You are correct. If you double your normal profit % then you will make it up. But if you could double your profit % on any given job, why not double it on most jobs. the fact is, with the bidding process, it is difficult enough to make the margin that you aim for to begin with, let alone trying to make up for a previous loss.
I do understand that some jobs are more profitable than others, but generally speaking, if you have consistant estimating procedures and current material, labor, and equipment pricing, your bids to the GCs should reflect your standard overhead and profit markup. I believe that it would be very difficult to squeeze an extra 10% out of a $100,000 job unless are have a niche that no one else can or is available to do.
