Forge Library: Contractor Ops, QuickBooks, Job Costing & Scope Control
Start here if your books feel “fine” but your profit is always a surprise.
Forge is the contractor ops library—QuickBooks setup, job costing, change orders, scope control, and closeout—written to match how work actually happens in the field.
The goal isn’t accounting theory. It’s decisions you can trust: which jobs make money, where labor is leaking, which customers are worth keeping, and what to fix first. Use the guides in order if you’re rebuilding from chaos, or jump to the module that matches your current bottleneck.
QuickBooks Online for Contractors
Set up QBO the contractor way—clean structure now, job costing ready later.
DIY track: Start with Module 1 - Contractor Accounting Mental Model
Messy rebuild track: Start with Module 11 - QBO Cleanup / Rebuild Guide
Want it installed: Work with us
These are operator guides, not accounting theory. Each module ends with ‘do this now’ steps.
Modules
Contracts & Scope Control
Most contractors don’t lose money on labor—they lose it on scope. This section covers the field systems that prevent silent change orders: airtight proposals, scope language that holds up, documented approvals, and jobsite-ready templates your crew can actually follow.
Publishing next: change order workflow • scope checklists • customer scripts
Job Costing & Reporting
Job costing is only useful if it changes decisions fast—weekly, not after the job is done. This section is about building reporting that shows real profit by job, job type, and service line—without turning your Chart of Accounts into a dumpster fire.
Publishing next: labor costing • production tracking • weekly profit review
Marketing & Online Presence
More leads isn’t the goal—better leads is. This section covers the contractor online stack that makes you look legitimate and filters tire-kickers: a website that converts, Google Business Profile hygiene, proof assets (photos, reviews, case studies), and intake questions that pre-qualify before you burn time.
Publishing next: website checklist • GBP setup • follow-up system