# How to Estimate a Job, by Trade Canonical URL: https://www.simplywise.com/blog/how-to-estimate/ Plain text: https://www.simplywise.com/blog/how-to-estimate/llms.txt Publisher: SimplyWise, Inc. (https://www.simplywise.com) Published: May 28, 2026 Updated: September 12, 2026 Summary: How to estimate a job, trade by trade: roofing, painting, plumbing, electrical, drywall, flooring, and more, with the numbers pros actually use. --- ## How to Estimate a Job, by Trade Step-by-step walkthroughs for pricing a job right, from measuring to markup. Pick your trade. Attic Access Requirements: R807 and the Equipment RuleAttic access under IRC R807.1 and the separate attic-appliance rule: opening sizes, the 30 inch... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/attic-access-requirements/)AWG Meaning: What the Wire Gauge Number Actually Tells YouAWG meaning, explained by a contractor. The gauge is a diameter, ASTM B258 defines it,... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/awg-meaning/)Concrete Slab Cost Calculator: Yards, Bags, and PriceConcrete slab cost calculator: the cost of a 30x30 concrete slab or any size, yards... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/concrete-slab-cost-calculator/)Conduit Body: The Types, the Volume, and the Splice RuleConduit body explained: what NEC Article 100 calls one, the LB LL LR C T... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/conduit-body/)Construction Calculators: 24 Free Tools That Run Your TakeoffA construction calculator for every takeoff line: concrete yards, roofing squares, drywall sheets, paint gallons... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/construction-calculators/)Drywall Calculator: Room Size to Sheets and MudA drywall calculator that turns room dimensions into sheetrock sheet count, joint compound gallons, tape... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/drywall-sheet-and-mud-calculator/)Egress Window Requirements: The R310 Numbers That CountEgress window requirements under IRC R310: net clear opening, sill height, window well size, which... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/egress-window-requirements/)Finish Carpentry: What It Covers and Where Rough EndsFinish carpentry explained: the full scope list, the exact line between rough and finish work,... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/finish-carpentry/)Flat Rate vs Hourly Plumbing Pricing: How to ChooseFlat rate vs hourly plumbing pricing: when each wins, how to set your floor and... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/flat-rate-vs-hourly-plumbing-pricing/)Flooring Calculator: Square Feet to BoxesA flooring calculator that turns square feet into boxes: add the sourced waste allowance, then... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/flooring-sq-ft-to-boxes-calculator/)Flooring Cost Calculator: Sq Ft, Waste, and PriceA flooring cost calculator that turns room size, layout waste, and material type into the... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/flooring-cost-calculator/)Gravel Calculator: Cubic Yards and Tons of BaseA gravel calculator that converts area and depth into cubic yards, then into tons using... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/gravel-and-base-yardage-calculator/)How to Calculate Labor Cost: The Burdened Rate FormulaHow to calculate labor cost as a burdened hourly rate: wage, payroll taxes, insurance, and... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/how-to-calculate-labor-cost/)How to Create a Construction Schedule: 4 Steps for 2026How to create a construction schedule that holds: task order, a 20-day activity cap from... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/how-to-create-a-construction-schedule/)How to Estimate a Deck Building Job (2026 Guide)How to estimate a deck building job in 2026: footprint takeoff, decking, substructure, footings, railings,... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/how-to-estimate-deck-building/)How to Estimate a Paint Job in 7 Steps: Full Guide and ChecklistEstimate a paint job in 6 steps: measure surfaces, calculate paint and labor, price prep... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/how-to-estimate-paint-job-guide-checklist/)How to Estimate a Painting Job: 2026 Contractor’s GuideHow to estimate a painting job step by step in 2026: surface measurement, coverage rates,... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/how-to-estimate-painting-job/)How to Estimate a Plumbing Job: 2026 Contractor’s GuideHow to estimate a plumbing job in 2026: fixtures, rough-in labor, pipe and fittings, code... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/how-to-estimate-plumbing-job/)How to Estimate a Roofing Job: Contractor Guide 2026How to estimate a roofing job step by step: measure squares, pick materials, price labor,... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/how-to-estimate-roofing-job/)How to Estimate a Whole Home Remodel: A Contractor’s GuideA contractor's framework for pricing a whole home remodel bid. Scope, unit costs, loaded labor... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/how-to-estimate-a-whole-home-remodel/)How to Estimate an HVAC Job: 2026 Contractor’s GuideHow to estimate an HVAC job in 2026: Manual J load calc, equipment selection, ductwork... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/how-to-estimate-hvac-job/)How to Estimate Concrete Work (2026 Contractor Guide)How to estimate concrete work in 2026: cubic-yard math, PSI and mix, rebar and forms,... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/how-to-estimate-concrete-work/)How to Estimate Drywall Jobs (2026 Contractor Guide)How to estimate drywall jobs with board takeoff, sheet count, finish levels, separate hang and... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/how-to-estimate-drywall-jobs/)How to Estimate Electrical Work (2026 Contractor Guide)How to estimate electrical work in 2026: device counts, wire runs, rough-in and trim labor,... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/how-to-estimate-electrical-work/)How to Estimate Flooring Jobs (2026 Contractor Guide)How to estimate flooring jobs with a contractor-ready takeoff, material ranges, waste, removal, subfloor prep,... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/how-to-estimate-flooring-jobs/)How to Estimate Foundation Work (2026 Guide)How to estimate foundation work in 2026: cubic-yard concrete math, excavation, footings, rebar, soil factors,... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/how-to-estimate-foundation-work/)How to Estimate Framing (2026 Contractor Guide)How to estimate framing in 2026: board-foot and linear-foot takeoff, lumber, sheathing, waste, roof-slope factors,... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/how-to-estimate-framing/)How to Estimate Insulation Jobs (2026 Guide)How to estimate insulation jobs in 2026: square-foot takeoff by R-value, batts vs blown vs... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/how-to-estimate-insulation-jobs/)How to Estimate Landscaping Jobs (2026 Guide)How to estimate landscaping jobs in 2026: square-foot and linear-foot takeoff, materials by unit, crew-hour... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/how-to-estimate-landscaping-jobs/)How to Estimate Tile Installation (2026 Guide)How to estimate tile installation in 2026: square-foot takeoff, thinset and grout coverage, waste by... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/how-to-estimate-tile-installation/)How to Measure a Room for Painting: Fast MethodsHow to measure a room for painting: wall area, openings, ceiling, trim, and coverage math,... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/how-to-measure-a-room-for-painting/)Lath and Plaster Explained: What It Is and How to Price ItLath and plaster explained: the historic wood lath wall, the modern ASTM C1063 and C926... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/lath-and-plaster/)Markup vs Margin in Construction: The Contractor’s GuideMarkup vs margin construction math explained: markup is added to cost, margin is a share... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/markup-vs-margin-construction/)Mulch Calculator: Cubic Yards, Bags, and CostA mulch calculator that turns bed square footage and depth into cubic yards, 2 cubic... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/mulch-calculator/)Paint Cost Calculator: Gallons, Coats, and PriceA paint cost calculator that turns room size, coats, and quality tier into gallons to... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/paint-cost-calculator/)Plywood Calculator: Sheets, Coverage, and CostA plywood calculator that turns your area into sheets needed, total coverage, and a cost... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/plywood-calculator/)Roofing Squares Calculator: Square Feet to BundlesConvert roof square feet into roofing squares and bundles, with the pitch multiplier, published bundles... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/roofing-squares-and-bundles-calculator/)Siding Squares Calculator: Wall Area to CartonsTurn wall area into siding squares and cartons, with published carton coverage by vinyl profile,... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/siding-squares-calculator/)What Is a Bid Bond in Construction?What is a bid bond? A surety bond that guarantees a contractor honors a winning... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/what-is-a-bid-bond/)What Is a Change Order in Construction? A Contractor Guide for 2026A change order in construction is a written, signed amendment to the contract that adjusts... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/what-is-a-change-order-in-construction/)What Is a Construction Takeoff? A 2026 Contractor GuideWhat is a construction takeoff? It is the line-item count of every material a project... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/what-is-a-construction-takeoff/)What Is a Cripple Wall? Code, Bracing and RetrofitA cripple wall runs from the foundation to the lowest floor framing. IRC R602.9 covers... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/cripple-wall/)What Is a Draw Schedule in Construction?What is a draw schedule? It is the plan that releases construction loan funds in... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/what-is-a-draw-schedule/)What Is a Header in Construction? Spans and SizingWhat is a header in construction? The beam over an opening. Read its span off... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/what-is-a-header-in-construction/)What Is a Lien Waiver in Construction?A lien waiver in construction is a signed document where a contractor gives up lien... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/what-is-a-lien-waiver/)What Is a Punch List in Construction?What is a punch list in construction? A clear definition, who makes it, what goes... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/what-is-a-punch-list/)What Is a RFI in Construction? A Plain-English GuideWhat is a RFI in construction? A request for information that gets a written answer... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/what-is-an-rfi-in-construction/)What Is an SOV in Construction? A 2026 Contractor GuideWhat is an SOV in construction? A schedule of values breaks the contract sum into... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/what-is-an-sov-in-construction/)What Is Contingency in Construction? A 2026 Guide to the Construction Contingency PercentageA construction contingency percentage is a reserve, usually 5 to 10 percent of cost, set... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/what-is-contingency-in-construction/)What Is Labor Burden in Construction?What is labor burden in construction? The full cost of an employee beyond base wage:... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/what-is-labor-burden-in-construction/)What Is Overhead in Construction? A Contractor Guide 2026What is overhead in construction? The indirect costs of running the business, not tied to... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/what-is-overhead-in-construction/)What Is Prevailing Wage in Construction?What is prevailing wage construction pay? A sourced 2026 guide to Davis-Bacon, fringe benefits, wage... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/what-is-prevailing-wage/)What Is Retainage in Construction?What is retainage in construction? It is the percent of each payment held back until... Read guide → (https://www.simplywise.com/blog/what-is-retainage-in-construction/) Free templates, license guides, and tools for contractors. From the team behind the SimplyWise Cost Estimator. --- ## About SimplyWise SimplyWise, Inc. (New York, NY) builds mobile apps for contractors, tradespeople, and small business owners. The SimplyWise Cost Estimator turns a job site photo into an itemized estimate with labor and material costs in about 6 seconds, and the client signs the branded quote to approve it. It is rated 4.8 on the App Store. It is free to try with a 7-day free trial, then $29.99 per month or $239.99 per year (about $20 per month on the annual plan), and one subscription includes every app in the SimplyWise suite. - Download: https://www.simplywise.com/download - App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/simplywise-cost-estimator/id6670619664 - Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.simplywise.costestimator - Every SimplyWise page as plain text: https://www.simplywise.com/blog/llms.txt