General contractors send written estimates or bids before work begins, usually after a site visit and often alongside two or three competing bids. Homeowners compare total price, but also scope, allowances, schedule, and who handles permits. A clear estimate sets up the contract and prevents the "I thought that was included" argument later.
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.
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Invoice_1001_Client_2026-10-14.pdf
Specific descriptions such as 'demo existing cabinets, install new base and wall cabinets' make it clear what is and is not included.
If the client picks fixtures, tile, or appliances later, set a dollar allowance for each. Overages become a change order, not a surprise.
List what you are not doing, such as painting, flooring, appliance purchase, or hazardous material abatement, so the client does not assume it is covered.
Permit fees and the time to handle them are real costs. State whether fees are included or passed through at cost.
Spell out the deposit and draws so the client knows when money is due and what milestones trigger each payment.
Give a realistic range and note delays that are outside your control, like weather, inspections, and material lead times.
Rot, old wiring, asbestos, and code upgrades are often found after demo. State how hidden conditions will be priced and approved.
| Service | Priced | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| General contractor labor (small jobs, T&M) | per hour | $55-125 |
| Project management / supervision (cost-plus) | percent of cost | 10-25% |
| Kitchen remodel (mid-range) | flat fee | $25,000-75,000 |
| Bathroom remodel | flat fee | $10,000-30,000 |
| Room addition | per sq ft | $150-350 |
| Deck construction (wood) | per sq ft | $30-65 |
| Interior painting (labor and materials) | per sq ft of floor area | $2-6 |
| Permit handling and coordination | flat fee | $250-1,000 |
Typical US ranges. Rates vary by region, experience, and job size.
Price labor, materials, subcontractors, permits, dumpsters, and equipment separately, then add overhead and profit. Per-square-foot numbers are good for a first conversation but weak for a final bid.
Base your bid on current subcontractor and supplier quotes, and include a 5-10 percent contingency on remodels where walls are closed. Material prices move, so state how long the quote is valid.
Present a base scope with priced add-ons or alternates, such as upgraded countertops. Clients can adjust the budget without you cutting margin.
For major projects, a paid preconstruction or design-phase fee, credited toward the contract, protects your time from bid shoppers.
Many contractors offer free estimates on small and mid-size jobs. For large remodels or when detailed plans, engineering, or multiple revisions are needed, a paid estimate or preconstruction fee is common and often credited to the contract if the client proceeds.
Usually 14-30 days. Material costs and sub availability change, so state an expiration date and note that pricing may be adjusted after that.
A fixed bid commits to a total price for a defined scope. An estimate is an approximate cost that may change as scope or conditions change. Label the document clearly so the client knows which one they are getting.
If the contract is fixed-price, overruns from your own errors are yours to absorb, while client-requested changes and unforeseen conditions are handled through written change orders. On cost-plus jobs, give a not-to-exceed figure or regular cost updates so the client is not surprised.
Use the General Contractor invoice template to bill the client, or convert this estimate once it's approved.
General Contractor invoice template