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
How to Size and Estimate Mini-Split Installation
Preliminary method for sizing a mini-split by area and estimating installation by zones.
Read guideHow to Estimate an Electrical Service Upgrade
Contractor method for estimating a service upgrade by amperage, panel, meter and complexity.
Read guideHow to Estimate Air Duct Cleaning
Contractor method for estimating air duct cleaning by vents, returns, units and extras.
Read guideHow to Size and Estimate a Bathroom Exhaust Fan
Contractor method for sizing a bathroom exhaust fan by room volume and estimating duct, wiring and unit cost.
Read guideHow to Estimate Plaster Repair
Contractor method for estimating plaster repair by area, condition, preparation and finish.
Read guideHow to Estimate a Staircase Remodel
Contractor method for estimating a staircase remodel by treads, risers, railing, material and scope.
Read guideHow to Estimate Closet Shelving Installation
Contractor method for estimating closet shelving by length, levels, material, hardware and labor.
Read guideHow to Estimate Interior Demolition
Contractor method for estimating interior demolition by area, material, load-out and disposal.
Read guideHow to Estimate Sod Installation
Contractor method for estimating sod by area, rolls, prep, removal, delivery and labor.
Read guideHow to Estimate a Gravel Driveway
Contractor method for estimating a gravel driveway by volume, compaction, density and delivery.
Read guideHow to Calculate a Drainage Swale
Contractor method for estimating a trapezoidal swale excavation volume, grade and fall.
Read guideHow to Estimate a Driveway Culvert
Contractor method for estimating a driveway culvert by diameter, length, excavation, bed and headwalls.
Read guideHow to Estimate a Catch Basin Installation
Contractor method to estimate a catch basin by basin type, depth, piping, grates and labor with clear materials and labor lines.
Read guideHow to Estimate Retaining Wall Drainage
Contractor method to estimate drainage behind a retaining wall by wall length, drain pipe, gravel, fabric and labor with clear materials and labor lines.
Read guideHow to Estimate Chimney Flashing Repair
Contractor method to estimate chimney flashing repair by chimney type, counter-flashing, sealant, access and labor with clear materials and labor lines.
Read guideHow to Estimate Stucco Repair
Contractor method to estimate stucco repair by area, damage type, color match and labor with clear materials and labor lines.
Read guideHow to Estimate Brick Repointing
Contractor method to estimate brick repointing by wall area, mortar type, joint depth, access and labor with clear materials and labor lines.
Read guideHow to Estimate Exterior Window Trim Replacement
Contractor method to estimate window trim replacement by trim length, material, condition and labor with clear materials and labor lines.
Read guideHow to Estimate Patio Door Installation
Contractor method to estimate patio door installation by door type, width, removal and labor with clear materials and labor lines.
Read guideHow to Estimate Storm Door Installation
Contractor method to estimate storm door installation by door type, size, self-storing and labor with clear materials and labor lines.
Read guideHow to Estimate Range Hood Installation
Contractor method to estimate range hood installation by hood type, ducting, power and labor with clear materials and labor lines.
Read guideHow to Estimate a Downspout Extension
Contractor method to estimate a downspout extension by length, material, elbows, bury and labor with clear materials and labor lines.
Read guideHow to Estimate Lawn Aeration
Contractor method to estimate lawn aeration by area, plug vs spike, compaction and labor with clear materials and labor lines.
Read guideHow to Estimate a Standby Generator
Contractor method to estimate a standby generator by power, fuel, transfer switch, installation and labor with clear materials and labor lines.
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