Author: Harry Carter

The AI Gold Rush… will it last?

Harry Carter December 29, 2025 No Comments
Why professionals see through it Right now, the construction industry is being flooded with “AI-powered” tools promising faster estimates, higher profits, and effortless accuracy. Many of them are charging serious…
Read more

How accurate production rates make money

Harry Carter December 17, 2025 No Comments
Purpose This document explains how profitable finish-trade contractors price work. It describes how bidding actually works, how production rates control outcomes, and why some contractors consistently make money while others…
Read more

Square Foot Pricing Myth – Still

Harry Carter November 17, 2025 No Comments
People love to ask how much we charge per square foot of floor area. Anyone in the trade has heard it endlessly. The answer is simple. We do not paint…
Read more

I’ll get you more work!

Harry Carter November 29, 2024 No Comments
I don’t often focus on the residential sector, but I’m no stranger to it. As a 4th generation painter, my family started out in residential work before transitioning to the…
Read more

Sundries

Harry Carter November 29, 2024 No Comments
In the painting business, sundries refer to consumable items that are used up during a job and need to be replenished regularly. These are not reusable tools like ladders or…
Read more

What did he say?

Harry Carter November 27, 2024 No Comments
Improving communication between builders and subcontractors can make a significant difference in efficiency and project outcomes. Here are a few strategies that tend to work well: Over the years, some…
Read more
50% Gross profit?

Claims of 50% Gross Profit.

Harry Carter April 9, 2024 No Comments
Boasting about a 50% gross profit in the house painting business might raise eyebrows because it’s unusually high for that industry. While not inherently ridiculous, it could be seen as…
Read more

Snake Oil and Estimating – Beware!

Harry Carter April 5, 2024 No Comments
For nearly half a century, The Carter School of Estimating has been a trusted name in teaching the art and science of construction estimating, specializing in the drywall and painting…
Read more

Expecting too much from your workers?

Harry Carter March 6, 2024 No Comments
I ask this question because I’m always curious as to what your answer will be. I can almost guarantee what you’ll say because though I’m not a gambler, I’ve got…
Read more
Next »