Free Contractor Estimate Template
Most contractor estimates fail on the small lines: protection, cleanup, permits, the second trip. This template lists general conditions as real rows next to the trade work so the client sees the whole job and you keep the margin those lines protect.
Download the template
- PDF
Print or attach; fixed layout.
- Word (.docx)
Editable in Word, Pages or LibreOffice.
- Excel (.xlsx)
Spreadsheet with the line table and totals.
- Google Docs
DOCX that opens in Google Docs after upload to Drive.
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Sample prices are national estimates at a $55/hr labor rate and 18% markup (sample total $19,577); replace them with your own.
Fill it in online
The same template as a working estimate: edit lines, add from the general contractor library, download a draft PDF, or save it to reuse (free account: unlimited drafts, five tracked sends a month).
| Description | Qty | Unit | Material/unit | Labor hrs/unit | Rate | Line | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $295.00 | |||||||
| $1,072.62 | |||||||
| $10,773.40 | |||||||
| $4,318.80 | |||||||
| $774.08 | |||||||
| $816.56 | |||||||
| $672.60 | |||||||
| $684.40 | |||||||
| $169.92 |
What the contractor estimate template contains
- Company header with license and insurance line
- Client and job address
- Scope narrative (three sentences that describe the finished result)
- Trade work line items with material and labor split
- General conditions: protection, cleanup, debris, permits, supervision
- Markup, tax and total
- Terms: deposit, change orders, validity
Sample lines in this template
| Line | Qty | Material/unit | Hours/unit | Line total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Floor and finish protection | 400 sq ft | $0 | 0.005 | $295 |
| Selective demolition, kitchen | 180 sq ft | $1 | 0.07 | $1,073 |
| Kitchen cabinets, semi-custom, installed | 22 linear ft | $360 | 1 | $10,773 |
| Quartz countertop, fabricated and set | 48 sq ft | $68 | 0.15 | $4,319 |
| Tile backsplash, ceramic | 40 sq ft | $7 | 0.18 | $774 |
| Recessed LED can lights | 8 ea | $48 | 0.7 | $817 |
| Permit application and expediting | 1 ea | $350 | 4 | $673 |
| Debris haul | 2 load | $180 | 2 | $684 |
| Daily cleanup and final clean | 180 sq ft | $0 | 0.01 | $170 |
Tips for this kind of estimate
- Write the scope narrative before the lines; clients read that paragraph and skim the table.
- A change-order clause with a per-order administration fee stops the free extras.
- Put your license, insurance and a photo of a finished job on the first page.
Questions
Estimate, quote or bid: which word should I use?
Use "estimate" when the final price may move with discovered conditions and "quote" or "proposal" when it is fixed. The template prints the word you pick in the title.
Should I show my markup?
Either is fine; many contractors bury markup in unit prices. The template shows it as a row because clients who see it argue less than clients who suspect it.
General Contractor estimating software · all templates · pricing
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