Contractor estimating & change order FAQ
Answers on estimating software, change orders, job costing, markup vs margin, pricing, and getting started with WorkGrid Pro.
What is contractor estimating and change order software?
It is software that helps specialty contractors build versioned estimates, document and approve change orders, track live job margin, and invoice from approved work. WorkGrid Pro focuses on that workflow—without payroll, ERP modules, or spreadsheet chaos.
Who is WorkGrid Pro for?
Remodelers, painters, flooring installers, roofers, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and specialty subcontractors who outgrew spreadsheets but do not want a full ERP. If your pain is estimate revisions, change-order approvals, and margin, you are the audience.
How do estimate versions protect contractor margin?
Sent estimate versions stay locked. Revisions create a new version instead of overwriting the old quote. That audit trail proves what was offered, reduces disputes, and gives change orders a clear baseline so extras do not become unpaid work.
How much does WorkGrid Pro cost?
Plans start at $29/month for estimates, change orders, and basic invoices. Growth, Pro, and Business add job costing, scheduling, mobile field tools, and team features. See the pricing page for the full comparison. Start a free trial with no credit card—if you choose a plan during the trial, billing starts when the trial ends.
What is the difference between markup and margin for contractors?
Markup is the percent added to cost to create sell price. Margin is profit divided by sell price. A 25% markup equals about a 20% margin. Price line items with markup; manage the job with live margin including approved change orders.
Do contractor change orders update the job budget automatically?
In WorkGrid Pro, yes. Approved change orders roll into the live job budget and margin view so you see sold price and cost after extras—without rebuilding a spreadsheet.
Can I export contractor estimates and change orders as PDF?
Yes. Every estimate and change order can be exported as a professional PDF for clients while the revision and approval history stays inside the app.
Does WorkGrid Pro include a mobile field app for crews?
Yes. Field crews can log daily notes, upload photos, and complete tasks from the mobile field view while office staff manage estimates, change orders, and invoicing.
Is there a free trial of contractor job management software?
Yes. Start a 30-day free trial with no credit card required and full create/edit access. Choose a plan anytime—billing starts when the trial ends, not when you add a payment method. Cancel before the trial ends and you will not be charged.
When am I charged if I subscribe during the free trial?
Your first paid charge happens when the free trial ends. Choosing a plan early only saves your card and locks in the plan; it does not bill you immediately.
Does WorkGrid Pro replace QuickBooks or payroll?
No. v1 intentionally avoids payroll and full accounting replacement. WorkGrid Pro focuses on estimate history, change orders, and margin. Higher tiers can sync with QuickBooks when you need bookkeeping connected.