07/10/2026
Material prices have rarely been more volatile ๐
For contractors, that creates a very real risk. An estimate built on today's prices could look very different by the time you're on site.
Here are four ways to protect your margins when prices are unpredictable:
๐ Build in a contingency: factor in potential price increases at the estimating stage rather than hoping costs stay stable
โฑ๏ธ Reduce the gap between estimating and ordering: the longer the gap, the greater the risk of price movement
๐๏ธ Review and update your rates regularly: outdated figures are one of the most common causes of margin erosion
๐ Track actual costs against your estimate throughout the job: don't wait until the end to find out where the money went
Ensign Estimating gives you the tools to keep your rates current and your margins protected. Find out more: https://ensign.software/estimating-software/