Free contractor estimate template

From and for

Your company, license, phone, and email. The customer's name and the job address. It is the first thing a homeowner checks and the first thing they forget to ask for.

Scope of work

A short list. One thing per line, in the order it happens. What is not included goes on the list too. This is the part that settles arguments later, so it is worth two more minutes now.

One price

A total, not a formula. If the customer needs to choose, give two packages with two totals rather than a menu of line items.

Timeline

How long, and when it starts. Include cure time, dry time, or permit time so the customer plans around it.

Payment terms and deposit

When money changes hands. Half at signing and half on completion is the most common. Say it on the bid and it is never a conversation at the end of the job.

Warranty and valid-through date

What you stand behind and for how long. A valid-through date, usually 30 days, stops an old price from being accepted months later.

A way to accept

A signature line on paper, or a link they tap and sign on their phone. The second one gets signed the same night.

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

In practice, nothing the customer cares about. All three are a written offer to do described work for a stated price. Call it what your trade calls it, and make sure it has the six parts above.

Should I itemize everything?

List the work, not the parts. A long itemized list invites the customer to cross things off and shop each line. One total with a clear scope gets signed.

How much deposit should I ask for?

Enough to cover what you buy before the first day, usually a quarter to a half. Nothing down is fine for a one-day job you stock. See the guide on deposits for the long version.

Is a signed estimate a contract?

Once the customer accepts it in writing, it is an agreement for that scope and price. A typed name and e-signature on a phone counts under the E-SIGN Act. A thumbs-up on a text is much harder to hold anyone to.

Is this template free?

Yes. Download the PDF, replace the company block with yours, and use it. If you would rather type the job and have it laid out for you, that is free too, no account needed.