Adding Detail to Labor Costing of Items

Overview

Adding detail to a labor item makes its cost more accurate in your estimates. In the item's labor options you can choose which labor rate does the work, set how long the task takes, and set a minimum labor cost.

Open the Labor Options

1. In the left-hand menu, click Jobs, then click Pipeline.
2. Choose an estimate and open it.
3. Find a labor item in the estimate (for example, a Demo item that is labor only).
4. Click the item icon (the box) on that line. The item's details open.
5. Click Unit pricing to expand it. You will see Materials costs, Labor costs, and Labor options.
6. Click the plus sign for Labor options, next to Labor costs, to show the labor details.

Set the Labor Rate and Time

The labor details show which trade or laborer performs the task and at what rate.

1. Click the field next to What kind of trade or laborer completes this work?.
2. Select your own labor rate (for example, General Labour at $35/hr for demolition). You can also use Bolster's labor rate, but those rates can change.
3. In How much time does it take to complete one ... of this item? (the question uses the item's unit, for example one Hour), enter the time for the task (for example, 45 minutes or 1 hour). The labor cost is calculated from this time and the labor rate.
4. If you want, rename the item to describe the specific task (for example, Demo - flooring).

Set a Minimum Labor Cost

Use a minimum labor cost for smaller jobs, where sending someone out for a short time would not cover your cost.

1. Below the labor questions, click Add minimum labor cost.
2. In What is the minimum labor cost for this item?, enter the minimum (for example, $1,500 for flooring demolition).

When the item's labor hours add up to less than the minimum, the item is calculated at the minimum. For example, if the item needs 5 hours at $35/hr, the labor cost is still $1,500. Once the hours go over the minimum (for example, 80 hours), the item is calculated from the hours and rate instead.

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Summary

Open the estimate from Jobs > Pipeline, click the item icon on a labor item, expand Unit pricing, and open Labor options. Choose your labor rate, set how long the task takes, and add a minimum labor cost if needed.