The Estimator's Edge

You're probably underpricing by 15-20%. Here's why.

Most contractors lose money not because they're bad at their trade—but because they're bad at estimating.

The math mistakes costing you $20K-$100K+ per year:

• Confusing markup with margin (20% markup ≠ 20% profit)
• Using "10% overhead" when yours is actually 25-35%
• Forgetting labor burden (add 35%+ to hourly wages)
• Missing the 27 hidden costs in every project
• Not knowing your break-even point

One contractor's story:

Kitchen remodel bid: $24,000 (used 20% markup on $20,000 cost)

Actual margin: 16.67% (not 20%)

What he should have charged: $25,000 (for true 20% margin)

Multiply that $1,000 gap by 25 jobs per year = $25,000 left on the table.

And that's just ONE mistake.

The Industry Reality

96% of construction companies fail within 10 years

Only 31% of projects come within 10% of budget (industry average)

69% of projects exceed their budgets

Accuracy levels by experience:

• Entry-level: <80% accuracy (20%+ overruns)
• Experienced: 80-85% accuracy
• Top performers: 90-95% accuracy
• Elite: 95%+ accuracy

The gap between 80% and 95% accuracy at $500K revenue = $75,000 more profit annually.

What's Inside (17 Chapters)

PART ONE: Psychology of Pricing

• Why contractors chronically underprice (6 cognitive traps)
• The math most contractors get wrong (with conversion tables)
• The true cost of inaccurate estimates (direct + opportunity + stress)
• Industry benchmarks: where you actually stand

PART TWO: The Estimating System

• Smart Bid Calculator (6-component system)
• The "27 Hidden Costs" checklist (stop missing money)
• Overhead allocation methods that actually work
• Trade-specific estimating guides (10 trades covered)
• The accuracy feedback loop (how to improve systematically)

PART THREE: Advanced Pricing Strategies

• Value-based pricing (charge for value, not just cost)
• Three-tier pricing psychology (why it works)
• Risk assessment and contingency (AACE standards)
• Proposal presentation that wins bids

PART FOUR: Implementation & Systems

• Technology stack by business size
• Team training and adoption
• Weekly and monthly discipline
• KPIs and performance tracking

PART FIVE: Real-World Application

• 10 detailed case studies (real contractors, real money)
• From 70% to 95% accuracy in 18 months (documented)
• Premium positioning success stories
• Scope creep disasters and how to prevent them

Trade-Specific Guides Included

Detailed estimating frameworks for:

• Carpentry and Millwork (priority guide)
• Electrical
• Plumbing
• HVAC
• Concrete
• Roofing
• Painting
• Drywall
• Flooring and Tile
• General Contracting

Each includes: production rates, material waste factors, labor burden calculations, and common mistakes.

The Smart Bid Calculator System

Component 1: Project Scope Definition

• What's included (specifically)
• What's excluded (explicitly)
• Assumptions documented

Component 2: Direct Cost Calculation

• Materials (including waste factor)
• Labor hours × TRUE labor cost
• Subcontractors
• Equipment and permits

Component 3: The 27 Hidden Costs Checklist

• Fuel and travel allocation
• Tool wear and replacement
• Insurance allocation
• Permit fees
• Disposal costs
• And 22 more...

Component 4: Overhead Allocation

• Percentage method vs. hourly method
• Your actual overhead (not the 10% myth)
• Seasonal adjustments

Component 5: Profit Margin Application

• Correct formula: Cost ÷ (1 - Margin%)
• Risk-adjusted pricing
• Value-based premiums

Component 6: Final Price Presentation

• Three-tier options
• Proposal psychology
• Objection handling

What This System Delivers

Within 30 Days:

• True overhead calculated (prepare for surprise)
• Bid tracking system active
• First estimates using complete system

Within 90 Days:

• Variance tracking revealing patterns
• Accuracy improving measurably
• Profit margins increasing

Within 18 Months:

• 95%+ estimating accuracy achievable
• $20K-$100K+ additional profit captured
• Pricing confidence transformed

The Investment

$247(Value!) — Pays for itself on your next estimate.

What you get:

• Complete 50,000+ word guide (PDF)
• 17 chapters from psychology to scale
• Smart Bid Calculator template
• 27 Hidden Costs checklist
• Trade-specific estimating guides (10 trades)
• Bid tracking spreadsheet
• 10 detailed case studies
• Markup vs. margin conversion tables

Ready to Stop Leaving Money on the Table?