Resources
Quick reference charts, checklists, and practical planning notes.
These short resources explain the "why" behind common estimates: quick charts, simple rules of thumb, and reminders that prevent under-ordering.
Deck mud coverage chart (dry pack mortar)
Quick deck mud coverage table, mixing notes, and practical tips for estimating dry pack mortar by area and thickness.
Paint planning complete guide (coats, primer, sheen, and prep)
A practical paint planning guide that explains coats, primer decisions, sheen selection, and the measurements that make paint estimates reliable.
Roofing materials checklist (what you forget when estimating)
A practical checklist for roofing orders: squares, bundles, waste, and the accessory items that often get missed in basic estimates.
Gravel driveway layering and compaction (base vs top)
A practical guide to estimating gravel by layers: base vs surface, compaction, drainage, and supplier ton conversions.
Topsoil leveling step-by-step (how to avoid over-ordering)
A step-by-step guide to leveling with topsoil: measuring average depth, feathering edges, settling, and planning touch-ups.
Flooring installation planning (moisture, acclimation, and underlayment)
A practical flooring planning guide: waste, moisture checks, acclimation, underlayment selection, and the non-area items that cause project delays.
Topsoil coverage chart (cubic yards per area and depth)
Topsoil coverage rules of thumb and a quick chart for common depths, with leveling tips.
Gravel yards to tons guide (why the conversion varies)
Why yards-to-tons conversions vary, what density means, and how to get a reliable number from your supplier.
Paver base depth guide (how thick should base be?)
A practical paver base guide: common depth ranges, compaction notes, and why drainage and soil matter.
Board feet explained (simple formula and examples)
What board feet are, the formula, and how to avoid common mistakes when pricing lumber.
Asphalt driveway tons guide (thickness and truckloads)
A practical asphalt driveway estimate guide: why thickness drives tonnage and what changes between resurfacing and full rebuilds.
Baseboard and trim waste tips (miters, corners, and pieces)
How corners and miter cuts drive waste, why piece length matters, and practical ways to plan trim purchases.
Sand density and weight guide (yards, tons, and compaction)
Why sand density varies, how to convert volume to weight, and what to confirm with your supplier.
Concrete bag yield guide (how many bags per cubic foot?)
How to estimate concrete bags: why yield matters, common bag sizes, and when ready-mix is a better option.
Mulch bag coverage guide (how many bags do you need?)
How to plan bagged mulch: bag sizes, how depth changes coverage, and why settling matters.
Fence post hole concrete guide (depth, diameter, and layout)
How to plan fence posts: why corners/gates add posts, what affects hole size, and how concrete volume adds up.
Studs: corners and openings (why simple spacing math fails)
A practical framing note: corners, T-walls, and openings add studs beyond length/spacing.
Wallpaper rolls by wall height (why tall walls need more)
Why wall height changes strips-per-roll and how pattern repeat increases waste.
Soil mix ratio for raised beds (starting points)
Practical starting ratios for raised beds and what to adjust for drainage and fertility.
Concrete cure vs dry time (planning checklist)
A practical planning note: curing vs drying, and why timing matters more than most people expect.
Concrete PSI and mix choice (planning note)
A practical checklist for ready-mix: PSI/MPa, slump, fiber, and admixtures that affect cost and performance.
Primer vs paint (when to prime for better coverage)
A practical note: primer can improve coverage and adhesion, but it is a separate material step.
Tile project planning guide (layout, overage, and materials list)
A practical tile planning guide: how to choose an overage factor, avoid box-coverage mistakes, and build a complete materials list.
Drywall materials and finishing guide (sheets, seams, mud, and tape)
A practical drywall planning guide: choosing sheet sizes, understanding finishing levels, and estimating seams, tape, and compound realistically.
Deck planning guide (layout, gaps, stairs, and materials list)
A practical deck planning guide: board direction, gapping, diagonal waste, stairs, and the material items people forget.
Fence planning guide (posts, gates, and materials checklist)
A practical fence planning guide: panels vs pickets, post spacing, gates and corners, and the material items most estimates miss.
Tile grout guide (sanded vs unsanded, joint width, and coverage)
A practical grout guide: choosing grout type, sizing joints, and understanding why coverage changes with tile size and joint width.
Tile waterproofing and membranes (what’s required vs optional)
A practical guide to waterproofing choices in tile projects: showers, wet rooms, membranes, and why prep affects long-term durability.
Topsoil vs compost blends (lawns vs garden beds)
A practical guide to topsoil and compost blends: when to use straight topsoil, when blends help, and how to plan mix ratios without overdoing organics.
Trim paint guide (enamel selection, prep, and a durable finish)
A practical trim guide: enamel choices, prep for glossy trim, and how to plan coats and touch-ups for long-term durability.
Base vs waste vs total (how to read material estimates)
A quick guide to reading base, waste buffer, and total quantities so you order the right amount without guessing.
Measuring irregular areas (L-shapes, circles, curves)
A practical cheat sheet to turn odd shapes into reliable area numbers for material estimates.
Material overage planning guide (how much extra to buy)
General waste/overage guidance across common home improvement materials and when to increase your buffer.