Home repair contractors send estimates before starting any job beyond a quick fix, and especially when the client is comparing two or three quotes. Clients mostly compare the total, the start date, and whether materials are included. Repairs often involve unknowns behind walls and floors, so the estimate needs to say what is and is not covered.
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
Writing 'patch two holes in the hallway drywall and paint the wall' avoids arguments over whether the whole room was included.
Clients may assume a basic faucet and receive a premium one, or vice versa. State brand, model, or allowance amounts.
Matching paint, texture, and stain are common disputes. Say whether you prime, paint, or leave the surface ready for the client's painter.
Rot, mold, asbestos, old wiring, or code issues may be found after work starts. State that they are not included and will be quoted separately.
Some repairs, such as electrical, structural, or water heater changes, need permits in many areas. Say who pulls the permit and who pays.
Clients plan around your visit. Note any need for power, water shutoff, or an empty room, and the weather dependency for exterior work.
Material costs change. A 14 to 30 day expiration and a clear deposit amount protect you from price swings.
| Service | Priced | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| General handyman labor | per hour | $50-100 |
| Minimum service call (1-2 hour minimum) | per visit | $75-200 |
| Drywall patch and repaint (small hole) | flat fee | $150-350 |
| Faucet or toilet replacement (labor only) | flat fee | $125-300 |
| Interior door install or rehang | per door | $100-300 |
| Deck board or railing repair | per hour | $60-110 |
| Half-day / full-day rate | per day | $300-800 |
| Materials markup | percent over cost | 10-25% |
Typical US ranges. Rates vary by region, experience, and job size.
Older homes hide surprises. Add a buffer of 10-20% for repairs behind finished surfaces, or quote the visible work and state that discovered damage is extra.
A fixed price gives clients certainty for simple tasks. For diagnosing leaks or structural repairs, use time and materials with a not-to-exceed amount.
A list with a price per task lets the client drop the lower-priority items instead of walking away from the whole job, and it makes your pricing look transparent.
Include a trip charge or account for supply runs in your labor estimate. Estimates that ignore these steps tend to run over.
For simple jobs, free estimates are standard. For jobs that need a long diagnostic visit or drawings, such as tracking a leak, many contractors charge a fee, often $50-150, and credit it toward the work if hired.
It depends on the wording and your state. A fixed-price quote that the client signs can act as a contract, while an estimate is usually a good-faith approximation. Label which one you are giving and state the conditions for changes.
Most repair pros use 14 to 30 days. Lumber, fixtures, and other materials can change in price quickly, so an expiration date lets you update the number if the client waits.
If the scope changes, send a written change order and get approval before continuing. Some states cap how much a final bill can exceed a written estimate without approval, so check your local home improvement rules.
Use the Home Repair invoice template to bill the client, or convert this estimate once it's approved.
Home Repair invoice template