Estimate Template
An estimate is an approximate price for a job, worked out before the work starts from the expected labour, materials and other costs, which may change if the work turns out to be different from what was assumed. The template below is pre-filled with a sample from Oak Lane Roofing to Sam Patel: 5 lines, $10,550.00. Edit it and download the PDF.
Pre-filled estimate sample ($10,550.00). Example prices: replace them with your own.
From
Oak Lane Roofing
12 Market Street
Springfield, IL 62704
billing@example.com
Estimate
Prepared for
Sam Patel
40 Station Road
Fairview, OR 97024
| Description | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strip and dispose of existing shingles | 22 square | $95.00 | $2,090.00 |
| Architectural asphalt shingles, installed | 22 square | $310.00 | $6,820.00 |
| Replace damaged roof decking (allowance)Six sheets assumed; billed per sheet actually replaced | 6 sheet | $85.00 | $510.00 |
| Ridge vent and flashing | 40 linear ft | $12.00 | $480.00 |
| Dumpster rental and permit | 1 job | $650.00 | $650.00 |
- Subtotal
- $10,550.00
- Estimate total
- $10,550.00
Notes
Excludes gutter replacement and interior ceiling repairs.
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What is an estimate?
An estimate is an approximate price for a job, worked out before the work starts from the expected labour, materials and other costs, which may change if the work turns out to be different from what was assumed.
The tool prints it with the heading "Estimate" and behaves as an estimate, with a valid-until date instead of a due date.
Sample estimate: Oak Lane Roofing to Sam Patel
| Item | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strip and dispose of existing shingles | 22 square | $95.00 | $2,090.00 |
| Architectural asphalt shingles, installed | 22 square | $310.00 | $6,820.00 |
| Replace damaged roof decking (allowance) (Six sheets assumed; billed per sheet actually replaced) | 6 sheet | $85.00 | $510.00 |
| Ridge vent and flashing | 40 linear ft | $12.00 | $480.00 |
| Dumpster rental and permit | 1 job | $650.00 | $650.00 |
| Total | $10,550.00 |
When to use an estimate
- The final cost depends on what you find once work begins, such as hidden damage in a repair.
- A customer is comparing contractors and wants a budget figure before committing.
- You need the customer's go-ahead before ordering materials or starting labour.
- The job is billed on time and materials and you want to set expectations up front.
What an estimate must include
- The heading 'Estimate'
- Estimate number and date
- Customer name and job address
- Description of the work and the assumptions behind the price
- Labour, materials and other costs on separate lines
- Estimated total and whether tax is included
- How long the estimate is valid
- What could make the final price differ, and by roughly how much
- Exclusions: work that is not included
- Space for the customer's approval
Estimate vs similar documents
-
vs quote
A quote is a fixed price that holds if the customer accepts it within the validity period; an estimate is a best guess that can change as the work reveals more.
-
vs final invoice
The estimate comes before the work and is not a bill; the final invoice charges for what was actually done.
-
vs purchase order
An estimate is the seller's price; a purchase order is the buyer's formal order once it agrees to that price.
How to make an estimate
-
Open the pre-filled sample
The tool above starts as "Estimate" from Oak Lane Roofing to Sam Patel.
-
Replace the parties
Enter your business and your customer, plus job site and roof area.
-
Edit the lines
Change the 5 sample lines ($10,550.00 in total) to your own items and prices.
-
Check the required fields
Make sure all 10 fields listed above are filled, then download the PDF.
Trades that use an estimate
Estimate templates by trade
- Auto Body Shop estimate template
- Bathroom Remodeler estimate template
- Event Planner estimate template
- Chiropractor estimate template
- Appliance Repair estimate template
- Private Investigator estimate template
- Computer Repair estimate template
- Auto Repair estimate template
- Mobile Mechanic estimate template
Frequently asked questions
Is an estimate legally binding?
An estimate is generally not a firm offer, but a final bill far above it without warning can give the customer grounds to dispute, and some places regulate estimates for certain trades. State the assumptions and the expected range, and get approval before exceeding it.
How long should an estimate be valid?
Long enough for the customer to decide and short enough that your material prices still hold. Print a fixed validity, such as 30 days, on the estimate.
What happens when the work costs more than the estimate?
Tell the customer as soon as you know, explain why and get approval, ideally as a written change order, before doing the extra work. The final invoice then shows the estimate plus the approved changes.