Contractors send a written estimate or bid before any work starts, usually after a site visit and measurements. Homeowners often collect two or three bids and compare total price, scope, timeline, and allowances. A clear estimate helps you win the job and gives you something to point to when the project changes.
When to use estimates: Use estimates to provide project quotes and get client approval before starting work. Once approved, convert your estimate to an invoice with one click to collect payment.
Create an invoice for payment collection
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Invoice_1001_Client_2026-10-14.pdf
List what is included and what is not, such as demolition, haul-away, painting, or permits, so clients do not assume extras are covered.
Specify grade and brand where it matters, and state allowances for items the client picks, like tile or fixtures, with the overage handled as an add-on.
State who pulls permits and who pays for them, since this affects both cost and responsibility for code compliance.
Spell out the deposit and each draw milestone so cash flow is predictable and the client knows when payments come due.
Give an estimated timeline and note that weather, inspections, and material lead times can shift it.
Hidden rot, outdated wiring, or soil issues are common. Say how these will be priced and that changes require written approval.
Material and labor prices change, so state that the quote is good for 15 to 30 days.
| Service | Priced | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| General contractor labor (T&M) | per hour | $50-120 |
| Carpenter / framing labor | per hour | $45-95 |
| Remodeling project management fee (cost-plus) | percent of cost | 10-20% |
| Concrete flatwork (driveway, patio, slab) | per sq ft | $6-14 |
| Deck construction (pressure-treated, installed) | per sq ft | $25-55 |
| Framing (labor only) | per sq ft | $4-10 |
| Drywall hang, tape, and finish | per sq ft | $2-4 |
| Equipment rental billed to client (mini excavator, lift) | per day | $250-600 |
Typical US ranges. Rates vary by region, experience, and job size.
Add a cushion of 5-15% for the risks of the job, higher on remodels of older homes. Show it as part of the price or as a separate allowance, depending on the contract type.
Measure and list quantities for lumber, concrete, and finish materials, then add labor hours and subcontractor quotes. Add overhead and profit on top of direct costs rather than treating them as leftover.
Underestimated allowances are a common source of disputes. Use realistic figures for fixtures, flooring, and appliances, and note that overages are billed to the client.
If a client says you are high, present a lower-cost alternative such as different materials or a smaller scope, instead of cutting your margin.
Many contractors give free estimates on standard jobs. For complex projects that need design or engineering time, a paid estimate or design fee, often credited to the contract if the client signs, is common.
A quote the client signs can become a contract. A non-binding estimate may allow price changes, but check your state rules, since some states limit how much the final price may exceed the estimate. Label the document clearly.
Fifteen to thirty days is typical. Shorten it when lumber, steel, or other material prices are volatile, and say so on the estimate.
Fixed price works when the scope is well defined and the client wants a firm number. Cost-plus fits jobs with unknowns, such as older homes, and gives the client transparency but less certainty on the final total.
Use the Construction invoice template to bill the client, or convert this estimate once it's approved.
Construction invoice template