If you're a construction company owner or skilled trade professional wondering how much you should be spending on your financial back office, you're not alone. One of the most common questions we get is, “How do I know if I’m budgeting enough, or too much, for bookkeeping?” The answer isn’t always straightforward, but we are here to break it down for you. Let’s talk about budgeting for a bookkeeper in a way that makes sense for your growing construction or skilled trades business.

First Things First: Bookkeeping Isn’t Just Data Entry

At first glance, bookkeeping might seem like simple data entry with plugging in income and expenses, categorizing transactions, and running a few reports. That’s only the surface. The real value comes from what happens after the data entry.

Good bookkeeping gives you clarity on your financial health, helps you stay compliant with tax authorities, and provides the foundation for making smart, strategic decisions. When you're budgeting for a bookkeeper, you're not just paying for transaction tracking, you’re investing in financial insight, industry experience, and a strategic partner who knows how your business runs.

So, How Should You Budget?

A general rule of thumb is to allocate about 2% to 3% of your gross revenue toward bookkeeping and accounting services. That’s a good starting point, but keep in mind that this number can shift depending on what level of service you need.

For example, if you’re just starting out, you might only need basic compliance services such as categorizing transactions, reconciling accounts, and preparing reports. At that stage, budgeting for a bookkeeper might look like a simple monthly fee or you might even DIY bookkeeping yourself until you gain traction.

As you grow, your needs change. You may need strategic insights, someone to help you plan for hiring, review job costing, or make sense of your profit margins. That’s when you want to make sure you’re not just budgeting based on hours, but on value.

Why We Don’t Bill by the Hour

At Bluuprint to Profit, we don’t use hourly billing, and there’s a reason for that. Traditional bookkeepers often charge by the hour based on the number of transactions or accounts. That model rewards inefficiency. If we do our job faster because we’ve learned your business inside and out, we shouldn’t make less money.

Instead, we use value-based pricing. We start with a base package that includes:

● Monthly categorization

● Reconciliation tied to supporting documents like bank and credit card statements

● Profit & loss and balance sheet reviews

● Delivery of clear, digestible financial statements

Beyond that, we offer you something deeper, a relationship. We’re in your books regularly, which means fewer questions and more proactive support. Need to talk through adding a new crew or evaluating a project’s profitability? We’re already in the weeds with you and can give sound advice quickly.

When you’re budgeting for a bookkeeper, it’s important to factor in this kind of strategic partnership. It's not just about what gets done, it's about what that work enables you to do better.

Construction Roots, Built-In Understanding

My background in construction and real estate gives me a unique lens when it comes to scoping and pricing our services. I’ve been in your shoes, on job sites, managing budgets, and reading over subcontractor invoices.

That industry experience shaped how I built Bluuprint to Profit. Our packages are structured the same way you’d structure a project estimate: clear scope, transparent terms, and aligned expectations. We think like general contractors because that’s the world we came from.

What Should You Watch Out For?

If you’re unsure whether you’re under-budgeting or overpaying for bookkeeping, ask yourself these questions:

• Are you only getting compliance-level services (like reconciling and categorizing), but no strategic guidance?

• Are you surprised by your bookkeeping bill each month?

• Are your financial reports accurate and meaningful, or just reports you never look at?

If the answer is “yes” to any of these, it might be time to reevaluate.

Some owners under-budget and miss out on the strategy they need to grow. Others overpay for hourly services without really understanding what they’re getting. Budgeting for a bookkeeper is about finding that sweet spot, one that reflects the value they bring, not just the time they spend.

For Startups: Budget Smarter, Not Bigger

If you're just getting your business off the ground, I always say: don’t pay someone more than it would cost you to do it yourself. If it takes you three hours a month and your billable rate is $100/hour, then your bookkeeping budget shouldn't exceed $300 at that phase.

As your business grows and your time becomes more valuable, it’s worth offloading the work to someone who brings industry-specific insights. When that happens, your budget should reflect the increased complexity and value of the work being done.

We also review our clients’ services every six months to make sure their package still fits. As your business grows, your financial operations should scale right alongside it.

What You’re Really Paying For

Here’s the truth: when you work with Bluuprint to Profit, you’re not paying for time, you’re paying for peace of mind. You’re paying for the confidence that your books are accurate, your compliance is solid, and your financial reports tell a clear story.

We’re not just bookkeepers; we’re part of your crew. Just like you'd want reliable subs on your job site, you want a bookkeeper who understands your industry, speaks your language, and can help you navigate what’s next.

Final Thoughts on Budgeting for a Bookkeeper

Budgeting for a bookkeeper doesn’t have to be confusing. Think beyond transactions and hours. Ask yourself:

• What value do I need from this role?

• Do I need more than compliance; do I need a partner?

• Am I getting industry knowledge that gives me an edge?

If you’re growing and want a financial partner who’s built a business like yours, let’s talk. At Bluuprint to Profit, we’re ready to help you build a stronger financial foundation, one job at a time. Contact us today to book your free 30-minute discovery call to see if we are a good fit.