As residential contractors, getting your construction quotes right is key to running a profitable business. I’ve seen how small mistakes can turn into big problems—whether it’s lost bids, budget overruns, or strained relationships with clients.
Let’s get into some of the most common mistakes contractors make and how you can avoid them with Bolster’s construction estimating software.
Leaving Out Costs
One of the most common mistakes is leaving out costs. Whether it’s delivery fees, permits, or even small materials, forgetting these can kill your profit margins.
“I once quoted a backyard renovation and forgot to include the cost of renting excavation equipment. It wasn’t a small oversight either—it ate up about $1,200 of my budget!”
To avoid this, always review your quotes to make sure you account for everything. Construction quotes should always have a buffer for unexpected expenses, and Bolster ensures you don’t miss a thing.
Incorrect Labor Estimates
Underestimating labor is one of the biggest problems contractors face. You think it’ll take two weeks, but your crew ends up needing four. Misjudging labor causes delays and frustration for both you and the client.
Pro Tip: Use historical data or time tracking software to create more accurate estimates. I’ve started using Bolster to track labor hours, and it’s made a huge difference.
Not Updating Material Prices
Material prices are always changing. If you’re not on top of price changes, your construction quotes will be off from the start. I’ve seen it happen time and time again—one week lumber is one price, the next week it’s through the roof.
Stay ahead by using real-time pricing tools or construction estimating software like Bolster, which has live pricing built into your quotes so you’re always accurate.
Not Accounting for Contingencies
Unexpected expenses happen in construction projects. Whether it’s an unknown foundation issue or an unexpected delay due to weather, things happen. You need to add contingencies to your construction quotes to cover these surprises.
“I started a simple home addition and found old wiring that wasn’t up to code. Fixing it cost me thousands, and the client wasn’t happy.”
Always include a contingency (about 10%) in your quotes to cover those surprises. Bolster’s software makes it simple to add that buffer to your estimates.
Poor Client Communication
Lastly, miscommunication with clients about what’s included and what’s not in your quote can cause big problems. Make sure your clients know what’s covered and what’s not so there are no surprises down the road.
Using Bolster, you can generate clear, easy-to-read construction quotes that leave nothing to the imagination.
Bottom Line
Avoid these mistakes, and you’ll create more accurate construction quotes, satisfied clients, and a profitable business. Don’t leave your quotes to chance—use Bolster to make sure everything is accounted for and done right the first time.
