Construction Estimating Blog
In-depth guides on construction estimating - bid strategies, software pricing analysis, and practical estimating workflows.
How to Estimate a Deck: 5 Steps + a Full 12×16 Example
A 12×16 pressure-treated deck runs about $4,500 in materials — and the four items deck bids miss most can wipe out your margin. Full line-by-line example inside.
Last updated: October 2026
Construction Contingency: How Much to Set Aside (2026)
Most residential jobs carry 10-20% contingency, older homes up to 25%. A risk-checklist formula, two worked examples with real dollars, and who keeps the leftovers.
Last updated: September 2026
Contractor Overhead: How Much Is Normal in 2026? (By Trade)
Typical contractor overhead runs 25-45% of revenue, with wide swings by trade and crew size. See benchmarks, dollar examples, and how it sets your hourly rate.
Last updated: September 2026
How to Bid a Remodeling Job (Step-by-Step, Real Numbers)
Remodeling bids live or die on sub quotes and scope gaps. Follow a 7-step workflow with a full kitchen bid worked end to end - subs, overhead, margin, buffer.
Last updated: September 2026
Takeoff vs Estimate: The Difference That Costs You Money
A takeoff counts what the job needs. An estimate prices it. See where the two get mixed up, what a missed takeoff costs, and which tools actually do each.
Last updated: September 2026
How to Estimate a Roofing Job (Squares, Pitch, Waste Factor)
A step-by-step roofing estimate: measure squares, apply pitch multipliers, set waste factor, price labor and materials - with a complete worked example.
Last updated: September 2026
Electrical Estimating Software vs Excel: When to Switch
Excel handles a few quotes fine. Circuit counting, code items, and copper prices are where electrical estimating spreadsheets start costing you money.
Last updated: September 2026
9 Plumbing Estimating Mistakes That Are Eating Your Profit
Nine plumbing estimating mistakes that quietly drain your profit - with the real cost of each one, from BLS wage data to emergency pricing. Fix them before the next bid.
Last updated: September 2026
Markup vs Margin: The Mistake That Kills Contractor Profits
30% markup only earns you 23% margin. The exact math, the full conversion table, and what the mix-up costs you per year - real numbers, not accounting theory.
Last updated: August 2026
How to Calculate Construction Labor Cost (2026 Wage Data)
Your tech's $30 wage really costs $50+ an hour. BLS wage data for four trades, the full burden breakdown, and the math from base pay to a rate that pays you.
Last updated: August 2026
JobTread Formulas: 3 Copy-Paste Setups + The sqrt() Guide
Copy three JobTread formula setups today - job parameters, cost items, and sqrt() math for pipe runs and rafters, plus three limits the docs never mention.
Last updated: August 2026
How to Price Change Orders: 5 Steps + Markup Matrix (2026)
The 5-step change order process: scope, direct costs, markup, hidden costs, sign-off - with a tiered markup matrix and a real $4,200 mistake breakdown.
Last updated: August 2026
How to Price Plumbing Bids (With Real 2026 Cost Data)
Price plumbing bids in 7 steps: service call vs remodel vs emergency, BLS labor rates, UPC/IPC permits, and markup. With real 2026 cost data and a worked example.
Last updated: August 2026
How to Use Construction Calculators to Bid Faster (And Win More Jobs)
Use free construction calculators to bid faster and win more jobs. A 5-step takeoff workflow with worked examples for roof, concrete, paint, and tile.
Last updated: August 2026
JobTread Pricing 2026: Real Cost by Crew Size (Stay or Switch)
JobTread dropped flat-rate pricing for $199/mo + $20 per user. See the real monthly cost at your crew size, the break-even point, and cheaper alternatives.
Last updated: August 2026
Why 67% of Contractors Still Use Excel for Estimating (And What It's Costing You)
About two-thirds of contractors still estimate on Excel. Here's why it sticks around, the hidden costs it hides, and when estimating software pays for itself.
Last updated: August 2026
How to Estimate an HVAC Job Step-by-Step
Estimate an HVAC job in 7 steps: Manual J load calc, SEER2 equipment sizing, labor hours, and markup. With 2026 cost data and a worked 2,000 sq ft example.
Last updated: August 2026