn-key bidding in general is what most GC's are going to ask for. Think of this:
Scenario #1) GC calls and says come over and give me a labor bid. I'll figure the materials and have them on site for you.

or

Scenario #2) GC calls and says, I need a bid on this job, come over and take a look, give me a turn-key price. (and he won't have to give it another thought until it's done and bills are coming in. For this privilage he pays a nominal markup on materials)

Homeowners have time to mess with that stuff to save a few bucks, GC's don't. Turn-key bidding shouldn't be much harder than labor bidding. You have a good idea how much material you're going to install (if not, how do you know how much labor to charge?) Go to the supplier and get a quote for those materials (plus waste), add 10 or 15 or whatever percent markup. Add that to your labor and submit one number to the GC "for his consideration". Thank him for the opportunity and carry on with life.

[Big Builder]

We as the GC's almost always ask for labour and material bids.

I ask that the bids include everything including after sales service and

any dificiency repairs. The exception to this is if the project involves

owner supplied items or designer supplied items.