FEATURED4 min read
How to Improve Your Online Presence as a Contractor
Should you do it yourself, use a hybrid service, or hire a full agency? Here's how to build an online presence that gets you jobs.
By Dave Team7/31/2025
The Dave Contractor Blog
Expert insights, tips, and guides to help you run your contracting business like a pro
Featured Posts
FEATURED3 min read
The Best Free Contractor Calculators for 2025
Get accurate estimates, price your services right, and stay profitable with these free contractor calculators built for 2025. No signups needed.
By Dave Team7/7/2025
FEATURED4 min read
Turn Your Jobsite Photos Into 5-Star Google Reviews
Learn how to organize your jobsite photos and use them to get more Google reviews from happy clients. Simple strategies that work for any contractor.
By Dave Team7/6/2025
All Posts
15 min read
How Much Do Plumbers Make? Duties & Salary Guide (US & Canada 2026)
How much do plumbers make in 2026? Median pay by state, license level, and province, plus what plumbers do day to day. US BLS and Canada Job Bank data.
By Dave Team6/17/2026
how much do plumbers makewhat do plumbers doplumber salary
13 min read
Can a Contractor Sue for Non-Payment Without a Written Contract?
Yes, contractors can sue without a written contract in the US and Canada, but proof is harder. Learn your options, what evidence you need, and how to prevent disputes.
By Dave Team6/17/2026
contractor non-paymentverbal contractcontractor legal rights
8 min read
Time Tracking for Growing Construction Businesses
A practical guide to time tracking for small construction and trades businesses: what to track, when to start, and how ConstructionClock fits as you grow.
By Dave Team6/16/2026
time trackingconstruction businesscrew management
13 min read
Home Depot vs Lowe's for Contractors: History, Pros, and Which to Shop
Home Depot vs Lowe's for contractors in the US and Canada. How each store built its pro program, what trades actually get from each, and when to use one over the other.
By Dave Team6/16/2026
home depot vs loweshome depot vs lowes for contractorscontractor supply stores
10 min read
How Much Does an HVAC Tech Make? (2026 US & Canada Salary Guide)
See what HVAC technicians earn in the US and Canada by experience, state, and province. Median pay, hourly rates, and what pushes wages higher.
By Dave Team6/15/2026
hvac technician salaryhow much does an hvac tech makehvac tech pay
5 min read
Progress Invoicing for Contractors: When to Use It and How to Structure It
Progress invoicing helps contractors get paid in phases instead of waiting until the end of the job. Here is when to use it, how to structure it, and what to avoid.
By Dave Team5/6/2026
progress invoicingcontractor invoicingdraw schedule
4 min read
Markup vs Margin for Contractors: The Difference That Protects Profit
Confusing markup and margin is one of the fastest ways to underprice jobs. Here is the difference, how to calculate both, and how to use them when building contractor estimates.
By Dave Team5/6/2026
markup vs margincontractor pricingcontractor estimating
5 min read
How to Write a Scope of Work for a Contractor Estimate
A clear scope of work protects your margin, reduces change-order fights, and helps customers understand what they are approving. Here is how contractors should write one.
By Dave Team5/6/2026
scope of workcontractor estimatecontractor estimating
5 min read
How to Price Change Orders Without Losing Margin
Change orders are where many contractors leak profit. Here is how to price them cleanly, explain them clearly, and keep the job moving without giving work away.
By Dave Team5/6/2026
change orderscontractor pricingcontractor estimating
3 min read
How Landscapers Can Run Their Business Without Pen and Paper
Ditch the notebook and clipboard. Learn how landscapers can stay organized, send estimates, and manage jobs with apps instead of pen and paper.
By Dave Team8/26/2025
landscaping businesscontractor softwareorganization
3 min read
How to Run a Painting Business Smoothly with Dave
Use Dave to organize your painting jobs, send professional estimates, and get paid faster. Plus, try our free Painting Cost Calculator to double-check your numbers.
By Dave Team8/20/2025
painting businesscontractor softwarepainting estimates
3 min read
The Best Simple Contractor Software for Owner Operators
Running your contracting business solo? Here’s a breakdown of the best tools to keep your jobs organized, invoices paid, and clients happy.
By Dave Team8/20/2025
contractor softwareowner operatorestimating
2 min read
Dave Is Now Available in Australia 🇦🇺 & New Zealand 🇳🇿
Contractors in Australia and New Zealand can now use Dave to organize projects, send estimates and invoices, and grow their business with ease.
By Dave Team8/6/2025
australianew zealandcontractor software
4 min read
How to Improve Your Online Presence as a Contractor
Should you do it yourself, use a hybrid service, or hire a full agency? Here's how to build an online presence that gets you jobs.
By Dave Team7/31/2025
contractor marketingonline presencelocal SEO
3 min read
How to Estimate a Siding Job in 5 Minutes or Less
Need a fast and reliable way to estimate siding jobs? Here's a simple process to quote siding work in minutes, not hours.
By Dave Team7/8/2025
siding estimatecontractor estimatingsiding job quoting
3 min read
Gutter Marketing Tips to Rank Locally and Get Reviews
Simple ways gutter contractors can show up on Google and get more 5-star reviews from happy customers.
By Dave Team7/8/2025
gutter marketinggoogle reviewslocal seo
3 min read
What Contractors Should Post on Google Business Each Week
If you're a contractor trying to get more jobs online, posting to your Google Business profile weekly is a simple win. Here's exactly what to post each week to stay visible and get more calls.
By Dave Team7/7/2025
google businesscontractor marketinglocal seo
4 min read
What Should Be in a Deck Building Estimate? A Simple Checklist
Not sure what to include in your deck estimate? Here's a straightforward checklist every contractor should follow to avoid headaches and win more jobs.
By Dave Team7/7/2025
deck building estimatecontractor estimatingdeck builder tips
3 min read
The Best Free Contractor Calculators for 2025
Get accurate estimates, price your services right, and stay profitable with these free contractor calculators built for 2025. No signups needed.
By Dave Team7/7/2025
contractor calculatorsconstruction estimating toolsfree tools for contractors
3 min read
Top 3 Reasons Why Contracting Businesses Fail (And How to Avoid Them)
Most contracting businesses fail for surprisingly fixable reasons. Here's how to stay organized, get paid, and grow strong with a little help from Dave.
By Dave Team7/7/2025
contractor business tipsbusiness failure preventioncontractor success
4 min read
Turn Your Jobsite Photos Into 5-Star Google Reviews
Learn how to organize your jobsite photos and use them to get more Google reviews from happy clients. Simple strategies that work for any contractor.
By Dave Team7/6/2025
jobsite photosgoogle reviewscontractor marketing
11 min read
The Complete Guide to Contractor Invoicing in Canada: What You Need to Know
Learn what Canadian contractors must include on invoices, legal requirements in Canada, invoice best practices, and why proper invoicing matters for your business. Free tips to get paid faster.
By Dave Team1/21/2025
contractor invoicinginvoice requirementscontractor accounting