Free General Contractor
Estimate Template
Professional estimate template used by 50,000+ contractors. Download instantly in PDF, Excel, or Google Sheets. Fill it out in under 3 minutes.
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5612 Sunset Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
Date: April 15, 2026 | Valid for 30 days
$34,000
⭐ 4.8 Stars
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What Every General Contractor Estimate Should Include
How to Write a General Contractor Estimate in 5 Steps
Step 1: Walk the Project with the Client
Meet on-site and go room by room. Understand exactly what the client wants changed, kept, or improved. Take measurements, photos, and notes on finishes they like. A thorough walkthrough prevents 80% of scope disputes.
Step 2: Break Down by Trade
Organize your estimate by trade: demo, framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, drywall, paint, flooring, trim. Get sub quotes for each specialty trade. For work your crew handles directly, itemize materials and labor separately.
Step 3: Calculate Materials and Labor
Pull material quantities from your takeoff. Get current pricing from suppliers since prices change monthly. For labor, estimate hours by task. A kitchen remodel typically takes 3-4 weeks with 2-3 crew members. Be realistic, not optimistic.
Step 4: Add Overhead and Profit
Include supervision time, truck and tool costs, insurance, and general conditions. Then add your profit margin (15-25% for residential). On a $35,000 remodel, 20% margin is $7,000. Do not forget permit costs and dumpster rental.
Step 5: Present It Professionally
Send a clean, itemized PDF within 48 hours. Walk the client through it in person or on a call. Don’t just email and hope. Explain each line item. Clients who understand the costs are more likely to accept the price.
Average Remodel and Renovation Costs to Guide Your Estimates
Use these benchmarks as starting points. Actual costs vary by region, materials, and job complexity.
| Job Type | Material Cost | Labor Cost | Total Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen remodel (mid-range) | $12,000 – $25,000 | $10,000 – $18,000 | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Bathroom remodel (full) | $5,000 – $12,000 | $5,000 – $10,000 | $12,000 – $25,000 |
| Basement finishing (800 sq ft) | $8,000 – $15,000 | $8,000 – $12,000 | $18,000 – $30,000 |
| Deck build (300 sq ft composite) | $4,500 – $9,000 | $3,000 – $6,000 | $9,000 – $18,000 |
| Home addition (200 sq ft) | $18,000 – $35,000 | $15,000 – $25,000 | $35,000 – $65,000 |
| Interior renovation (whole home) | $30,000 – $60,000 | $20,000 – $40,000 | $55,000 – $110,000 |
Costs vary by region. Get a location-specific estimate in 6 seconds with SimplyWise AI Estimator →
Estimating Best Practices for General Contractors
Use allowances for client-selected items
Fixtures, tile, countertops. Let clients choose. Set an allowance ($3,000 for kitchen counters) and note that overages are additional. It keeps your bid accurate while giving clients flexibility.
Always include a project timeline
Week-by-week schedule alongside your estimate. Clients want to know when it starts, how long each phase takes, and when they get their space back. It shows you’ve planned the job, not just priced it.
Get sub quotes, don’t guess
Your estimate is only as good as your sub numbers. Guessing at electrical or plumbing costs is how GCs lose money. Send plans to 3 subs per trade and use real numbers.
Include clear payment milestones
Tie payments to completed phases: deposit (25%), demo complete (15%), rough-in complete (25%), finishes (25%), final walkthrough (10%). Both parties know what triggers each payment.
Document everything with photos
Before, during, and after. Photos of hidden conditions (mold, rot, outdated wiring) justify change orders. A photo timeline also builds client trust and makes a great portfolio piece.
Build in a change order process
Define how changes are handled: written request, approved price before work starts, signed by both parties. Verbal while-you’re-here changes are the #1 profit killer for GCs.
Estimate Template vs. Estimating Software
Free
- ✓ Pre-filled line items
- ✓ PDF, Excel, Google Sheets
- ✓ Print or email to clients
- ✓ Manual updates required
- ✓ No cost database
SimplyWise App
- ✓ Photo-to-estimate in 6 seconds
- ✓ Live material pricing by ZIP code
- ✓ Professional PDF estimates + invoices
- ✓ Send directly to clients
- ✓ Track all your estimates
Frequently Asked Questions
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