Estimating Reference · Rate Cards

VG Rate Cards QB-Derived Unit Rates for Work Order Estimation

Source
Cost Library Report.csv
Snapshot
April 2026
Properties
n=6 base portfolio
Updated
2026-06-15
Unit rates derived from actual QB job-cost data across 6 completed or near-complete properties. Easy WOs have a single reliable rate; Hard WOs require scope assessment before pricing. Confidence reflects rate stability across the portfolio — high = tight spread, medium = wider variance.
A Easy WOs — Unit Rates
Easy WOs scale predictably from a single property measurement. Multiply rate × driver variable, then apply any listed modifier. All rates are materials + labor combined from QB actuals.
Computed Rates — Ready to Use
WO Name Rate Formula Notes Conf n
P1W06 Framing $21.23/sqft above-grade × stories_multiplier + $3K misc high 6
P1W07 Roofing $4.39/sqft footprint × pitch × material high 4
P1W10 Siding $11.77/sqft above-grade × siding_type high 5
P1W11 Gutters $1.36/sqft footprint proxy Add flat per leader high 6
P2W02 Plumbing $13,748/bath equiv (full + half×0.5 + kitchen×0.75) medium 2
P2W03 HVAC $6.14/sqft conditioned × scope × system_type high 6
P2W04 Electrical $8.68/sqft above-grade Most reliable rate in dataset high 6
P2W07 Insulation $2.24/sqft above-grade × insulation_type high 6
P2W08 Drywall $7.29/sqft above-grade × scope (patch/partial/full) high 6
P3W08 Painting $0.58/sqft above-grade ⚠ Understated — $134k untagged to this WO high 6
Painting note: The $0.58/sqft rate is materially understated. Approximately $134,000 in painting spend is untagged or misclassified in QB. Use a corrected rate until the cost library is reconciled.
Rate Pending — Measurement Variable Missing
WO Name Status What's Needed
P1W08 Windows & Doors Rate Pending window_count not in measurements dataset
P3W02 Tile Rate Pending sqft_tile not in measurements dataset
P3W03 Flooring Rate Pending sqft_hardwood not in measurements dataset
P3W04 Cabinetry Rate Pending lnft_cabinets not in measurements dataset
P2W12 Driveway Rate Pending sqft_driveway not in measurements dataset
B Hard WOs — Approach Guidance
Hard WOs show wide cost variance across properties — a single unit rate is not reliable. Use the observed range as a sanity check and apply the listed approach (scope multiplier, component-level breakdown, or bid required) to size each deal individually.
WO Name Observed Range Approach n
P1W03 Demolition $480 – $27,604 Scope multiplier (0.3 / 0.7 / 1.0) 5/6
P1W04 Site Work $635 – $24,167 Scope multiplier; component-level for large sites 6/6
P1W05 Foundation $1,233 – $79,704 Engineer-driven; scope multiplier until structural report 5/6
P2W06 Fireplaces $180 – $7,984 Optional scope; confirm fireplace count first 5/6
P2W09 Ext Carpentry $11,664 – $43,141 Scope multiplier 6/6
P2W09b Ext Masonry $14,734 (1 property) Bid required — present on 1/6 properties only 1/6
P2W10 Landscape $6,233 – $21,060 Scope multiplier (1.0 / 2.0 / 3.5×) 6/6
P2W11 Fencing $934 – $12,435 Optional scope; confirm perimeter and fence type first 5/6
P3W07 Basic Trim $18,844 – $40,863 Range allowance; most predictable of Hard WOs 6/6
P3W07a–j Specialty Trim Bid required Estimate per sub-WO from architectural plans
Source & Refresh
Refresh: python3 workspaces/cost-library/scripts/analyze_wo_spend.py && compute_rates.py
Derived rates: workspaces/cost-library/_outputs/derived_rates.yaml
Full notes: reference/cost-codes/rate-cards.md