Joist Workshop: Guides & Articles
From pricing your first job to managing a full crew, the business side of contracting takes just as much skill as the work itself. The Joist Workshop is built for contractors who want to get better at estimating, invoicing, managing cash flow, and growing a profitable business—with practical guides written in plain language, not corporate speak.
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Featured Articles
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Financing for Contractors: How to Fund Your Business Needs
How to Write a Contractor Proposal That Wins More Jobs
Deck Job Estimating 101: How Contractors Can Price Jobs for Profit
How to Get a Roofing License: Requirements, Steps, and Tips
How to Get Your HVAC License: A Simple Guide for Contractors
What Is a Construction Material Takeoff?
How to Bid on Plumbing Jobs in 10 Steps
The Best Estimating and Invoicing Software for Contractors
Estimating by Hand vs. Software: A Contractor’s Guide to Choosing the Best Estimating Tools
Explore related resources and tools
The Joist Workshop is just the start. Joist also offers free templates, calculators, and a full contractor resource center to help you put what you've learned into practice.
Contractor Resource Center
Your go-to hub for free tools, templates, and guides built to help contractors run a more organized, profitable business.
- Free estimate and invoice templates to fit your job type
- Trade calculators to help you price jobs and protect margins
- Practical guides across every part of running your business
Free Estimate Templates
Customizable estimate templates to quote jobs clearly and win more work.
Free Invoice Templates
Download invoice templates built for contractors. Customize, send, and get paid faster.
Free Calculators
Trade calculators built to help you estimate, protect your margins, and quote with confidence.
Get started with Joist.
From estimate to final payment, Joist gives contractors a simple way to save time, keep everything organized, and get paid faster, all from the jobsite or on the go. Start your free trial today.
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