Free tool
| Item | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|
Break the job into stages so the customer can see where the money goes, and so can you.
Add a percentage for hidden work, so a surprise on site does not come out of your profit.
The template says the price can change and why, which avoids arguments later on.
Works as a job estimate template for any trade: building, roofing, plumbing, painting, flooring, landscaping, handyman and cleaning.
Sample
A single-storey rear extension, broken into stages with a contingency on top. The template opens with this example so you can see how a clear estimate reads.
| Stage | Amount |
|---|---|
| Strip out and prepare | £900.00 |
| Build walls and roof | £8,500.00 |
| Windows, doors and finishes | £4,200.00 |
| Contingency (10%) | £1,360.00 |
| Estimated total | £14,960.00 |
Contingency
A contingency covers what you cannot see until the work starts, such as rotten joists or old wiring. Around 10% is a common starting point on renovation work. Go higher on older properties and lower on new, simple jobs, and tell the customer what it covers.
Estimate vs quote
An estimate is your best guess at the cost and can change. A quote is a fixed price. Use an estimate when there are unknowns, then turn it into a quote once the scope is clear.
A construction estimate is your best calculation of what a building job will cost, based on what you know before work starts. It lists each part of the job and a total, and it can change if the scope changes or hidden work is found.
An estimate is an approximate price that can change. A quote is a fixed price for the work described. Once a customer accepts a quote, you are generally expected to stick to it unless the job itself changes.
As accurate as you can make it from the site visit. Price each stage separately, add a contingency for what you cannot see, and explain what could change the price.
Yes. It works for any trade. Rename the lines to match the job, such as strip and re-tile, or first and second coat, and the totals update as you type.
No. The template works entirely in your browser. Nothing you type is saved, stored or sent to us, so save the PDF before you close the page.
