Blog › How to Estimate Painting · Estimate for Profit How to Estimate a Paint Job in 6 Steps: Guide and Checklist A plain, contractor to contractor system for estimating any paint job: measure the real surface, price the prep, and mark it up so the job actually pays. Sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics […]
What Is a Bid Bond in Construction?
Blog › How to Estimate Bidding · Contractor Guide What Is a Bid Bond in Construction? A plain-English guide to what a bid bond is and how it works. Learn the cost and the federal rules. Sourced from the Federal Acquisition Regulation, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and the Miller Act. SimplyWise Updated June 8, […]
What Is Prevailing Wage in Construction?
Blog › How to Estimate Construction · Compliance Guide What Is Prevailing Wage in Construction? A plain-English answer to what is prevailing wage construction pay. We cover how Davis-Bacon sets it and what contractors have to do to stay compliant. Sourced from the U.S. Department of Labor, the Code of Federal Regulations, and the Bureau […]
What Is a Construction Takeoff? A 2026 Contractor Guide
Blog › How to Estimate Estimating · Construction Guide What Is a Construction Takeoff? A 2026 Contractor Guide A construction takeoff is the line-item count of every material a project needs, pulled straight from the plans before any pricing happens. This sourced 2026 guide breaks down what it is, how to do one, and where […]
What Is Contingency in Construction? A 2026 Guide to the Construction Contingency Percentage
Blog › How to Estimate Estimating · Cost Management What Is Contingency in Construction? A 2026 Guide to the Construction Contingency Percentage A plain-English guide to construction contingency: what it is, how to size the construction contingency percentage by project phase, and who controls it. We sourced every figure from the U.S. Census Bureau, AACE […]
What Is a Draw Schedule in Construction?
Blog › How to Estimate Construction Finance · Guide What Is a Draw Schedule in Construction? A draw schedule is the plan that releases construction loan money in stages as the build hits verified milestones. This 2026 guide explains how draw schedules work, who controls them, and how to keep your payments on time. The […]
Markup vs Margin in Construction: The Contractor’s Guide
Blog › How to Estimate Estimating · Profit Math Markup vs Margin in Construction: The Contractor’s Guide Markup and margin are not the same number, and confusing them is one of the fastest ways a contractor loses money. This guide explains markup vs margin construction math with the formulas, a conversion table, and worked examples. […]
What Is a Punch List in Construction?
Blog › How to Estimate Construction · Project Closeout What Is a Punch List in Construction? A plain-English definition of the punch list: who creates it and what goes on it. We also cover how it controls final payment and warranty start. Sourced from AIA Contract Documents and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. SimplyWise Updated […]
What Is a Lien Waiver in Construction?
Blog › How to Estimate Payments · Contractor Guide What Is a Lien Waiver in Construction? A lien waiver in construction is a signed document where a contractor or supplier gives up the right to file a mechanics lien in exchange for payment. Here are the four types and when to sign each, sourced from […]
What Is Labor Burden in Construction?
Blog › How to Estimate Construction · Estimating Guide What Is Labor Burden in Construction? Labor burden is the full cost of an employee beyond the base wage: payroll taxes, insurance, and benefits. Here is how to calculate it, with a sourced 2026 example. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the IRS, and the […]