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 Estimate Metal Roofing
Contractor method to estimate metal roofing by roof area, panel type, gauge, underlayment and removal with clear materials and labor lines.
Read guideHow to Estimate a Flat Roof (TPO/EPDM)
Contractor method to estimate a flat roof by membrane, area, insulation, seams, deck prep and install with clear materials and labor lines.
Read guideHow to Estimate a Cedar Shake Roof
Contractor method to estimate a cedar shake roof by area, grade, ventilation and install with clear materials and labor lines.
Read guideHow to Estimate Chimney Cap Installation
Contractor method to estimate a chimney cap by flue type, material, size, access and labor with clear materials and labor lines.
Read guideHow to Estimate Exterior Door Frame Repair
Contractor method to estimate exterior door frame repair by frame condition, material, rot removal and labor with clear materials and labor lines.
Read guideHow to Estimate Garage Lighting Installation
Contractor method to estimate garage lighting by fixture count, type, wiring and labor with clear materials and labor lines.
Read guideHow to Estimate Attic Fan Installation
Contractor method to estimate an attic fan by fan type, CFM, thermostat and labor with clear materials and labor lines.
Read guideHow to Estimate Foundation Crack Repair
Contractor method to estimate foundation crack repair by crack type, length, method, access and labor with clear materials and labor lines.
Read guideHow to Set a Break-Even Hourly Rate
Contractor method for setting a profitable hourly rate: overhead, direct cost and target profit.
Read guideHow to Estimate Commercial Painting
Contractor method for estimating commercial painting by area, condition and coats.
Read guideHow to Calculate Paint Quantity
Contractor method for calculating paint quantity: area, coats and coverage.
Read guideHow to Estimate Solar Panel Removal & Reinstall
Contractor method for estimating solar panel removal and reinstallation by panel count.
Read guideHow to Estimate Solar EV Charging
Contractor method for sizing the solar capacity to charge an electric vehicle.
Read guideHow to Estimate a Gas Line Installation
Contractor method for estimating gas line installation by length, material and connection.
Read guideHow to Estimate a Roof Repair
Contractor method for estimating roof repairs: area, repair type, layers and the disposal line.
Read guideHow to Calculate Asphalt Tonnage
Calculate hot-mix asphalt tons from length, width, compacted depth and waste.
Read guideHow to Estimate a Chain Link Fence
Contractor method for estimating chain link fencing: length, height, finish and the gate line.
Read guideHow to Estimate a Carport
Contractor method for estimating carports: area, material and the foundation slab line.
Read guideHow to Estimate a Porch Enclosure
Contractor method for estimating porch enclosures: area, material and the new-build line.
Read guideHow to Estimate a Well Pump Replacement
Contractor method for estimating well pump replacement: type, horsepower, depth and the plumbing line.
Read guideHow to Estimate Well Drilling
Contractor method for estimating well drilling: depth, ground type, casing and the pump line.
Read guideHow to Estimate a Heat Pump Water Heater
Contractor method for estimating heat pump water heaters: capacity, unit, labor and the electrical line.
Read guideHow to Estimate Radiant Floor Heating
Contractor method for estimating radiant floor heating: area, system type, zones and the subfloor line.
Read guideHow to Estimate an Attic Conversion
Contractor method for estimating attic conversions: area, scope, structure and the bathroom line.
Read guide