To make sure a bid actually makes money before sending it out, you have to look at true labor, direct costs, overhead, break-even, and net profit.
True labor isn't just hourly pay; it includes payroll taxes, workers' comp, and benefits.
Direct costs cover materials, rental tools, permits, sub fees, and time spent driving.
Overhead covers the fixed bills like truck insurance, software, shop space, and non-billable office work.
Break-even is your direct costs plus your overhead.
Net profit is whatever percentage you stack on top of break-even so you actually make money on the work.
You verify those numbers using your own spreadsheets, saved line-item prices in your software, or past job history to make sure your estimated hours match reality.
