QuotewellWhat goes on a contractor estimate
Whatever the trade, a good estimate says what the work is, what it costs and what it does not cover. The lines Quotewell starts you with for contractors and remodelers are below; rename, delete or add lines to suit the job.
- Demolition and haul-away. Say what is being removed and who pays for disposal.
- Carpentry labor. Hours at your rate, or a flat price for the framing, trim or finish work.
- Lumber and fasteners. Materials you buy for the job, as one line or several.
- Finish materials. Items the customer picks, such as tile, flooring or cabinets, and who supplies them.
- Permits and inspections. If the job needs one, say whether the price includes it.
Around the lines, put a clear scope of work, your contact details, the date and a valid-until date, the payment terms and a place to sign. Sources that describe what to include list the same things: the scope, labor and material costs, dates, inclusions and exclusions, and the payment terms (FreshBooks, Housecall Pro).
How to price contractor work
Bigger remodels are usually priced as a whole job, built up from labor, materials, subcontractors and a margin for overhead and profit. Smaller repairs are often hourly plus materials. Either way, write down how you got there: customers compare estimates line by line, and an estimate they can follow is easier to say yes to. Use the markup box for overhead and profit, or leave it at 0 and build the margin into your rates.
An example, with made-up numbers
This is a estimate for a made-up job, worked out by the same engine the tool uses. The numbers are invented to show the layout. They are not a price guide: charge what your costs, your market and your area support.
| Line | Quantity | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demolition and haul-away | 1 job | $1,200.00 | $1,200.00 |
| Carpentry labor | 24 hr | $55.00 | $1,320.00 |
| Lumber and fasteners | 1 lot | $380.00 | $380.00 |
| Finish materials | 1 lot | $1,450.00 | $1,450.00 |
| Permits and inspections (if needed) | 1 ea | $150.00 | $150.00 |
| Subtotal | $4,500.00 | ||
| Overhead and profit (10%) | $450.00 | ||
| Sales tax (6%, on the taxable lines) | $120.78 | ||
| Total | $5,070.78 | ||
| Deposit to start (30%) | $1,521.23 | ||
| Balance on completion | $3,549.55 | ||
How to make your estimate in four steps
- Choose General contractor. Click General contractor in the tool. It fills in typical lines and starting terms.
- Add your business and the customer. Your name, phone, email, address, license or registration number and, if you like, your logo. Add the customer's name and the job address, then describe the scope of work.
- Price the lines. For each line choose labor, materials or other, then enter the quantity, unit and rate. Tick Taxable on the lines your area taxes.
- Set discount, markup, tax and deposit. Each is optional. The total, the deposit and the balance due update as you type.
- Download the PDF. The PDF is built on your device. Send it, print it with the signature lines, or use Copy as text for a message.
Tips for a estimate that wins the job
- Walk the job and measure before you price it, and write down what you measured.
- List what is not included (painting, drywall repair, furniture moving) so there is nothing to argue about later.
- Put a valid-until date on the estimate: material prices move, and an old estimate should not bind you forever.
Check your local rules
Licensing, permits, written-contract rules and sales tax on materials or labor differ by state, province and country. In California, for example, the state licensing board says home improvement work over $500 needs a written contract signed by all parties, and changes must be in writing too (CSLB). Check your own licensing board or tax office, and use the terms box for the terms that apply to you. Quotewell is an independent tool, not legal, tax or accounting advice. Rules for estimates, contracts, permits and sales tax differ by state, country and trade, so check yours.
Sources
- FreshBooks: Quote, estimate, bid or proposal? The differences explained
- Housecall Pro: Free handyman quote template
- California Contractors State License Board: What is a contract?
Supplies for printing
The estimate maker is free. If you price jobs on site, these are the usual tools and supplies:
- Carbonless estimate form books on Amazon
- Laser distance measurer on Amazon
- 25 ft tape measure on Amazon
- Clipboard with storage case on Amazon
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Related free tools
- Contractor invoice template: invoice the job once the work is done.
- Punch list with photos: list and photograph the finishing touches before you bill.
- Price list maker: print a menu of your standard services and prices.
Frequently asked questions
Should an estimate include a markup?
That is your choice. Many contractors add a percentage for overhead and profit, others build it into their hourly rate and material prices. Quotewell lets you show it as its own line (the Markup box) or leave it at 0.
How do I show a deposit?
Type a percentage or an amount in Deposit to start. The estimate shows the deposit and the balance due on completion.
Is this contractor estimate template really free?
Yes. There is no account, no sign-up and no limit. Each PDF has a small “Made with Quotewell” line in the bottom margin.
Where is my information stored?
Only in your browser. Your details and documents stay on your device and the PDF is built there. Nothing is uploaded.
Can I add my logo and a signature line?
Yes. Upload a PNG or JPG logo and tick Add signature lines. The PDF then has a customer and a contractor signature and date.
More estimate templates
Last updated · Written by the Rooh Sites team. Prices on this page are made-up examples.