General contractors send an estimate or bid before any contract is signed, usually after a site visit and often with plans or photos. Homeowners commonly collect two or three bids and compare total price, scope, timeline, and allowances line by line. A detailed quote helps you win on clarity instead of on being the cheapest.
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
Lists what is included, such as demo, framing, electrical, plumbing, drywall, and paint, so a client can compare bids on the same basis.
States what is not included, such as appliances, landscaping, or repair of hidden damage, to prevent assumptions of free extras.
Sets a dollar amount for items the client selects, like tile, fixtures, or cabinets, and explains that overages are billed as a change order.
Says who pulls permits and who pays the fees, since cost and timeline depend on it.
Sets expectations and defines what substantial completion means, which helps if weather or delays come up.
Shows the deposit and draw milestones up front so the client knows the cash flow before signing.
Explains how hidden issues like rot, asbestos, or outdated wiring will be priced and approved.
Material and labor prices change, so state how long the price holds, such as 30 days.
| Service | Priced | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| General labor or handyman-level carpentry (time and materials) | per hour | $50-100 |
| Lead carpenter or project supervisor | per hour | $75-150 |
| Kitchen remodel (mid-range, full scope) | per project | $25,000-75,000 |
| Bathroom remodel | per project | $12,000-35,000 |
| Room addition | per sq ft | $100-300 |
| Deck construction (wood) | per sq ft | $35-75 |
| Interior painting (labor and materials) | per sq ft of floor area | $2-6 |
| Materials markup on cost-plus or change orders | percent | 10-25% |
| Project management fee on cost-plus jobs | percent of project cost | 10-20% |
Typical US ranges. Rates vary by region, experience, and job size.
Rules of thumb help for rough budgeting, but build the bid from quantities, sub quotes, and labor hours. Then add overhead and profit, commonly 15-30 percent combined, on top of direct costs.
Subs' prices drive much of the total. Having written quotes with an expiration date keeps you from eating a price increase between estimate and contract.
Older homes hide problems. Many contractors carry a 5-10 percent contingency internally or include a clear unknown-conditions clause so surprises do not erase profit.
Show upgrades like heated floors or a higher-grade window as separate priced options. Clients can choose without you rewriting the quote, and it frames your base price as complete.
Many contractors give free estimates on small and mid-sized jobs but charge a fee for detailed design-build proposals, often $250-1,000 or more, credited to the contract if the client signs. Charging helps screen out clients who are only collecting prices.
An estimate is generally a rough price that can change, while a quote or bid is a firm offer for stated scope. Label which one you are sending, and put the terms in a signed contract before starting work.
Fifteen to 30 days is common. In periods of volatile lumber, steel, or copper prices, shorter windows or a clause allowing material price adjustments are reasonable.
Compare the scopes before dropping your price. Often the lower bid leaves out permits, cleanup, or allowances. Offer to walk the client through the differences, and reduce scope instead of cutting your margin if the budget is the issue.
Use the Contractor invoice template to bill the client, or convert this estimate once it's approved.
Contractor invoice template