One of the biggest mistakes in construction is not in execution but in incorrect pricing. Many professionals work hard and earn little because they do not know how to measure services correctly or calculate their real costs.
1. First Step: Correct Measurement of the Work
Before talking about price, you need to measure.
How to measure correctly:
- Masonry: height × length = m²
- Flooring/Tiling: width × length = m²
- Concrete: width × height × length = m³
- Painting: total area of walls and ceiling (m²)
Practical example:
A wall 3 m high and 5 m long:
3 × 5 = 15 m²
Measurement errors lead directly to losses.
2. Material Calculation
After measuring, calculate average consumption per square or cubic metre.
Simple example (masonry):
- Blocks: ~12 to 13 units per m²
- Mortar: ~0.02 m³ per m²
Always add 5% to 10% for waste.
3. Labour Cost Calculation
Define your average productivity:
- Masonry: 8 to 12 m² per day (depending on complexity)
- Flooring: 10 to 20 m² per day
If you want to earn 300 (local currency) per day and you complete 10 m² per day:
300 ÷ 10 = 30 per m² (labour)
4. Indirect Costs (often forgotten)
- Transport;
- Tools and maintenance;
- Equipment rental;
- Meals;
- Labour burdens (if you have a helper).
Include these in the final price.
5. Applying Profit Margin
After adding:
- Materials
- Labour
- Indirect costs
Apply a profit margin between 10% and 25%, depending on risk and complexity.
Simplified Complete Example
- Labour: 3,000
- Indirect costs: 500
- Total: 3,500
Applying 20% profit:
3,500 × 1.20 = 4,200
Conclusion
Those who do not measure correctly work in the dark. Estimating is not guesswork—it is calculation. Measuring, calculating real cost and applying the right margin turns an ordinary mason into a profitable professional.