An estimate is a prediction. Job costing is the check. Without it you only find out whether pricing works when the bank account says so, months later and without knowing which jobs caused it.
The simple version that works
After each job, compare estimated and actual costs in five buckets: materials (including tax), labor, disposal, permits and other. For each one look at the dollar variance and the percentage.
Variance = estimated − actualActual net profit = total collected − actual direct cost − overhead
Actual net margin = actual net profit ÷ total collected
What the variances usually mean
- Materials over: waste factor too low for that roof style, supplier price changed since you quoted, or extra trips.
- Labor over: pitch or access harder than expected, more layers than assumed, weather days.
- Disposal over: heavier tear-off, a second dumpster.
- Change orders not billed: extra decking or repairs done without a signed change order. This one is the easiest to fix.
In the pack
The Job Cost Tracker tab pulls your estimated numbers automatically. You type in actuals from receipts, and it shows the variance, actual margin, approved change orders and a plain YES or NO on whether you hit your target.
Estimate, quote and job cost check in one file. Excel + Google Sheets, instant download.
Last updated 2026-11-08. Numbers on this page are examples for illustration, not market prices.