Drill bits, scrap copper, and lost hand tools rarely show up on a bid — but they show up in your bank account. Enter your job numbers to see the exact buffer to add.
Job Details
Job Name / Number
For your reference only — doesn't affect the math
Total Estimated Material Budget
Raw material cost before markup
$
Waste & Tools Allowances
Material Waste Allowance
Industry range 3–5% of material budget
%
Small Tools & Consumables Allowance
Drill bits, blades, rags, lost hand tools
%
Per-Job Bid Buffer
Material Budget$42,000
Material Waste Buffer$1,680
Small Tools & Consumables Buffer$630
Total Buffer to Add$2,310
Combined Allowance
5.5%
Adjusted Material Line
$44,310
You're pricing in a full industry-benchmark buffer — this job is covered.
Total $ to Add to This Bid
$2,310
The exact dollar amount your estimate is missing if you're not building waste and small tools into every job.