Category: How to Estimate

Blog  ›  Concrete Concrete · Estimating Guide How to Estimate Foundation Work: 2026 Contractor’s Guide The 8 step framework concrete crews use to price a foundation: cubic yard math, excavation, footings, soil and access, loaded labor, and the pump line. In a hurry? Price a job from a photo in about six seconds. ★★★★★ 4.8 […]

Blog  ›  How to Estimate Insulation · Estimating Guide How to Estimate Insulation Jobs in 8 Steps The takeoff, the R-value target, the bag chart, and the air-sealing line that decides whether an attic pays. In a hurry? Price a job from a photo in about six seconds. ★★★★★ 4.8 on the App Store SimplyWise […]

Blog  ›  Framing Framing · Estimating Guide How to Estimate Framing: 2026 Contractor’s Guide The 8 steps framers use to take off a house, price the lumber, and load the labor. Every number traces to a primary source. In a hurry? Price a job from a photo in about six seconds. ★★★★★ 4.8 on the […]

Blog  ›  How to Estimate Tile · Estimating Guide How to Estimate Tile Installation: 2026 Contractor’s Guide The 8 steps tile setters use to price a job: surface takeoff, waste by pattern, prep, thinset and grout, trim, labor, site lines, overhead and profit. In a hurry? Price a job from a photo in about six […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]