Free construction estimate template
Fill in the job, the lines and the prices, then download a clean estimate PDF with a good-until date and an approval line. Free, no sign-up. It’s the same estimate PaperForeman sends for approval on your client’s phone.
Fill in your estimate
What is a construction estimate?
A construction estimate is a written offer from a contractor to do a described scope of work for a stated price. It lists what the job includes, each line with its quantity and price, the total, how long the price is good, and what is not included. Once the client approves it, it becomes the basis of the contract; anything found or added later is written up as a change order.
When do you need one?
- Before any job with a price. Remodels, roofs, siding, decks, basements, concrete: anything the client pays for by the job.
- When the client asks “how much?”. A written estimate beats a number said out loud. It shows what the price covers.
- Before the deposit. The approved estimate is what the deposit, progress and final invoices are measured against.
- When you want to win the job. A clean, itemized estimate that arrives tonight beats a better price that arrives next week.
What goes on an estimate
- Your company name, phone, email and license number
- The client’s name and the job name and address
- An estimate number and date
- What the work includes, in plain words
- Each line: description, quantity, unit and price
- The total
- How long the price is good for
- What isn’t included, and that hidden conditions or added work are priced as change orders
- An approval line for the client to sign and date
How to write one, step by step
- 1. Write it before you leave the driveway. List what the job includes and price each line. Add what isn’t included so there’s no argument later.
- 2. Put a date on the price. Material prices move. Say how long the number is good so the client decides while it still holds.
- 3. Get it approved in writing. A signature on paper or an electronic approval on their phone both work for most business paperwork. Don’t start on a verbal yes.
- 4. Invoice against it. The approved estimate is the contract amount. Bill the deposit, progress draws and final against that number, and write change orders for anything added.
Estimate questions
What is a construction estimate?
A construction estimate is a written offer from a contractor to do a described scope of work for a stated price. It lists what the job includes, each line with its quantity and price, the total, how long the price is good, and what is not included. Once the client approves it, it becomes the basis of the contract; anything found or added later is written up as a change order.
What’s the difference between an estimate, a quote and a bid?
In everyday contractor use they mean the same thing: a written price for a described scope. Some trades say “bid” (roofing, concrete), some say “quote” or “proposal” (remodeling). Strictly, an estimate can be a best guess and a quote is a firm price, so say which yours is and how long it’s good for.
How long should an estimate be valid?
Thirty days is common. Shorter when material prices are moving (shingles, lumber, copper), longer for small jobs. Put the date on the estimate so there is no argument about an old price.
Is an approved estimate a contract?
An approved, signed estimate that states the scope, the price and the terms is generally treated as the agreement for that work. Many contractors attach their standard terms or a short contract. This isn’t legal advice: have your attorney look over what you send.
Is this template free?
Yes. Fill it in and download the PDF as often as you like, with no sign-up, and nothing you type is saved. If you want your client to approve it on their phone and the amount to become the job’s contract by itself, PaperForeman does that for $149/month after a 14-day free trial.
Do my clients need an account?
No. They get an email with a link. They read, sign or pay on their phone or computer. No app, no password, nothing to download.
Send the bid tonight. Get it approved on their phone.
Try it free for 14 days. Set up takes about ten minutes, from your phone.
Try it free. No card until you send your first document. $149/month after the trial. Cancel anytime from Billing.