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Water heater replacement estimate example
The most common plumbing bid there is, and the one most often argued over afterward because the haul-off, the expansion tank, or the permit was never written down.
"repl 50 gal gas water heater, haul off old one, new expansion tank, new flex lines and gas valve, permit incl"
Example figures for a typical water heater replacement job. Not a quote. Every line on the estimate came from the notes above. Nothing was added.
What to spell out on a water heater replacement bid
- Tank size, fuel type, and vent type, so a 40-gallon power vent does not get compared to this price.
- Whether haul-off of the old unit is included.
- Who pulls the permit and whether the fee is in the price.
- What happens if the shutoff valve or the vent fails on inspection.
Water heater and repipe work often needs a permit. Say on the bid who pulls it and whether the fee is in your price.
The parts of this estimate
- Scope of work. 5 lines, one thing each, in the order the work happens. What is not included is on the list too.
- One price. $2,400. Not a formula, not a range. The scope explains the number.
- Timeline. 1 day. Including dry time, cure time, or permit time, so the customer plans around it.
- Payment terms. 50% upfront, 50% on completion. The $1,200 deposit is paid by card when they sign.
- Warranty. 1 year on labor, manufacturer warranty on the unit.
- A way to accept. The customer types their name and signs with a finger on their phone. Legally binding under the E-SIGN Act, and recorded with the date, time, and the exact estimate they agreed to.
Questions plumbers ask about this bid
How much deposit for a water heater replacement?
Half at signing is normal when you are buying the unit before the visit. If you stock the heater, some plumbers take nothing down and collect on completion.
Should I itemize the unit and labor?
One price reads better and gets signed faster. Spell out the unit by size and type in the scope instead.
Is this a real quote?
No. The numbers are example figures for a typical job so you can see how a complete estimate reads. Your price is yours.
Can my customer sign this on their phone?
Yes. An estimate sent from BidWriter Pro opens as a link. The customer reads it, types their name, signs with a finger, and pays the deposit by card. You get an alert when they open it and when they sign.
Write your own water heater replacement estimate
Type the job the way you would text it. It comes out like the one above, in about five seconds. No account needed.
30 days free, then $29 a month. No card to start. Plumbing estimate template · BidWriter Pro for plumbers
More plumbing estimate examples
- Tankless water heater install estimate example, $4,850, 1 day
- Sewer line replacement estimate example, $7,800, 2 days
- Whole-house repipe estimate example, $8,900, 3 days
Guides: what to include in an estimate · how to price a job · how to follow up · how much deposit to ask for · the warranty line
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