Michael Turner
Construction Estimator & Calculator Reviewer
Last reviewed:
Michael Turner is a seasoned construction estimator with 15+ years of experience across residential remodels and commercial builds. With a B.S. in Civil Engineering, he specializes in material takeoffs, cost planning, and on site measurement methods that translate directly into accurate calculators for homeowners and contractors.
At Home Project Calculator, Michael develops and reviews the formulas behind tools such as the Concrete Slab Calculator, Asphalt Calculator, Roof Pitch Calculator, and Board Foot Calculator. His mission is to make planning faster and more reliable by pairing field-tested assumptions with transparent methodology.
Hands-On DIY Projects
Many of the calculators and guides on Home Project Calculator are influenced by real projects I’ve worked on roofing ventilation, fencing, drainage planning, and rainwater collection. Building and repairing things firsthand is what drives my focus on practical assumptions, clear units, and reliable estimating methods.
Credentials & Areas of Expertise
- B.S., Civil Engineering
- 15+ years in construction estimation and project planning
- Material takeoffs for concrete, asphalt, roofing, framing, and landscaping
- Cost modeling and waste/overage best practices
- Code and standard-aligned formulas and unit conversions
Recent DIY & Construction Projects
A few hands on projects I’ve worked on recently. I love getting on the tools and improving things around the house.
New Roof Vent Installation
Installing a turbine roof vent to improve airflow and reduce heat buildup in the roof cavity. Projects like this are one reason I built the roof pitch and roofing calculators, to make planning and material estimates quicker and more reliable.
Project photo by Michael Turner
Roof Turbine Vent Installed (Close-Up)
Close-up of the completed turbine vent installation on corrugated metal roofing. Proper ventilation can help manage moisture and heat, which supports roof longevity over time.
Project photo by Michael Turner
Rainwater Tank Installation
Installing a rainwater tank connected to the roof downpipe to capture and store stormwater runoff. It’s a good reminder that roof area and drainage capacity matter when planning water collection systems.
Project photo by Michael Turner
Colorbond Fence Installation
Installing a Colorbond steel fence along the property boundary. Accurate measurements and material planning make a big difference on fencing jobs, especially when setting post spacing and ordering panels.
Project photo by Michael Turner
Review Process & Methodology
Every calculator is verified for clarity, correctness, and practical assumptions (coverage rates, density values, yield per unit, and recommended overage). We continuously compare outputs against real-world examples and update formulas as standards evolve.
- Formulas documented with sources and unit definitions
- Edge cases tested (irregular shapes, fractional units, rounding)
- Assumptions disclosed on each tool’s page
- Change logs and last-reviewed dates maintained
Learn more on our Methodology and Disclaimer pages.
Professional Standards & References
Calculator assumptions and terminology are aligned with common U.S. construction estimating practices and frequently referenced standards. Where applicable, we cross-check material properties, measurement conventions, and best-practice guidance against widely used U.S. based references.
- ASTM International standards for material properties, testing terminology, and reference values (where relevant)
- American Concrete Institute (ACI) guidance for concrete practices, placement considerations, and slab conventions
- International Code Council (ICC) code family references (e.g., International Residential Code) for common measurement conventions
- APA – The Engineered Wood Association resources for wood products and structural panel guidance
- National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) guidance for slope considerations and estimating conventions
- Portland Cement Association (PCA) educational resources for cement and concrete fundamentals
- National Design Specification (NDS) references for wood construction terminology and conventions
Note: Requirements vary by jurisdiction and manufacturer. For structural or permit-driven work, confirm local code requirements and product data sheets.
Featured Tools Michael Oversees
Contact Michael
For calculator feedback, corrections, or collaboration requests, reach out via our contact page. Please include the calculator name, inputs, and a brief description of your project.