Renovation contractors send an estimate or bid after a site walkthrough and before signing a contract. Homeowners usually collect two or three bids and compare total price, scope, timeline, and how allowances for materials are handled, so the quote needs to be clear about what is and is not included.
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
Spelling out demo, rough-in, drywall, tile, trim, and paint prevents assumptions about what is included.
If the price assumes a $4 per sq ft tile allowance and the client picks $15 tile, the overage should be clearly the client's cost.
Mold, rot, asbestos, lead paint, old wiring, and structural surprises are common; stating how they are handled avoids disputes.
Permit costs and responsibility vary, and delays in inspection affect the timeline.
Clients need to know whether electrical, plumbing, and HVAC are covered or priced separately.
Sets expectations for timing and shows when draws are due.
Material and labor prices move, so state how long the price is good and how changes are approved.
| Service | Priced | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| General renovation labor (lead carpenter) | per hour | $60-120 |
| Helper or laborer | per hour | $35-65 |
| Bathroom remodel (full, mid-range) | flat fee | $12,000-35,000 |
| Kitchen remodel (mid-range, labor and materials) | flat fee | $25,000-75,000 |
| Interior demolition and haul-away | per sq ft | $2-8 |
| Drywall install and finish | per sq ft | $2-4 |
| Tile installation (labor only) | per sq ft | $8-20 |
| Dumpster rental and disposal | per load | $400-900 |
Typical US ranges. Rates vary by region, experience, and job size.
Measure the work, list materials, estimate labor hours by trade, and add subs, permits, disposal, and overhead. Square foot figures are only a sanity check.
Many renovators add 10-15 percent for older homes, either in the price or as a separate line the client approves, because hidden conditions are likely.
Insurance, vehicle costs, tools, and unpaid estimating time need to be covered. Many small contractors aim for 10-20 percent profit on top of overhead.
Showing a base scope with priced alternatives, such as stock versus semi-custom cabinets, helps clients compare you to other bids on equal terms.
Many contractors give free estimates for straightforward jobs, but charge a design or planning fee for complex remodels, often credited toward the contract if the client signs. State this up front.
Typically 15-30 days. Material prices and your schedule change, so put an expiration date on the quote.
It depends on the wording and local law. A fixed bid usually becomes binding once signed, while an estimate may allow for adjustments. Label it clearly as a fixed price or a non-binding estimate.
Detailed enough that the client could compare it line by line with another bid. List phases, allowances, inclusions, and exclusions, but you do not always need to show your markup on every line.
Use the Renovation invoice template to bill the client, or convert this estimate once it's approved.
Renovation invoice template