PRACTICAL CONTRACTOR GUIDES
Clear answers for better job decisions.
Detailed field guides about estimating, pricing, job costs and running a small contracting business in the United States.
LATEST GUIDE
What to Include in a Contractor Estimate Before You Send It
A practical contractor estimate checklist covering scope, labor, materials, exclusions, payment terms and the final pricing review.
Read guideMarkup vs. Margin for Contractors: Know the Difference Before You Price a Job
Understand the difference between markup and profit margin, why the two numbers are not interchangeable, and how to use each one when you price a job.
Read guideHow Much Does a New Roof Cost? A Contractor’s Estimating Guide
Estimate the material and labor cost of a new asphalt shingle roof with a practical square-by-square breakdown and the free roofing calculator.
Read guideHow to Calculate Labor Cost for a Construction Job
Turn crew hours, wages and payroll burden into the real labor cost of a job instead of guessing at an hourly number.
Read guideHow to Figure Your Overhead Rate
Make sure every job covers its share of office, insurance, vehicles and tools by turning monthly overhead into a recoverable rate.
Read guideHow to Price a Construction Job
A repeatable pricing process: gather real costs, add overhead, apply profit and check the result before you send the estimate.
Read guideHow to Set Your Hourly Rate as a Contractor
Turn your real costs into an hourly rate that covers overhead, leaves room for profit and still wins jobs.
Read guideHow to Price a Painting Job
Measure the surface, count the gallons and add real labor so you can price a painting job that covers costs and still wins the bid.
Read guideHow to Bid a Landscaping Job
Scope the materials, price the crew time and add markup so your landscaping bid covers the work and earns a real profit.
Read guideHow to Budget a Kitchen Remodel
Set a realistic kitchen remodel budget with the right labor, materials, fixtures and a contingency you will not regret skipping.
Read guideHow Much Does Solar Cost?
Rough out what a solar system costs, how price per watt works, and why batteries and incentives change the final number.
Read guideHow to Calculate Labor Burden
Understand everything that sits on top of a wage, why base pay alone loses money, and how to turn burden into your real labor rate.
Read guide