Guides
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Job handover checklist: finishing a job properly
A job handover checklist for tradies: final walk-through, defects list, clean-up, certificates, warranties and final invoice. Finish every job properly.
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Working with subcontractors: quotes, contracts and payments
Working with subcontractors: choosing subbies, matching quotes, written agreements, scheduling, payments and quality. For tradies and contractors anywhere.
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Hiring your first employee: a checklist for NZ tradies
Hiring your first employee in NZ: the costs to plan for, the written agreement, IRD and PAYE, KiwiSaver, trial periods, safety and the first week on site.
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Gib stopping basics: how to get a smooth wall finish
Gib stopping basics (drywall finishing, taping and jointing): the stages, how many coats, sanding, levels of finish and the mistakes that show up under paint.
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Preparing a substrate for tiling: the step most failures start from
Most tile failures start below the tile. How to check and prepare concrete, sheet and timber substrates for flatness, moisture, movement and bond before you tile.
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How to price a kitchen renovation
How to price a kitchen renovation (remodel): cabinets, benchtops, labour, subbies, allowances and contingency. For builders in any English-speaking country.
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How to work out your hourly charge-out rate
Work out an hourly charge-out rate that covers your wage, overheads, tax and profit. Step-by-step for tradies in NZ, Australia, the UK and the US.
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Job costing: how to know if a job actually made money
Job costing for tradies: compare your estimate with what each job really cost in hours and materials, then price better next time. Simple steps for any trade.
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How to calculate concrete for slabs, footings and post holes
How to calculate concrete for slabs, footings and post holes: volume formulas, worked examples, waste allowance and ordering tips. For tradies everywhere.