Contractor Budget Kit
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GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Estimate Generator

Build a full job estimate by combining labor, materials and subcontracts with your target overhead and profit percentages.

JOB INPUTS

Enter your numbers

Loading saved values

Crew labor for this job

$
Crew labor for this job

Materials and consumables for the job

$
Materials and consumables for the job

Work done by subcontractors

$
Work done by subcontractors

Allocated overhead, % of direct cost

%
Allocated overhead, % of direct cost

Desired profit on the job, % of direct cost

%
Desired profit on the job, % of direct cost
Results update automatically
CALCULATED RESULTUSD
Estimated price$16,100.00
Direct cost$12,500.00
Allocated overhead$1,500.00
Profit$2,100.00
Gross margin13.04%
FORMULA USED$12,500.00 × (1 + 12.0% overhead + 15.0% profit) ≈ $16,100.00

HOW TO USE IT

How to use the Estimate Generator

  1. 1

    Enter your labor, materials and subcontract costs.

  2. 2

    Add the overhead percentage assigned to this job.

  3. 3

    Set the profit (markup) percentage you want.

  4. 4

    Review the total estimated price and gross margin.

THE MATH

Estimate formula

Price = direct cost × (1 + overhead%) × (1 + profit%)

Direct cost is labor plus materials plus subcontracts. Overhead and profit are added on top to reach a suggested price.

PRACTICAL EXAMPLE

Pricing a $12,500 job

$4,500 labor + $6,200 materials + $1,800 subcontracts equals $12,500 in direct cost. With 12% overhead and 15% profit, the estimated price is about $16,100.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How is overhead different from profit?

Overhead covers operating costs that are not tied to one job, while profit is the return the business keeps.

Should I include sales tax?

No. Add applicable tax separately based on your location and the type of work performed.