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 GUIDES

Exterior6 min read

How to Estimate a Basement Egress Window

Contractor method to estimate a basement egress window by rough opening, well type, excavation and labor.

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Windows5 min read

How to Estimate Window Well Installation

Contractor method to estimate window well install by count, size, material, drainage and labor.

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Windows5 min read

How to Estimate Window Well Covers

Contractor method to estimate window well covers by size, material, weight rating and labor.

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Concrete6 min read

How to Estimate Exterior Stair Replacement

Contractor method to estimate exterior stair replacement by steps, width, material, railing and labor.

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Concrete5 min read

How to Estimate Concrete Step Repair

Contractor method to estimate concrete step repair by step count, damage level, resurfacing and labor.

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Exterior5 min read

How to Estimate Handrail Installation

Contractor method to estimate handrail install by linear length, material, mounting and labor.

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Exterior6 min read

How to Estimate a Wheelchair Ramp

Contractor method to estimate a wheelchair ramp by rise, width, material, permits and labor.

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Concrete6 min read

How to Estimate Balcony Repair

Contractor method to estimate balcony repair by area, damage, waterproofing, railing and labor.

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Roofing5 min read

How to Estimate Roof Inspection Cost

Contractor method to estimate roof inspection by roof type, stories, age, report detail and labor.

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Roofing5 min read

How to Estimate Roof Cleaning

Contractor method to estimate roof cleaning by area, method, moss, access and labor.

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Gutters5 min read

How to Estimate Gutter Repair

Contractor method to estimate gutter repair by length, repair type, sections and labor.

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Roofing6 min read

How to Estimate Chimney Masonry Repair

Contractor method to estimate chimney masonry repair by area, damage, repointing, crown and labor.

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Exterior Maintenance5 min read

How to Estimate Exterior Caulking

Contractor method to estimate exterior caulking by length, surface, material and labor.

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Exterior Maintenance5 min read

How to Estimate Dry Rot Repair

Contractor method to estimate dry rot repair by area, location, extent, replacement and labor.

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Exterior6 min read

How to Estimate Termite Damage Repair

Contractor method to estimate termite damage repair by area, damage level, structural work and labor.

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Crawl Space6 min read

How to Estimate a Radon Mitigation System

Contractor method to estimate a radon mitigation system by system type, floors, fans and labor.

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Exterior5 min read

How to Estimate Solar Tube Skylight Cost

Contractor method to estimate solar tube skylights by tube count, size, flashing and labor.

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Windows5 min read

How to Estimate Exterior Shutters

Contractor method to estimate exterior shutter install by count, size, material, function and labor.

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Windows5 min read

How to Estimate a Glass Block Window

Contractor method to estimate a glass block window by count, size, block type, vent and labor.

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Foundations6 min read

How to Estimate Foundation Piering

Contractor method to estimate foundation piering by pier count, depth, pier type, access and labor.

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Business6 min read

How to Price Construction Retainage

Contractor method for calculating how much a retainage clause holds back from each payment.

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Business6 min read

How to Estimate Labor Burden

Contractor method for turning base wages into a fully burdened hourly rate.

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Business6 min read

How to Estimate Mobilization Cost

Contractor method for pricing site setup, transport and teardown.

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Business6 min read

How to Compare Subcontractor Bids

Contractor method for comparing subcontractor quotes on total cost, not just the headline price.

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