Estimates

What should a quote for catalog products include?

Prepare a product quote with exact item numbers, quantities, prices and delivery terms. Use a product quote example and a checklist before sending.

Should you charge for an estimate?

Whether to charge for an estimate depends on what the visit costs you to produce. Illustrative diagnostic fees by trade, when a design retainer makes sense, and how to credit the fee back.

A cleaning quote, line by line

A cleaning quote example for a recurring office contract, a one-time move-out clean, and a window add-on, with the frequency column that makes each one readable.

A concrete estimate, line by line

A concrete estimate example worked line by line — a driveway tear-out and a stamped patio, with base prep, finish adders, joints and standing undercut rates.

What should an electrical estimate include?

Use examples for a panel replacement, EV charger installation and troubleshooting to explain electrical work, prices, exclusions and further checks.

Getting an estimate approved in writing

What an estimate approval signature has to capture, how electronic approval works under ESIGN, and when a job needs a fuller contract.

How do you use a contractor estimate or quote template?

Turn a customer request into a contractor quote with a template. See a fence example with scope, prices, additional rates, planning, terms and approval.

What is the difference between an estimate, a quote and a bid?

Understand estimates, quotes and bids. Learn how to state the price, explain possible changes and record what the customer approves.

A fence estimate, line by line

A worked fence estimate example in two versions — cedar privacy and a vinyl replacement run — with linear-foot pricing, tear-out, gates and a digging allowance.

Following up on an estimate

How to follow up on an estimate without sounding pushy: a timing cadence by job size, scripts for a text, a call and an email, and when to stop.

When to offer good, better and best estimate options

Good, better, best pricing options work when the job has a real fork in scope — how to build three distinct tiers, explain a recommendation, and when to send one price.

How long an estimate should stay valid

How long is an estimate valid? Example windows by job type, how to account for supplier price holds, and exact wording for a validity and price-escalation clause.

What should an HVAC estimate include?

Use HVAC estimate examples to explain replacement equipment, installation, diagnosis, warranties and customer options before sending a price.

A landscaping estimate, line by line

A landscaping estimate example in three parts: a season of maintenance billed monthly, a planting and sod install, and a cleanup with a not-to-exceed cap.

How much line-item detail should an estimate show?

When estimate line items should be fully itemized, when a single task price is useful, and how to show quantities and label a marked-up line honestly.

A painting estimate, line by line

Three worked painting estimate examples — exterior, interior and cabinets — with full line-item tables with preparation, coating specifications and repair allowances.

How do you write a clear plumbing quote?

Use plumbing quote examples for a replacement, bathroom work and diagnosis. See how to describe the work, show prices and handle unknown repairs.

How do you write a remodeling estimate?

Build a remodeling estimate by phase. Use a kitchen example to explain fixed work, allowances, exclusions, changes and payment terms.

A roofing estimate, line by line

A worked roofing estimate example: two jobs written out as line items, with the decking line, the validity date and the warranty wording explained.

What belongs in every estimate

What to include in an estimate: business details, written scope, exclusions, price, tax, schedule, payment terms and recorded approval.

Why customers go quiet after an estimate

Possible reasons a customer has not answered an estimate, how to check delivery and decision timing, and when to stop following up.