A follow-up to the first excavator video—now that it's seen real use. Tyler shares what's working, what surprised him, and what he'd rethink after owning and running it for a while.

Show Notes:
Initial Investment and Purchase Details (0:00)
Financing and Tax Benefits (3:56)
Usage and Maintenance (5:59)
Cost Considerations and Insurance (32:58)
Operational Efficiency and Tax Strategy (33:44)
Consulting and Future Plans (37:49)

Video Version:
https://youtu.be/6lnrWjeBQ20

Partners:

Andersen Windows

Buildertrend

Harnish Workwear

Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear

The Modern Craftsman:

linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast

Find Our Hosts:

Nick Schiffer

Tyler Grace

Podcast Produced By:

Motif Media

Pricing by square foot is how budgets blow up. Tyler breaks down the real process—scope first, design up front, WAGs, SWAGs, and contingency noted so the numbers hold once you hit the job.

Show Notes:
00:00 Understanding client priorities and personal update
01:35 Consulting call and estimating process
02:54 Client communication and zoning variance
06:07 Budget creation and design iterations
07:24 Detailed budgeting and cost tracking
09:01 Handling unexpected costs and client communication
13:23 Scope of work and subcontractor coordination
17:08 Managing client expectations and budget adjustments
20:00 Pre-construction and design consulting
26:44 Contractor Coalition Summit and affordability

Video Version:

https://youtu.be/KqBLZFtHACs

Partners:

Andersen Windows

Buildertrend

Harnish Workwear

Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear

The Modern Craftsman:

linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast

Find Our Hosts:

Nick Schiffer

Tyler Grace

Podcast Produced By:

Motif Media

The guys get into the messy reality of pricing—no templates, no magic—just expectations, scope, and the triangle of quality, budget, and time. We cover scope gaps, site protection, and how pre-con (plus a little AI) de-risks the job so your estimate actually matches how the work gets built.

Show Notes:
00:00:00 Intro & our awesome sponsors
00:05:22 Sick kids and water bottles
00:08:51 Welcome & rapid-fire plan
00:09:51 Estimating process overview
00:13:45 Row house example & takeoffs workflow
00:17:21 Automation vs AI in estimating
00:21:17 Using AI as an assistant, not a black box
00:31:21 Who owns scope gaps
00:43:47 Site protection that actually protects
00:47:31 Client fit and non-negotiables
00:53:13 Attracting the right clients
00:56:53 Precon course & Summit invite
01:01:46 Modern Craftsman tee & sign-off

Video Version:

https://youtu.be/A1BPmpmv_vQ

Partners:

Andersen Windows

Buildertrend

Harnish Workwear

Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear

The Modern Craftsman:

linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast

Find Our Hosts:

Nick Schiffer

Tyler Grace

Podcast Produced By:

Motif Media