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Construction estimate template: labor, materials and allowances
The short answer
A construction estimate breaks a job into labor, materials, subcontractors, permits and allowances, then adds your overhead and profit. Say how long the price is good for and what’s excluded. Fill in the lines below and print it or save the PDF. Once it’s accepted, spell out the details in a contract or scope of work.
Starts with the lines a typical job needs. Add your own, and say what’s excluded before anyone can assume it’s in.
Nothing is saved: print it or save the PDF before you close this page.
Your business name
Estimate
Estimate #1001
Date: —
For
Customer name
| Description | Qty | Price | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor | 1 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Materials | 1 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Subcontractors | 1 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Permits and fees | 1 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Allowance: (describe) | 1 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Subtotal | $0.00 | ||
| Sales tax (0% on $0.00) | $0.00 | ||
| Total | $0.00 | ||
This estimate is good for 30 days. It covers only the work listed. Changes are quoted and approved in writing before we do them.
Customer approval: ______________________ Date: __________
How it works
How to build it
- Measure the job, with help from the square footage or concrete calculators.
- List materials at your supplier’s current prices.
- Estimate labor hours by stage.
- Get sub quotes in writing.
- Add overhead and profit with the margin calculator.
Estimate, bid or quote?
People use these words loosely. An estimate is usually your best guess, which can change. A quote or bid is usually a firm price. If the price is firm, say so, and say for how long. Your state may have rules on home improvement contracts, so check those too.
Common questions
What should a construction estimate include?
What is an allowance?
How much profit should I add?
How do I handle changes after the estimate?
Is this template free?
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