Equipment is one of the biggest costs in construction. But many small contractors forget to count all the hidden numbers. When that happens, the job that looked profitable ends up losing money.
The first hidden cost is fuel. Machines do not run for free. If you are running a dozer, an excavator, or even a skid steer, fuel can add up fast. Forgetting to count fuel is one of the easiest ways to underbid a job.
The second hidden cost is maintenance. Oil changes, hydraulic fluid, tires, and filters all cost money. So does wear and tear on the machine. Even if you own the machine outright, every hour you run it costs you something.
The third hidden cost is insurance. If you have equipment on a job site, it needs to be insured. That cost should be part of your bid. If it is not, you are covering it out of your profit.
The fourth hidden cost is transportation. How are you getting your equipment to the site? A lowboy trailer, a truck, and the time to move the machine all cost money. These costs are easy to miss if you are rushing through your bid.
The fifth hidden cost is downtime. When a machine breaks, you lose time. You may have to rent another machine to finish the job. These risks need to be factored into your overall rates.
This is where ProfitDig can help. With ProfitDig, you set up your equipment in the system with all the real costs included. That way, when you build a bid, the software pulls in every detail. You do not have to guess or remember to add them later.
The difference between profit and loss can be a single missed number. If you forget to count fuel, maintenance, or transport, that money is coming out of your pocket. A smart contractor knows the real cost of every piece of equipment. ProfitDig makes it easy to keep track.
Do not let hidden numbers eat your profit. Make sure your bids cover every cost of your machines. That way, when you win the job, you actually make money.