Calculators & templates that pay for themselves

Rule of thumb: a 40% markup ≈ 29% margin. If your margin is under 20%, you're effectively working for the overhead. Always price on margin, not markup.

The classic mistake: quoting $50/hr but only billing 20 of 50 weekly hours — that's $1,000/wk gross, not $2,500. Only billable hours pay the bills.

Industry data: 80%+ of callers who get voicemail don't call back, and only 20-30% of missed callers ever return. Use the full calculator for a deeper breakdown.

Formula: (sq ft × ceiling × ACH) ÷ 60. Living areas run 3–4 ACH; kitchens and baths 6–8. Always size the duct run to match.

Order 10% extra to cover waste and uneven forms. For a 4" slab: length × width × 0.33 ÷ 27 = cubic yards.

Standard coverage is 350 sq ft per gallon per coat. Textured surfaces drop to ~250. Add 10% for touch-ups.

A $28/hr tech actually costs ~$35–38/hr with taxes, comp, and benefits — and if only 70% of paid hours are billable, you need to bill ~$50/hr just to break even on them.

Ballpark only — adjust for your market and crew size. Most cleaning companies land between $0.05–0.10/sq ft for standard cleans.

Typical asphalt shingle jobs run $350–600 per square installed depending on market and pitch. This is a ballpark — always do a real site measure.

Trunk ducts run 700–900 FPM; branch runs 400–600 FPM to stay quiet. Sizing up one size beats undersizing every time.

Living spaces: 3–4 ACH. Kitchens/baths: 6–8. Below 2 ACH usually means undersized equipment or a restriction somewhere.

Seamless aluminum runs $5–9/ft installed. Two-story adds 20–30% for ladder/rope work. Gutter guards add $3–6/ft.

Removals run roughly $350–1,800 depending on size and access. Stump grinding adds $150–400. Always quote after a site visit.

Driveways $0.15–0.25/sqft, patios $0.20–0.30, house washing $0.08–0.15. Add $50–150 for stains/degreasers on driveways.