Calculator inputs
Use the form below to estimate full job pricing, including labor hours, waste, fees, and markups.
Example data table
Sample inputs and outputs to help validate your setup.
| Scenario | Gap ft | Openings | Method | Complexity | Labor hrs | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small residence | 35 | 14 | Galvanized mesh | Low | 3.8 | $395.00 |
| Retail storefront | 75 | 28 | Mesh + flashing combo | High | 9.6 | $1,420.00 |
| Warehouse perimeter | 180 | 42 | Sheet-metal flashing | Severe | 19.5 | $3,680.00 |
These are illustrative values, not fixed benchmarks. Your rates will vary by region, access, and rodent pressure.
Formula used
How each part of the estimate is calculated.
-
Materials:
Gap materials = (Gap feet × Method cost per foot).
Opening materials = Σ(Count × Unit cost) for doors, windows, vents, penetrations.
Materials total = (Gap materials + Opening materials) × (1 + Waste%). -
Labor hours:
If auto-estimate is enabled:
Hours = (Setup hours + Gap feet / Gap productivity + Openings / Opening productivity) × Complexity multiplier.
If manual: Hours = Manual hours × Complexity multiplier. -
Direct subtotal:
Direct = Materials total + (Labor hours × Labor rate) + Equipment + Travel + Disposal + Inspection + (Warranty years × Allowance per year). -
Markups and totals:
Overhead & profit = Direct × O&P%.
Contingency = (Direct + O&P) × Contingency%.
Discount = (Direct + O&P + Contingency) × Discount%.
Tax = (Subtotal after discount) × Tax%.
Grand total = Subtotal after discount + Tax.
How to use this calculator
A quick workflow that matches common estimating practice.
- Measure gaps and openings: Walk the perimeter, utility lines, vents, doors, and slab edges. Sum crack lengths into total linear feet.
- Pick a primary method: Choose mesh, flashing, mortar, or combo based on substrate and chew risk.
- Set complexity honestly: Use higher levels for tight crawlspaces, height work, heavy debris, or detailed flashing.
- Choose labor mode: Keep auto-estimate on for speed, or switch to manual when you have a field-verified hour count.
- Add fees and allowances: Include inspection, travel, disposal, equipment, and warranty coverage.
- Apply O&P, contingency, tax: Align with your company policy and local requirements.
- Export deliverables: Use CSV for spreadsheets and PDF for client-ready proposals.
Reminder: Physical exclusion reduces entry, but sanitation and habitat control also matter.
Site survey inputs that drive cost
Start with measurable quantities: linear feet of gaps, plus counts of doors, vents, windows, and pipe penetrations. A 60‑ft crack run and 20 openings can require more detailing than 120 ft with only a few penetrations. The calculator converts these field notes into a scope baseline you can review before pricing. For interior zones, separate perimeter sealing from mechanical room penetrations; this lets you assign different methods and productivity rates, improving accuracy when conditions vary within one building.
Material selection and linear-foot pricing
Exclusion materials scale differently. Galvanized mesh is a solid mid‑range choice, while stainless mesh and sheet‑metal flashing cost more but resist chewing and weather. The method rate multiplies by total gap feet, then opening unit costs add sweeps, vent covers, and collars. Add waste (typically 5–12%) for overlap, offcuts, and fasteners.
Labor modeling with productivity rates
Labor often dominates total cost on difficult sites. When auto‑estimate is enabled, hours equal setup time plus gap feet divided by gap productivity, plus openings divided by opening productivity. A crew sealing 18 ft/hr and protecting 5 openings/hr will take roughly 1.5 + (90/18) + (25/5) = 11.5 hours before complexity. Multipliers reflect access, height work, and cleanup.
Allowances, fees, and risk buffers
Fixed items keep estimates realistic: travel, equipment rentals, disposal, and inspection. A warranty allowance spreads expected callback effort across years. Then apply overhead and profit to direct costs, followed by contingency for unknown conditions discovered during removal or sealing. Discounts are applied before tax so your taxable base stays consistent with many estimating workflows.
Turning outputs into a proposal
Use the grand total for client pricing and the unit rates to compare jobs. Cost per gap foot helps spot outliers, while cost per opening highlights door and vent heavy scopes. Export CSV for internal review and budgeting, or PDF for a clean summary. Document assumptions: chosen method, productivity, complexity level, and included fees.
FAQs
1) What should I include in “total gaps to seal”?
Add all continuous crack lines and openings you will treat with mesh, mortar, or flashing: slab edges, siding joints, utility chases, and foundation cracks. Measure only areas you will actually seal.
2) When is stainless mesh or flashing worth the upgrade?
Use higher‑resistance materials where rodents are active, edges are exposed, or weathering is severe. Warehouses, food handling areas, and exterior corners often justify stainless mesh or sheet‑metal flashing.
3) How do I pick the right complexity level?
Choose Low for clear access and simple sealing. Use Medium for typical jobs. Use High for ladders, tight crawlspaces, or detailed finishing. Use Severe for lift work, heavy debris, or extensive patching.
4) Auto labor or manual hours—which is better?
Auto labor is best early, when you have measurements but not a full crew plan. Manual hours are better after a walk‑through, when you know staging, access limits, and how many technicians will work.
5) How should I treat contingency, tax, and discounts?
Contingency covers unknown field conditions and is usually applied after overhead and profit. Discounts reduce the subtotal before tax. Enter tax only if it applies to your scope and jurisdiction.
6) Can I estimate phased or multi‑building projects?
Yes. Run separate estimates for each phase or building so methods, complexity, and travel differ appropriately. Then combine totals in your proposal and keep unit rates for comparison across locations.