When adding profit to an estimate, the value is usually __________________________.

When adding profit to an estimate, the value is usually expressed as a percentage of the total job cost. This method allows for flexibility and scalability; as the complexity or scope of the project changes, the profit portion adjusts accordingly. By linking profit to the total job cost, businesses can ensure that their earnings reflect the work and resources they are investing in the project.

Using a flat fee can be limiting, as it does not take into account variations in costs or project scope. Setting a fixed percentage, such as 30% or 25%, also does not account for the diverse nature of projects and could lead to discrepancies in profit margins depending on the actual costs incurred. Hence, employing a percentage of the total job cost provides a more accurate and fair approach to profit addition in estimating.