QUICK and EASY ESTIMATING for REMODELS! YOU CAN DO IT!

This is a quick overview of how I bid small and simple remodels, whether it’s a kitchen, bathroom or just a freshen up, this will help you make sure you don’t forget all the details
#build #estimates #learn #dontloosemonet

[@josegimenezroca4220]

Great video man. Thanks you for your help

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

No problem José. It’s not a perfect “system” but it’s a good way to get started. Keep up the good work 👍🏻

[@legend7natym224]

Took so long to find this type of video! I’m not looking for those million dollar contract videos. I just wanted the simple and beginners video. I sub and liked

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

Thanks man. You are who i had in mind when I made this video. I’m glad you liked it and thanks for the sub👍🏻👍🏻 Let me know if you have any questions.

[@johnklassen2073]

Absolutely one of the best videos I’ve seen on estimating.

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

Thank you John for the kind words. I’m glad you found value in the video 👍🏻👍🏻

[@jlc3290]

Keep making videos! You have a very helpful, relatable and down to earth charm that will help a lot of people. 🤙

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

Thanks JLC! I plan to do a couple videos a month that are geared to help new contractors and guys that want to be contractors. I’d like to also put out a couple a month to help with specific trades and show how they work in the flow of the construction process. Let me know if you’d like to see anything specific. Thanks for watching and the comments and don’t forget to like and subscribe 👍🏻👍🏻

[@orienyeckley269]

Nicely done and explained….as a contractor/handyman myself, I can’t stress enough ALWAYS,ALWAYS,ALWAYS,factor in the unforeseen in your prices!…Go Hawks!

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

Well said! AND GO HAWKS!

[@billyc5010]

Fantastic explanation and breakdown of one of the most daunting, and nerve-racking tasks in being a contractor. This is exactly what I've been looking for...simple, clean and effective. New sub...looking forward to more content...thanks man!

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

Thanks Billy, I appreciate the kind words. My way is the best but it does work for me, and I hope it helps you. Thank you for the sub and the feedback👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@lancefrank6742]

This is about how I do it. I started my business February of last year. Im now working on a newer system to use that’s a touch more complex but not really. So far I have about 38 pages of material pricing and suppliers but also have 25 of scenario pages that are getting there on checklist for the job and next I’m working on my final packages for the scenarios that offer at least 3 different warranties along with 6 month courtesy check ups for additional pricing and for so many years. And designs for the quote. Next I’ll just have to put in the cpu to help generate the quotes and invoice quicker. I still have a mentor that helped me get my business off the ground even tho I’ve been in remodeling for 25 years 😂. I’m hoping by adding these options I’ll get more jobs or more money on the but also have fair pricing system in place per job. Great video this had some great tips. My mentor even does it the way you do it.

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

That sounds awesome! Way to go. Estimating systems can be an addictions and really help you understand where all your money is going. Keep it up man!! Don’t for get to like and subscribe and thank you for reaching out. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@ChismeChronicles]

Hey Lance, just wondering how much work you've been able to do with just starting about a year and a half ago. How much are you doing a year in contracts? I'd like to scale to 1 million.

[@alexcmartin33]

Would you be willing to share material pricing and scenario pages. Just getting started on my own and trying to learn how to avoid mistakes and pitfalls as best I can.

[@kevinrenderos146]

Thank you so much for your video you really really explain things so easily hope to see more videos like this soon !!! Keep it up

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

Thanks Kevin, I appreciate the kind words of encouragement. I’m glad you found value in the video. I just put out another👍🏻 Thanks again and don’t forget to subscribe.

[@Autodetailers]

Great explanation wow thanks

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

I’m glad you liked it. I appreciate the comment and if you haven’t already, please like and subscribe.👍🏻👍🏻

[@stevenbeckett8633]

Wow! As a professional remodeling myself that’s take takes quality very highly I just realized that if you’re getting jobs at those numbers I need to double my prices!!

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

It has a lot to do with the market you’re in and the level of quality you have to offer. If you look through the comments I’ve had many people say the opposite as you and tell me I’ll go broke. But seriously most small remodeling contractors don’t charge enough. I appreciate the comment and don’t forget to like and subscribe 👍🏻👍🏻

[@josemercado9619]

@@Thehelpfulcontractor 100% your demographic also let’s not use market cause to be real it’s ppl lol but just cause your a small biz doesn’t mean the small biz you handle isn’t at a high mark cause of the demographic

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

@@josemercado9619. totally

[@anthonyesparsen7776]

Thank you for your video brother always helps

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

Glad you found it helpful. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@skela]

Now this is quality content!

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

LOL! Thanks Skela, even if you’re messing with me appreciate the comment. Don’t forget to like and subscribe 👍🏻👍🏻

[@johnp4871]

Gotta love his signature weirdo blocker. Haha 🤣

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

LOL! They are out there 🤪 Thanks for watching John.

[@yobrianboii___7583]

Thanks for this video, I myself would like to start my remodeling company soon. Just getting knowledge at this point first.

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

Nice! Keep learning and saving money for a savings/buffer account. Thanks for watching and don’t forget to like and subscribe 👍🏻👍🏻

[@el.handyman]

Great video and explanation!

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

Thanks for the kind words. I appreciate it. If you haven’t yet please like and subscribe 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@carlosizurieta885]

Great video 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 very informative 🤜🏼🤛🏼

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

Thanks Carlos. Don’t forget to like and subscribe. 👍🏻👍🏻 Let me know if you have any questions. I’m always looking for good ideas to talk about.

[@oldnstillworkin5709]

Seems like $65 hr. Is low. I have a handyman business in Florida and on the bigger bid jobs I’m charging $100 per hr and 30% on materials. Service calls, $96 1st hr then $65 after…

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

hey oldnstillworkin, your are right $65 is kinda low, but my hrs are pretty heavy. On my estimates I tend to keep the hourly rate "lower" but estimate heavy on the numbers of hrs. Everyone need to find their own base line like you have. Thanks for watching and the comment also don't forget to like and subscribe.

[@DSGB91270]

I have a Handyman business in Kentucky I never charged a hourly rate but did discuss minimum 100 a hr but charge by the job. I work all week draw up a single detailed work order and attach receipts and charge them just like hvac guys service calls. Might charge 300 dollars just to swap a faucet depending on details. Alot of times I fix very minor things like hinges, lock, stains, anchors in drywall if I charged hourly I wouldn't break even. I'm also dealing with high end rentals on a college campus and they know who to call if they want reliability.

[@timscorner657]

This was great, thank you

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

Hey Tim, I’m glad you found value in it. I know it’s not a perfect system but it is pretty simple and it’s not very expensive. Thanks for subscribing

[@timscorner657]

@@Thehelpfulcontractor absolutely sir; I am hiring my first employee soon, and the way you explain your processes makes it quite a bit easier to wrap my mind around things!

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

@@timscorner657 thanks Tim. I plan to do a few more video like this so if you there is an area you like to see what I do let me know.

[@timscorner657]

@@Thehelpfulcontractor will do - thanks!

[@Joe-jv5mm]

Incidentals, looks Good from my yacht in Florida 😂🤣😂

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

LOL! Yeah that’s definitely a way to look at it. Thanks for watching and the feedback. Don’t forget to like and subscribe 👍🏻👍🏻

[@itsmerob6120]

Subbed. Great video

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

Thanks Rob, I appreciate it. I’m really close to getting monetized, so I can make $5 a month making some videos. LOL!! Big money baby!! Seriously though thanks, and don’t for get to check out some of my other videos. If you’d like to see a subject covered that you think would make a good video feel free to mention it and I’ll try and make it. ✌🏻

[@DawnaSue-ln9pd]

Thank you Your video was very helpful I am just starting out ( Contractor / Electrician / Plumbing ) I have a bathroom remodel The lady grandson was living in her house and tore out most of the plumbing and the Electrical that was done in the attic needs to be rewired complete mess drywall needs to be put back up part of tile floor was torn up so from basement to second floor bath room and replacing drywall in living room I did know how to write up my invoice or how to charge for 3 different jobs Demo, Contractor Plumbing Electrician ???

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

Congratulations on starting up!! Here’s a video I made that might help you out. It’s not the best video I’ve made but it has some good parts. After watching that one let me know if you have more questions. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJmYcqGCjZ58obcsi=aBDyOEdsdOPi4cUa

[@hankernest9596]

Have you noticed any trends in the cost of flooring in the last few months or years?

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

Besides the obvious? Can’t touch anything for under four dollars a square foot with any kind of quality. Then you have installation on top of that. I sure do miss the good old fashion and $.99 per square foot with lots to choose from. Thanks for the comment, if you haven’t already, please like and subscribe 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@mr.kenslifeshop4034]

Do you charge a consultation fee? For the estimate? Do you offer them bracketing that way? Maybe they can choose a more expensive kitchen or less expensive? What’s your median cost of the average kitchen?

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

Hey Mr Ken. I do a little of everything you mentioned. I do keep track of my hours after the first round of numbers. I do a quick “dirty” bid for most customers, just to separate the tire kickers from the buyers. Usually takes me a 30-60 min to run through my spread sheet and ball park the phases then put the “dirty” number together. If they are still around after that then we move to a “conversation” bid. And thats when I hammer down on what they really want. This part takes the longest because some people don’t know what they want. Once we have a good plan we get going, and sometimes that means it’s a full build or a partial build/consulting job. On average a kitchen would cost roughly 10%-20% the value of the home, depending on level of finish. My customers are closer to the 10% market. I appreciate the comment. Don’t forget to like and subscribe 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@ilyosfayziev7428]

Great video thanks. I have question. If we work 5 guys on this job and finish it in 10 days it still cost $14.040 ?

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

No I don’t think so. If I remember correctly I had 27 man days for 1 guy, so if you roll heavy with 5 guys you would need to be completely done in 5.5 days to stay on the 14k budget I talked about in the video. For my company I don’t put that many guys on a job that small because it just seems to run out of space for that many guys to work at one time. I hope this helps, and let me know if you have any other questions. Don’t forget to like and subscribe!!!

[@candidolebron5370]

I LIKE YOUR VIDEO IM ABOUT TO GET AN ESTIMATE FOR FEMA I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO . START

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

Hey, thanks for the question. Can you give me more information on what kind of work you’ll be estimating for FEMA ?

[@javiergiraldez9374]

Excel format it’s perfect. Let me know a will send to you

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

I agree, I love excel spreadsheets.

[@saadman731]

Can you explain how you get $65 hour, how is that for 1 person? Also im assuming you dont factor in your labor since you are mainly supervising, but how do you factor in your labor if you work in field too?

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

Hey Saadman, I’m not 100% sure what you asking, but I’ll answer what I think you’re asking. I charge roughly double what I pay my guys. That covers their wage, taxes and other employees expenses. I’m my opinion I’m still too low, and I’m trying to get to $80 per hour. Keep in mind, that every region and state has different costs to take in consideration when it comes to the hourly rate that you’re charging. Some of the employees rates to go towards my income and I typically add overhead to my projects that will also cover some of my wages, I will also add my time as a line item sometimes. I hope that helps and I appreciate the question. Please don’t forget to like and subscribe 👍🏻👍🏻

[@candidolebron5370]

I'm trying to get an estimate for Mobil home and I don't know what to do how to start guide me

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

Tell me about the project? Are you doing the work or do you need to hire someone to do the work?

[@patrickb133]

I don't cut any corners and i dont care about hours on the job i care about quality and fair prices.

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

That’s totally cool Patrick. If it’s just you doing all the work it’s easy to do whatever you want, but not so easy when running a company and have employees. I’d suggest just staying a high quality tradesman so you don’t get held down by the restrains of try to become a business owner. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@age_of_reason]

$400 for material to prep a kitchen seems very high. Builder's paper is $15, the thicker stuff maybe $40? 3M plastic film $15, paper and tape is $5 per roll. All your materials figures seem excessive. And how do you tell a customer that you charged them 15% more for the materials? I realize deliver but don't you bill the customer for time spent at Home Depot/etc anyway? I always give the customer paint/materials receipts after the job is done and charge exactly what I paid for materials.

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

Hey AOR, yes I do charge my customers for getting materials, and anything else for their job. Now full disclosure I usually end up doing lots of free work for my customers because we find things that need to be done that aren’t included in my original estimate that we just do and don’t charge for. Yes on paper my materials look high but generally speaking I choose to estimate in rough number. It’s not ideal for big business, but I’m a small contractor so estimating $400 for “site prep” could also include $20 towards replacing my zipwall system that always seems to be one pole sort, or for air filters for my fans to keep out dust down to a minimum. You can break everything to the penny but that takes a long time and remember this is an estimate not an invoice. I hope that clears up your concerns and thank you for reaching out to me. I love sharing my experiences right or wrong🤪. Don’t forget to like and subscribe!

[@age_of_reason]

@@Thehelpfulcontractor Great advice. Thanks!

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

@@age_of_reason no problem. Have a great day

[@SpliffMeister3000]

Always pad your materials. 1. for the things you don't think of 2. Because there's always something that will be over your budget so it evens out 3. theres many things not mentioned... like taxes, vehicles , gas, tires, office, secretary insurance etc etc these add up majorly working constantly. %15 is my minimum markup, super low imo.... for example my biz is very time sensitive and it requires 24' box trucks. To provide quality services I need an extra truck in case my main truck doesnt start day of a job. Rentals yes I know but Sometimes it's nearly impossible to get one or takes a full day to get a replacement truck as a rental.... That spare truck alone $1500 month...and this just goes up bigger you get.

[@patrickb133]

I do all this myself and man i would not come close to charging these prices. You need 3 guys to gut a kitchen? You have some insane prices and slow guys.

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

Good on you Patrick. It takes all kinds of tradesman out there. Keep knocking out those jobs by yourself👍🏻👍🏻 Thanks for watching and don’t forget to like and subscribe ✌🏻

[@candicemels4398]

Where you located at?

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

Mid Willamette valley Oregon. Where you located at? I love networking with local contractors and suppliers. Don't forget to like and subscribe.

[@sr1998]

So did ya get the bid?

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

Yep I sure did. It took a couple revisions to the project scope to meet the budget and expectations, but we did get it and it’s all wrapped up already. That’s for the question and don’t forget to like and subscribe 👍🏻👍🏻

[@bullshomeimprovement5971]

Hey why only 15% mark up?

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

That’s a great question. The simplest answer is because my overhead is low and I add overhead into my hourly rate. I don’t hold a magic wand and say you have to do 15%, and if your at 50% and landing enough work to stay busy, then that’s awesome!! Keep after it👍🏻👍🏻 My price are just about topped out for the level of finish and service I provide. I hope that helps, and don’t forget to like and subscribe!!

[@xbellabutterflyx]

I feel like I get ripped off every time and then they also want to add extra in the middle of the projects

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

I totally feel your pain. I’ve been there many times. You just have to learn from your mistakes, and take notes on what you don’t want to do again. We set the terms for these projects, so we need to look out for our futures. If you can give me more details on some of your struggles, and I’ll see if I can help with some ideas. Thanks for commenting and don’t forget to like and subscribe.👍🏻👍🏻

[@user_bilal]

ok

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

Right

[@yosefelkayam514]

I would have charged them triple

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

Nice! That would some good money.

[@cindybelsher4076]

Hi

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

Hi Cindy 👍🏻👍🏻 You got first view on this one

[@mkckf4l]

15% profit???? That's super low

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

Are you sure? I’ve found that to be pretty consistent in the industry. Don’t get me wrong it’s great when it more than 15% and I don’t have a problem when people charge more, it’s just a starting point If you add 15% for overhead and 15% for profit you should be doing really well. Thanks for commenting and don’t forget to like and subscribe 👍🏻👍🏻

[@johnmorrison1050]

Robbery , that’s what that is. 27 days? 2 days to put on a cabinet door and some drawer faces😅

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

LOL! How do say “I’m inexperienced” with out say so?? The old cabinets were a mess and all the doors and face frames had to me modifying. But it was just an estimate and the whole job changed and the customer went with Ikea cabinets. Stay tuned for an update on how that went. Thanks for the comment and don’t forget to like and subscribe. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@matthewcanfield6748]

15% GP? That's no good

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

You’re probably right. More profit is always better. What are your overhead numbers? It’s always good to see other are doing. Thanks for watching and don’t forget to subscribe even if it is to watch the train wreck known as Jeff. 🥴

[@keithlovoya846]

The sad part . They wouldn’t pay a Latino that much

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

Keep at it buddy. I know 20-30 years ago you might have been right but now a days it’s getting a lot easier. You just keep working hard and being the a professional contractor and don’t worry about the negative people. Thanks for watching and don’t forget to subscribe. 👍🏻

[@carlosizurieta885]

Come to Canada. Born Canadian, parents from Ecuador. My skills and my work ethic gets me what I ask for when it comes to pricing jobs. Never mind what race we are brother, let your work speak for itself.

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

@@carlosizurieta885 good words of encouragement!! Thanks for commenting. I hope Keith sees your comment. Don’t forget to like and subscribe 🤪

[@gilbertohernandez1085]

Maybe if you show up looking sloppy my boy.

[@austinyoung2723]

Dude that's not true at all I had 3 Hispanics under 30 living in the same household bring home over 120k each last year.

[@yosefelkayam514]

This guy is cheap

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

Well I’ve been called worse 🤣. Thanks for adding so much value to the conversation ✌🏻

[@jayden018]

I would love to ask you some questions through email or Facebook if you dont mind?

[@Thehelpfulcontractor]

Sure any time. Where are you located? Here my email and we can go from there. Linearjeff at gmail