Job costing for remodeling contractors
Remodel margins disappear one small yes at a time: an extra outlet, a different tile, a pot filler. JobMargin makes each of those a change order before the work is done, and shows materials, subs, and crew hours against the job while you’re still on it.
What remodelers track in JobMargin
- Quotes homeowners accept online. Send a private link; the homeowner types their name and taps Accept, and the bid turns Won.
- Add-ons as change orders. Every homeowner request goes in as a change order, add or deduct, straight into the contract value.
- Receipts from the supply house. Snap a receipt and the AI reads the vendor and amount, then it posts to the job.
- Hourly work, too. Handyman and service work can be bid and tracked by the hour (HR).
Set up for remodeling from the first day
When you pick Remodeling & Handyman as your trade, JobMargin loads these cost categories for budgets, receipts, and job costs. You can rename or add your own at any time.
- Materials
- Labor
- Subcontractor
- Equipment Rental
- Permits
- Disposal
- Supplies
- Fuel
- Other
Bid line items use the units remodeling actually bid in: square feet (SF), linear feet (LF), each (EA), hours (HR), and lump sum (LS).
Example: what a remodeling job looks like mid-way
Gut and rebuild a kitchen: new cabinets, quartz tops, tile backsplash, LVP flooring, and lighting, with subs for electrical, plumbing, and countertops. The cabinets are in; the tops are being templated.
| Cost category | Budget | Spent so far |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $21,000 | $17,600 |
| Labor | $13,500 | $9,900 |
| Subcontractor | $12,000 | $6,400 |
| Disposal | $1,500 | $1,450 |
| Permits | $900 | $900 |
| Supplies | $1,600 | $1,100 |
| Other | $1,500 | $300 |
| Total | $52,000 | $37,650 |
The cabinets and flooring are bought, so materials at 84% is expected. Labor at 73% is the one to watch, with the backsplash, trim, and punch list ahead. Homeowner add-ons are where remodel margins disappear: if they asked for under-cabinet lights or a pot filler, log it as a change order before the electrician runs it.
Guides and tools for remodelers
Construction change orders: how to track them and get paid
What to put in writing, when to get it signed, how to price it, and making sure it gets billed.
GuideHow to follow up on a construction bid and win more work
A follow-up schedule, what to say, and using your win rate to pick which jobs to bid.
Free toolProfit margin and markup calculator
Margin and markup from cost and price, or the price to charge for a target margin.