Contractor Estimate Template
A construction estimate that does its own math: enter the line items, the tax rate and the deposit percentage, and the subtotal, sales tax, total and deposit are calculated. Change one price and every amount in the estimate is still right — in the PDF and in Word.
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A general template, not legal advice — review it before you use it. Draftmill is not a law firm.
Estimate
Summit Line Builders LLC
1820 E. Sprague Avenue, Suite 4, Spokane, WA 99202
(509) 555-0147 · office@summitline.example.com
License or registration no.: SUMMILB812QN
Estimate no.: 2026-118
Date: October 10, 2026
Valid until: November 9, 2026
Prepared for: Karen Whitfield
3914 S. Ridgeview Drive, Spokane, WA 99223
Project address: 3914 S. Ridgeview Drive, Spokane, WA 99223
Scope of work: remodel of the existing kitchen, including removal of the existing cabinets, countertops and flooring; new cabinets, quartz countertops and tile backsplash; luxury vinyl plank flooring; relocation of the sink and dishwasher; and new recessed lighting.
Estimated Cost
Description | Amount |
|---|---|
Demolition, haul-away and dust protection | $3,600.00 |
Framing repairs, drywall and trim carpentry | $7,400.00 |
Electrical and plumbing, rough-in and finish (licensed subcontractors) | $9,200.00 |
Cabinets, quartz countertops and fixtures, supplied and installed | $21,300.00 |
Tile backsplash, luxury vinyl plank flooring and paint | $6,500.00 |
Subtotal | $48,000.00 |
Sales tax (9.1% of the subtotal) | $4,368.00 |
Estimated total | $52,368.00 |
Deposit due when the construction contract is signed: 10% of the total, $5,236.80, or the maximum that state law allows if that is lower. The balance is paid in progress payments as the work is completed, as set out in the contract.
Estimated duration: 10 weeks from the start of work. The start date will be scheduled when the contract is signed and the building permit is issued.
Exclusions
This estimate does not include: appliances (supplied by the client), structural changes to walls, repair of concealed damage such as rot or water damage, removal of asbestos or other hazardous materials, and homeowners' association approvals.
Terms
This is an estimate, not a fixed bid. It is based on the scope of work described above and on the conditions visible at the time of our site visit. The final price will be stated in a written construction contract signed by both parties.
The price may change if the scope of work changes; if concealed conditions are found once work begins, such as rot, water damage or work not built to code; if the client selects materials or finishes other than those assumed in this estimate; if the building department requires additional work; or if the estimate is accepted after the date it expires. Any change will be agreed in writing before the work is done.
Acceptance
By signing below, the client accepts this estimate and authorizes Summit Line Builders LLC to prepare a construction contract on these terms. No work will begin until the contract is signed.
Client:
______________________________
Karen Whitfield
Date: ____________________
Contractor: Summit Line Builders LLC
______________________________
By: Michael Reyes, Managing Member
Date: ____________________
What it's for
An estimate is often the first document a client sees from you, and it sets expectations for everything that follows: what is included, what is not, roughly what it costs and how long it takes. A clear estimate with stated exclusions and a validity date wins more jobs and prevents most arguments about the price later.
No federal law governs contractor estimates; state law governs, including any rules on how contractors must show their license or registration number. Sales tax is the part that differs most: in Washington, for example, sales tax applies to the full price of construction work for a homeowner; in many other states the contractor pays tax on materials when buying them and charges no sales tax on the job; and some states tax only separately stated materials. This template applies the tax rate to the subtotal — if your state treats the job differently, set the rate to 0 or adjust the line in your account.
The sample is a kitchen remodel by a small contractor. When the client accepts, the construction contract template in the same project already has the client, the project address and the scope — you don't type them again.
What it should include
- your business name, license or registration number and contact details
- the client's name and the project address
- estimate number, date and the date the estimate expires
- line items with prices, the subtotal, sales tax and total
- the deposit required and the estimated duration
- exclusions — what the price does not cover
- what can change the price, and an acceptance signature line
How it works
Add the template
In one click — it lands in your account with a sample project, so you see the finished document right away.
Enter your data
Type each detail once in the project and it fills in everywhere it appears in the document. Formulas compute the amounts.
Export PDF or Word
Download the finished document as a PDF to sign or a DOCX to keep editing. For the next client, just change the data.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an estimate, a quote and a bid?
The words are often used loosely, so what counts is how the document describes itself. An estimate is an approximate price that can change as the job is defined. A quote is a firm price for a defined scope, usually valid for a set period. A bid is a fixed-price offer submitted to win a job, often in competition with other contractors and sometimes binding once submitted. This template is written as an estimate and says what can change the price.
Is a contractor's estimate legally binding?
An estimate on its own is generally not a binding contract — it becomes one only if it is definite enough and the client accepts it, and the result can depend on the exact wording and on state law. To avoid disputes, label the document clearly as an estimate, list what can change the price, and put the final price in a signed construction contract before work starts.
How long should a contractor estimate be valid?
Thirty days is common; use 15 to 30 days when material prices are volatile, and longer only with a clause that allows price adjustments. Always state the expiration date: an offer without one lapses after a “reasonable time,” which is open to argument, and lumber or equipment prices can change a lot in a few months.
This template is a general starting point. Draftmill is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice; using a template creates no attorney–client relationship, and we do not guarantee that it is correct or suitable for your situation. Laws differ from state to state — adapt it to your situation, and have important contracts reviewed by an attorney licensed in your state. Terms of Service
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