MEP, Flooring & Other Trades guides
Plumbing, HVAC, electrical, flooring and other trade costs and estimates.
What Are MEP Drawings? How to Read Them
A practical guide to MEP drawings: the six sheet types, how sheets are organized, symbols and abbreviations, reading sequence, schedules, takeoff units and what drives MEP cost per square foot.
How to Estimate Electrical Work: A Contractor's Guide
A step-by-step guide to electrical estimating: takeoff methods, material counts, labor units, formulas, and bid preparation for contractors and estimators.
How Much Does Plumbing Cost? Prices by Job Type
This guide breaks plumbing cost into the numbers estimators actually use: per fixture, per linear foot, per square foot, and per hour, with job-type ranges and a worked rough-in example.
How to Estimate Plumbing Costs for New Construction
A working estimator's method for pricing plumbing cost for new construction, from fixture counts and rough-in takeoff to labor hours, code differences and a full worked example.
Cost to Plumb a 2,000 Sq Ft House
A line-by-line look at what it costs to plumb a 2,000 sq ft house, from rough-in labor and fixture counts to permits, materials and regional swings.
How to Estimate Structural and Miscellaneous Metals
A practical guide to metal estimating: how to split structural steel from miscellaneous metals, run a takeoff, convert LF to tons, and price fabrication and erection.
How to Estimate Waterproofing Costs
A practical estimating method for waterproofing: measure from plans, apply waste and coverage factors, price materials and labor, and build a bid-ready estimate.
Laminate Flooring Cost per Square Foot (Installed)
A line-item look at laminate flooring cost per square foot installed, from material and underlayment to subfloor prep, trim and labor, with a worked room example.