The ProfitDig Blog

If you’ve been in the excavation or site prep business for any length of time, you know that dirtwork estimating is where bids are won and where margins are lost. Underestimate a cut and fill job and you’re eating the difference. Overestimate and you lose the contract to someone who did their homework. The good […]

Navigating Tough Conversations with Your Team: A Contractor’s Guide Sometimes, as a contractor, you find yourself in tough spots with your crew. Maybe a teammate isn’t pulling their weight, or personal issues are affecting their performance. It’s a delicate situation, but it’s also a important part of running a successful business. Here’s how to handle […]

How to Price Equipment Costs in Your Bids When you’re putting together a bid, figuring out the cost of equipment can feel like a juggling act. You want to be competitive, but you also need to make sure you’re covering your expenses. One straightforward method that many contractors use is pricing equipment based on current […]

How to Motivate Your Crew and Keep Your Production Rates Accurate Getting your crew fired up right before they hit the field can make a world of difference in how a job goes. You want everyone on the same page, ready to tackle the task ahead. So how do you light that fire and keep […]

Understanding MEP Design: A Contractor’s Guide If you’ve been around the job site, you’ve probably heard the term MEP thrown around. It stands for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing. But what does that really mean for you as a contractor? Let’s break it down in plain terms. What is MEP? MEP design involves the planning and […]

The Challenges of Hiring Friends in Construction When you’re a small contractor, it’s tempting to hire your friends. You trust them, you get along, and it feels like it could be a good fit. But let’s look at why mixing friendship with business can be a tricky slope. Understanding the Risks First, think about the […]

Keeping Your Ponds Healthy: Practical Tips for Contractors Maintaining ponds can be a tricky business, especially when nutrient overload from livestock affects water quality. If you’re working on a jobsite near a pond, understanding how to manage these factors is important. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you tackle the challenges of pond maintenance and […]

Understanding Job Costs: A Contractor’s Guide As a contractor, you’re likely familiar with the struggle of guessing on job costs. It’s a common pitfall that can eat into your profits if you’re not careful. Knowing your numbers isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a necessity. Today, let’s look at some practical steps to guide you through […]

How to Write a Solid Proposal That Gets You Hired Writing a proposal that stands out can feel like trying to nail jelly to a wall, especially in today’s competitive contracting landscape. But if you take the time to get it right, you’ll save yourself a lot of headaches later. Let’s walk through exactly what […]