MeasureScout

Cost Guides

Cost guides show you how to build your own project estimate. Each guide gives the formula, a worked example, and national average prices* so you can see a realistic total. *Prices are national averages from the sources cited on each page. Contact your local supplier for a current quote.

Cost guides by project

How every estimate works

  • Size the job with a calculator to get the quantity.
  • Get a price per unit from two or three local suppliers, for the same quantity.
  • Add delivery or pickup, tools and any labor.
  • Add 5 to 10% for waste and mistakes.

The formula is: total = quantity x price per unit + delivery + other costs. For quantities, see the calculators. For how much to buy, see DIY guides such as how many bags of gravel and how many bags of concrete for a fence post.

Worked example: a 10 ft by 20 ft gravel pad, 4 in deep

Step 1, volume: 10 ft x 20 ft x (4 / 12) ft = 66.7 cubic feet. Step 2, convert: 66.7 / 27 = 2.47 cubic yards. Step 3, add 10% for settling and waste: 2.47 x 1.10 = 2.72 cubic yards, so order about 2.75 yards. Step 4, price it: if a supplier quotes P dollars per cubic yard and D dollars for delivery, the material cost is 2.75 x P + D. Replace P and D with real quotes from two or three local suppliers.

What to ask a supplier before you compare cost guides and quotes

Compare quotes on the same unit. A per-ton price and a per-cubic-yard price are not the same thing until you convert with the material weight, which the gravel weight guide covers.

These cost guides are built to be reused: each one links to the calculator that gives the quantity, so the quantity side of your estimate is checked before you spend anything.

Estimates only. Confirm quantities and prices with your supplier before you order.