Worked example
Use a three-person crew for four hours, $32 true labor cost per worker-hour, $250 plants and materials, $95 equipment and fuel, $60 disposal, $45 mobilization, $100 overhead, 5% contingency and a 30% target margin.
| Result | Calculated value |
|---|---|
| True job cost | $980.70 |
| Break-even price | $980.70 |
| Target selling price | $1,401.01 |
| Planned profit at target price | $420.31 |
These are fictional defaults for explaining the calculation, not a price or outcome claim.
How the calculation works
Crew person-hours equal crew size times elapsed crew hours. Plants, equipment, disposal and mobilization remain separate so one input does not hide another.
Read the related Serman Tools guide for definitions, limits and another worked example.
Workbook
The free calculator handles one scenario in your browser. Home Service Pricing Workbook keeps the related model in a downloadable workbook.
Frequently asked questions
How are crew hours calculated?
Crew person-hours equal crew size multiplied by elapsed hours, so three people for four hours equal twelve person-hours.
Where should disposal fees go?
Keep disposal and haul-away separate when they vary by job or require a third-party charge.
Is this a local price benchmark?
No. It uses your cost and margin assumptions and does not claim a prevailing local selling price.
Should labor use person-hours?
Yes. Count each worker’s time so crew size and elapsed time translate into total labor consumed.
How should callbacks be handled?
Use a documented reserve based on your own history and do not count the same expected cost in contingency twice.
Can I use the result as a final quote?
Use it as a planning check, then verify scope, taxes, permits, technical requirements and job-specific risk.