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Contractor estimate template.

A real construction estimate with labour, materials, delivery and clean-up on separate lines, and deposit terms the client signs. Download it free, or make yours on your phone and send it by text or email.

Example contractor estimate from Kestrel Building & Renovation in Houston: labour, concrete mix, concrete blocks, rebar, delivery and site clean-up, estimate total $3,353.59, valid for 30 days with a 30% deposit
Example estimate · figures for illustration only

What goes on a contractor estimate

Common line items

The lines people in this trade add most often in Wow Invoice. Save them once and they’re there for every estimate and invoice.

Line itemUnitTip
LabourhourNote the crew size
MaterialsitemLumber, drywall, fixings
Cement or concrete mixbag
Bricks or blockseach
Transport and deliveryjob
Site clean-upjobIncluding haul-away

How to price it

  1. 1

    Measure, then add waste

    Take quantities off the plan or the site, then add 5–10% for waste and cuts. Clients rarely question a line they can check.

  2. 2

    Ask for a deposit

    A deposit, often 10–30%, books the start date and covers the first materials. Put it in the terms the client accepts.

  3. 3

    Write down what changes cost

    Say that changes to the scope get priced before the work goes ahead. It saves the argument at the end.

Send it from your phone, invoice with one tap

Wow Invoice turns this template into a 1-minute estimate: pick the design, add your logo, tap your saved items, and send it by text or email. When the client says yes, one tap turns it into the invoice.

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Questions

What’s the difference between an estimate and a bid?

A bid is usually a fixed price in competition with other contractors; an estimate can move if the job does. Either way, list the work line by line and say how long the price holds.

Is this contractor estimate template free?

Yes. Download the PDF example for free. The Wow Invoice app is free to download too, and makes estimates and invoices on your phone.

How does my client accept the estimate?

You send it from the app by text or email, and the client signs it to say yes. Then you turn it into an invoice with one tap.

Can I turn the estimate into an invoice?

Yes. When the client says yes, turn the estimate into an invoice with one tap, with the same items and prices.