Vertical SaaS$20K-100K MRRMedium competition1-3 Monthsvalidated

BidCalc

Job estimation software for small contractors and tradespeople.

● The Problem

Small contractors (electricians, plumbers, painters) create estimates in Word docs or on napkins. They underbid jobs because they forget line items. They lose jobs because estimates take days to send. Enterprise tools like Procore are overkill.

● The Solution

A mobile-first estimation app with trade-specific templates. Select a job type, fill in quantities, and get a professional PDF estimate sent to the client in minutes. Built-in material price lists and labor rates.

Key Signals

MRR Potential

$20K-100K

Competition

Medium

Build Time

1-3 Months

Search Trend

stable

Market Timing

The trades have a massive technology gap. Most software is built for office workers, not field workers. Mobile-first tools for tradespeople are still rare.

MVP Feature List

1Trade-specific templates
2Line item library
3PDF estimate generation
4Client email delivery
5Job tracking dashboard

Suggested Tech Stack

React NativeNode.jsPostgreSQLPDF generation

Build It with AI

Copy a prompt into your favorite AI code generator to start building BidCalc in minutes.

Replit Agent

Full-stack MVP app

Build a full-stack MVP for "BidCalc". PRODUCT Job estimation software for small contractors and tradespeople.

Bolt.new

Next.js prototype

Create a working prototype of "BidCalc". OVERVIEW Job estimation software for small contractors and tradespeople.

v0 by Vercel

Marketing landing page

Design a high-converting marketing landing page for "BidCalc". PRODUCT BidCalc: Job estimation software for small contractors and tradespeople.

Go-to-Market Strategy

Facebook ads targeting contractor groups. Free trial at local trade shows. "Send estimates from your truck" messaging. Partner with supply houses (Home Depot Pro, Ferguson) for referrals.

Target Audience

Small ContractorsElectriciansPlumbersPainters

Monetization

SaaS Subscription

Competitive Landscape

Jobber and Housecall Pro are full field service platforms ($50-200/month). Too complex for a one-person operation. Joist does estimates but was acquired and stagnated. A focused, affordable estimating tool has room.

Why Now?

Trade labor shortage means every contractor is busy. They need to estimate faster to take on more jobs. Mobile phones are powerful enough for field-ready apps.