Never Quote Construction Jobs Without These “P&G Costs” | With David Baker

There are hidden costs in your construction business which could be killing your profits.

David Baker, founder of RapidQS, joins us for another episode of The Builders Ladder podcast to share exactly why most builders are silently losing money on every project.

After losing $2,500 on a $6,000 bathroom renovation early in his career, David discovered a key pricing element most building business owners overlook – properly accounting for time and management costs.

In this episode, David shares:

✅Why sitting at your desk pricing jobs at night isn’t “free time” – it’s profit walking out the door

✅The exact “P&G” costs you must include on every quote (from site admin to vehicle charges)

✅How his company scaled from 2 jobs per week to 140 monthly by mastering these fundamentals

✅Why growth often means lower initial profits (and how to navigate this transition)

Plus, discover RapidQS’s journey from small local operation to international expansion. Including candid insights about the realities of scaling a construction-focused business.

Key moments:

00:02:10 Beyond materials and labor
00:03:20 New builds & small jobs
00:06:00 Site protection costs
00:08:20 Losing money on jobs
00:13:30 Growth = smaller margins
00:18:30 What to focus on in tough times
00:24:00 Create content to save time & energy
00:30:50 The best partnerships

Tune in for practical wisdom about pricing, leadership, and finding your “zone of genius” in a growing construction company.

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👉👉Secure your seat at The 2025 Builders Growth Summit: https://www.builderssummit.co.nz/

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