{"id":6199,"date":"2026-05-29T04:11:43","date_gmt":"2026-05-29T04:11:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/?p=6199"},"modified":"2026-05-29T04:11:43","modified_gmt":"2026-05-29T04:11:43","slug":"remodeling-estimate-template","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/remodeling-estimate-template\/","title":{"rendered":"Free Remodeling Estimate Template (Excel + PDF) for 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<style id=\"sw-t-04template\">\n@media (max-width: 768px) {\n  .sw-t section {\n    padding: 48px 20px !important;\n  }\n  .sw-t section[style*=\"display:flex\"],\n  .sw-t section[style*=\"display: flex\"] {\n    flex-direction: column !important;\n    align-items: stretch !important;\n    gap: 32px !important;\n  }\n  .sw-t section[style*=\"display:flex\"] > div,\n  .sw-t section[style*=\"display: flex\"] > div {\n    width: 100% !important;\n    max-width: 100% !important;\n    flex: 1 1 100% !important;\n    min-width: 0 !important;\n  }\n  .sw-t div[style*=\"display:flex\"][style*=\"gap\"],\n  .sw-t div[style*=\"display: flex\"][style*=\"gap\"] {\n    flex-wrap: wrap !important;\n  }\n  .sw-t div[style*=\"display:grid\"],\n  .sw-t div[style*=\"display: grid\"] {\n    grid-template-columns: 1fr !important;\n  }\n  .sw-t h1 { font-size: 32px !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; }\n  .sw-t h2 { font-size: 24px !important; line-height: 1.2 !important; }\n  .sw-t h3 { font-size: 19px !important; }\n  .sw-t [style*=\"font-size:48px\"], .sw-t [style*=\"font-size: 48px\"] { font-size: 28px !important; }\n  .sw-t [style*=\"font-size:40px\"], .sw-t [style*=\"font-size: 40px\"] { font-size: 24px !important; }\n  .sw-t img, .sw-t svg { max-width: 100% !important; height: auto !important; }\n  .sw-t.sw-t__table-scroll { overflow-x: auto !important; -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch !important; }\n  .sw-t.sw-t__table-scroll table { min-width: 600px !important; }\n  .sw-t div[style*=\"padding:16px 120px\"], .sw-t div[style*=\"padding: 16px 120px\"] {\n    padding-left: 16px !important; padding-right: 16px !important; gap: 16px !important;\n  }\n  .sw-t div[style*=\"padding:16px 120px\"] span, .sw-t div[style*=\"padding: 16px 120px\"] span { font-size: 13px !important; }\n  .sw-t div[style*=\"display:flex\"][style*=\"gap:40px\"], .sw-t div[style*=\"display: flex\"][style*=\"gap: 40px\"] { gap: 16px !important; }\n  .sw-t div[style*=\"display:flex\"][style*=\"width:100%\"] > div, .sw-t div[style*=\"display: flex\"][style*=\"width: 100%\"] > div {\n    flex: 1 1 100% !important; min-width: 100% !important; max-width: 100% !important;\n  }\n}\n<\/style>\n<script>\ndocument.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {\n  var selectors = ['.entry-header','.page-header','article > h1:first-child','.entry-footer'];\n  selectors.forEach(function(s) { document.querySelectorAll(s).forEach(function(el) { el.style.display = 'none'; }); });\n  var el = document.querySelector('.sw-t');\n  while (el && el !== document.body) {\n    el.style.maxWidth = '100%'; el.style.width = '100%'; el.style.padding = '0';\n    el.style.margin = '0'; el.style.float = 'none'; el.style.flex = '0 0 100%';\n    el = el.parentElement;\n  }\n  document.body.style.marginTop = '0';\n  document.body.style.paddingTop = '0';\n  document.querySelectorAll('.sw-fq').forEach(function(q) {\n    q.addEventListener('click', function() {\n      var a = this.nextElementSibling;\n      a.style.display = a.style.display === 'block' ? 'none' : 'block';\n      this.setAttribute('data-open', a.style.display === 'block' ? '1' : '0');\n    });\n  });\n});\n<\/script>\n<link href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Inter:wght@400;500;600;700;800&#038;display=swap\" rel=\"stylesheet\">\n\n<div class=\"sw-t\" style=\"font-family:Inter,-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,sans-serif;color:#1e293b;line-height:1.6;margin:0;padding:0;max-width:100%;overflow-x:hidden\">\n\n<section style=\"background:#0f172a;padding:80px 120px;display:flex;gap:60px;align-items:flex-start;box-sizing:border-box;width:100%\">\n<div style=\"flex:1;min-width:0\">\n<div style=\"font-size:13px;color:#94a3b8;margin-bottom:24px\">Templates &nbsp;&gt;&nbsp; Remodeling &nbsp;&gt;&nbsp; Estimate Template<\/div>\n<h1 style=\"font-size:48px;font-weight:800;color:#fff;line-height:1.1;margin:0 0 20px 0;padding:0\">Free Remodeling Estimate Template<\/h1>\n<p style=\"font-size:18px;color:#94a3b8;line-height:1.6;margin:0 0 32px 0\">A contractor-ready remodeling estimate template, sectioned by trade, with demo, plumbing, electrical, flooring, paint, contingency, and markup built in. Then download it instantly in PDF, Excel, or Google Sheets. Finally, fill it out in under 30 minutes.<\/p>\n<div style=\"display:flex;gap:12px;margin-bottom:16px;flex-wrap:wrap\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/swcostestimator.app.link\/ce-ai\" style=\"display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;padding:14px 24px;border-radius:8px;font-size:15px;font-weight:600;background:#2563eb;color:#fff;text-decoration:none;border:none\">Download PDF<\/a>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/swcostestimator.app.link\/ce-ai\" style=\"display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;padding:14px 24px;border-radius:8px;font-size:15px;font-weight:600;background:#1e293b;color:#e2e8f0;text-decoration:none;border:1px solid #334155\">Excel<\/a>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/swcostestimator.app.link\/ce-ai\" style=\"display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;padding:14px 24px;border-radius:8px;font-size:15px;font-weight:600;background:#1e293b;color:#e2e8f0;text-decoration:none;border:1px solid #334155\">Google Sheets<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#64748b;margin:0\">No signup required. Just download and start estimating.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#94a3b8;margin:8px 0 0 0\">Trusted by thousands of remodeling contractors<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"flex:0 0 460px\">\n<div style=\"background:#fff;border-radius:12px;padding:28px 32px;box-shadow:0 4px 24px rgba(0,0,0,0.15)\" aria-label=\"Sample remodeling estimate template for a mid-range kitchen remodel\">\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;font-weight:600;color:#2563eb;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;margin-bottom:8px\">REMODELING ESTIMATE<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:22px;font-weight:700;color:#0f172a;margin-bottom:12px\">Cornerstone Remodeling LLC<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:12px;color:#64748b;line-height:1.5;margin-bottom:16px\">Client: Mark and Sara Lin<br>2204 Cottonwood Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85048<br>Date: April 24, 2026 &nbsp;|&nbsp; Valid for 30 days<\/div>\n<div style=\"height:1px;background:#e6e9ee;margin:12px 0\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;justify-content:space-between;padding:8px 0;font-size:12px\"><span style=\"color:#1e293b\">Demolition, debris, lead pre-test<\/span><span style=\"color:#1e293b;font-weight:500\">$2,400<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"height:1px;background:#e6e9ee;margin:4px 0\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;justify-content:space-between;padding:8px 0;font-size:12px\"><span style=\"color:#1e293b\">Plumbing rough-in and fixtures<\/span><span style=\"color:#1e293b;font-weight:500\">$4,800<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"height:1px;background:#e6e9ee;margin:4px 0\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;justify-content:space-between;padding:8px 0;font-size:12px\"><span style=\"color:#1e293b\">Electrical, devices, panel evaluation<\/span><span style=\"color:#1e293b;font-weight:500\">$3,600<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"height:1px;background:#e6e9ee;margin:4px 0\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;justify-content:space-between;padding:8px 0;font-size:12px\"><span style=\"color:#1e293b\">Drywall, insulation, flooring<\/span><span style=\"color:#1e293b;font-weight:500\">$6,200<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"height:1px;background:#e6e9ee;margin:4px 0\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;justify-content:space-between;padding:8px 0;font-size:12px\"><span style=\"color:#1e293b\">Cabinetry, counters, finish carpentry<\/span><span style=\"color:#1e293b;font-weight:500\">$7,400<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"height:1px;background:#e6e9ee;margin:4px 0\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;justify-content:space-between;padding:8px 0;font-size:12px\"><span style=\"color:#1e293b\">Paint, fixtures, appliance allowance<\/span><span style=\"color:#1e293b;font-weight:500\">$2,940<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"height:1px;background:#e6e9ee;margin:4px 0\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;justify-content:space-between;padding:8px 0;font-size:12px\"><span style=\"color:#1e293b\">Contingency and markup<\/span><span style=\"color:#1e293b;font-weight:500\">$2,440<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;justify-content:space-between;padding:12px 0;border-top:2px solid #0f172a;margin-top:8px\">\n<span style=\"font-size:14px;font-weight:700;color:#0f172a\">TOTAL<\/span>\n<span style=\"font-size:18px;font-weight:800;color:#0f172a\">$29,780<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<div style=\"background:#f8fafc;padding:16px 120px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;gap:40px;flex-wrap:wrap;border-bottom:1px solid #e2e8f0;box-sizing:border-box;width:100%\">\n<span style=\"font-size:13px;color:#64748b;font-weight:500\">Trusted by thousands of contractors<\/span>\n<span style=\"font-size:13px;color:#64748b;font-weight:500\">4.8 Stars<\/span>\n<span style=\"font-size:13px;color:#64748b;font-weight:500\">App Store<\/span>\n<span style=\"font-size:13px;color:#64748b;font-weight:500\">Google Play<\/span>\n<span style=\"font-size:13px;color:#64748b;font-weight:500\">#1 Estimating App<\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n<section style=\"padding:80px 120px;background:#fff;box-sizing:border-box;width:100%\">\n<h2 style=\"font-size:36px;font-weight:800;margin:0 0 16px 0;color:#0f172a\">What Every Remodeling Estimate Should Include<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#64748b;margin:0 0 24px 0;max-width:760px\">Also, a clean remodeling estimate template segments cost by trade, from demolition through fixtures, so the homeowner can see exactly where every dollar goes. Notably, skipping any of the line items below is how remodelers leak margin on jobs that should have been profitable.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-size:18px;font-weight:700;color:#0f172a;margin:0 0 16px 0\">Required line items on every remodeling estimate<\/h3>\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:16px\">\n<div style=\"display:flex;gap:12px;font-size:14px;color:#334155\"><span style=\"color:#2563eb;font-weight:700;flex-shrink:0\">&#10003;<\/span> Company name, license number, insurance, and contact info<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;gap:12px;font-size:14px;color:#334155\"><span style=\"color:#2563eb;font-weight:700;flex-shrink:0\">&#10003;<\/span> Client name and full project address<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;gap:12px;font-size:14px;color:#334155\"><span style=\"color:#2563eb;font-weight:700;flex-shrink:0\">&#10003;<\/span> Scope tier classification (cosmetic, full replacement, gut-to-studs)<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;gap:12px;font-size:14px;color:#334155\"><span style=\"color:#2563eb;font-weight:700;flex-shrink:0\">&#10003;<\/span> Demolition, debris removal, and dumpster loads<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;gap:12px;font-size:14px;color:#334155\"><span style=\"color:#2563eb;font-weight:700;flex-shrink:0\">&#10003;<\/span> Lead and asbestos pre-test on pre-1978 housing<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;gap:12px;font-size:14px;color:#334155\"><span style=\"color:#2563eb;font-weight:700;flex-shrink:0\">&#10003;<\/span> Plumbing rough-in, fixture counts, water heater<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;gap:12px;font-size:14px;color:#334155\"><span style=\"color:#2563eb;font-weight:700;flex-shrink:0\">&#10003;<\/span> Electrical device counts, circuit runs, panel evaluation<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;gap:12px;font-size:14px;color:#334155\"><span style=\"color:#2563eb;font-weight:700;flex-shrink:0\">&#10003;<\/span> Drywall hang-and-finish square footage and insulation R-value<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;gap:12px;font-size:14px;color:#334155\"><span style=\"color:#2563eb;font-weight:700;flex-shrink:0\">&#10003;<\/span> Flooring square footage by material, plus waste factor<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;gap:12px;font-size:14px;color:#334155\"><span style=\"color:#2563eb;font-weight:700;flex-shrink:0\">&#10003;<\/span> Paint (wall, ceiling, trim) with primer separate from finish<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;gap:12px;font-size:14px;color:#334155\"><span style=\"color:#2563eb;font-weight:700;flex-shrink:0\">&#10003;<\/span> Finish carpentry (trim, doors, cabinetry install, hardware)<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;gap:12px;font-size:14px;color:#334155\"><span style=\"color:#2563eb;font-weight:700;flex-shrink:0\">&#10003;<\/span> Fixtures and appliances priced as allowances<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;gap:12px;font-size:14px;color:#334155\"><span style=\"color:#2563eb;font-weight:700;flex-shrink:0\">&#10003;<\/span> Labor by trade (crew hours at a loaded billable rate)<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;gap:12px;font-size:14px;color:#334155\"><span style=\"color:#2563eb;font-weight:700;flex-shrink:0\">&#10003;<\/span> Permit fees and plan-review allowance<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;gap:12px;font-size:14px;color:#334155\"><span style=\"color:#2563eb;font-weight:700;flex-shrink:0\">&#10003;<\/span> Allowances for customer-selected items (cabinets, faucets, appliances)<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;gap:12px;font-size:14px;color:#334155\"><span style=\"color:#2563eb;font-weight:700;flex-shrink:0\">&#10003;<\/span> Exclusions (the contractor&#8217;s largest defense at job close)<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;gap:12px;font-size:14px;color:#334155\"><span style=\"color:#2563eb;font-weight:700;flex-shrink:0\">&#10003;<\/span> Contingency sized to scope tier (5 to 20 percent)<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;gap:12px;font-size:14px;color:#334155\"><span style=\"color:#2563eb;font-weight:700;flex-shrink:0\">&#10003;<\/span> Overhead allocation (typically 23.6 percent of revenue per NAHB)<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;gap:12px;font-size:14px;color:#334155\"><span style=\"color:#2563eb;font-weight:700;flex-shrink:0\">&#10003;<\/span> Markup on cost of sales (roughly 1.43x to hit a 29.9 percent gross margin)<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;gap:12px;font-size:14px;color:#334155\"><span style=\"color:#2563eb;font-weight:700;flex-shrink:0\">&#10003;<\/span> Payment schedule, bid expiry, warranty terms, and signature line<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<section style=\"padding:80px 120px;background:#f8fafc;box-sizing:border-box;width:100%\">\n<h2 style=\"font-size:36px;font-weight:800;margin:0 0 16px 0;color:#0f172a\">How to Write a Remodeling Estimate in 5 Steps<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#64748b;margin:0 0 32px 0;max-width:760px\">First, use the remodeling estimate template above as your trade-by-trade checklist. Then the five steps below walk through filling it out from the first site walk to the signed PDF the homeowner accepts.<\/p>\n\n<div style=\"background:#fff;border-radius:12px;padding:32px;margin-bottom:16px;display:flex;gap:24px;align-items:flex-start\">\n<div style=\"width:48px;height:48px;min-width:48px;background:#2563eb;color:#fff;border-radius:50%;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:20px;font-weight:700\">1<\/div>\n<div>\n<h3 style=\"font-size:20px;font-weight:700;margin:0 0 8px 0;color:#0f172a\">Step 1: Walk the Site and Classify the Scope Tier<\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0\">First, document each room and surface with a keep, repair, or replace decision. Then classify the project against the three convention tiers: cosmetic refresh (paint, flooring, fixtures, no mechanical work), full replacement (cabinetry, counters, floors, fixtures, possibly some mechanical work), or gut-to-studs (strip to framing, rebuild systems, full finish-out). In addition, photograph everything: elevations, mechanical rooms, every fixture. Notably, classifying the scope tier at the walk-through is the single highest-leverage estimating decision. As a result, getting that call wrong is the most common source of bid error.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"background:#fff;border-radius:12px;padding:32px;margin-bottom:16px;display:flex;gap:24px;align-items:flex-start\">\n<div style=\"width:48px;height:48px;min-width:48px;background:#2563eb;color:#fff;border-radius:50%;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:20px;font-weight:700\">2<\/div>\n<div>\n<h3 style=\"font-size:20px;font-weight:700;margin:0 0 8px 0;color:#0f172a\">Step 2: Fill the Trade Sections with Quantity Take-offs<\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0\">Specifically, move section by section through the eight trade tabs. For example, demolition takes off in square feet of selective demo, cubic yards of debris, and dumpster loads. Plumbing takes off in fixture counts and rough-in runs. Electrical in device counts, circuit runs, and a panel evaluation. Drywall in hang-and-finish square feet plus insulation R-value and type. Flooring in square feet by material. Paint in wall square feet, ceiling square feet, and trim linear feet. In addition, finish carpentry tracks trim, doors, cabinetry install hours, and hardware, while fixtures price by customer-selected SKU or by allowance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"background:#fff;border-radius:12px;padding:32px;margin-bottom:16px;display:flex;gap:24px;align-items:flex-start\">\n<div style=\"width:48px;height:48px;min-width:48px;background:#2563eb;color:#fff;border-radius:50%;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:20px;font-weight:700\">3<\/div>\n<div>\n<h3 style=\"font-size:20px;font-weight:700;margin:0 0 8px 0;color:#0f172a\">Step 3: Apply Current Unit Costs and Waste Factors<\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0\">First, pull material unit costs from current supplier sheets, not last year&#8217;s. In fact, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzz.com\/magazine\/2026-u-s-houzz-and-home-study-renovation-trends-stsetivw-vs~185090855\" style=\"color:#2563eb;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none\">Houzz 2026 study<\/a> found 35 percent of homeowners who exceeded budget did so because they selected higher-end materials mid-project, so your baseline has to be today&#8217;s price. Then apply the waste factor by trade: 8 to 12 percent for flooring and drywall, 15 percent for tile. As a result, the template&#8217;s waste-factor columns auto-calculate the adjusted square footage so the unit-cost math stays clean.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"background:#fff;border-radius:12px;padding:32px;margin-bottom:16px;display:flex;gap:24px;align-items:flex-start\">\n<div style=\"width:48px;height:48px;min-width:48px;background:#2563eb;color:#fff;border-radius:50%;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:20px;font-weight:700\">4<\/div>\n<div>\n<h3 style=\"font-size:20px;font-weight:700;margin:0 0 8px 0;color:#0f172a\">Step 4: Load Labor at a Billable Rate, Not a Wage<\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0\">Generally, BLS median wages are the floor input, not the bill rate. For example, per the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/construction-and-extraction\/carpenters.htm\" style=\"color:#2563eb;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none\">Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/a> (May 2024 data), national median hourly wages are $28.51 for carpenters, $29.98 for electricians, and $30.27 for plumbers. Then, to reach the billable rate the template applies, add burden (benefits, payroll tax, workers&#8217; compensation, typically 25 to 40 percent), then overhead, then margin. As a result, a common build-up on a $30 wage adds roughly $10 burden, then overhead and margin, arriving at $75 to $90 per hour billable at the low end of common contractor bill rates.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"background:#fff;border-radius:12px;padding:32px;margin-bottom:0;display:flex;gap:24px;align-items:flex-start\">\n<div style=\"width:48px;height:48px;min-width:48px;background:#2563eb;color:#fff;border-radius:50%;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:20px;font-weight:700\">5<\/div>\n<div>\n<h3 style=\"font-size:20px;font-weight:700;margin:0 0 8px 0;color:#0f172a\">Step 5: Add Overhead, Contingency, and Margin to Hit the Bid Total<\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0\">Finally, use 23.6 percent operating-expense share as the overhead allocation per NAHB. In addition, size contingency to scope tier: 5 to 8 percent on cosmetic refreshes, 8 to 12 percent on full replacements, 12 to 20 percent on gut-to-studs (upper end for pre-1978 homes where lead and structural settlement risk is statistically higher). Then, to hit the 29.9 percent gross margin benchmark, divide cost of sales by 0.701, which produces roughly a 1.43 times markup on cost. As a result, the template&#8217;s signature tab does this math automatically once cost of sales is filled.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<section style=\"padding:80px 120px;background:#fff;box-sizing:border-box;width:100%\">\n<h2 style=\"font-size:36px;font-weight:800;margin:0 0 12px 0;color:#0f172a\">Average Remodeling Job Costs to Guide Your Estimates<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#64748b;margin:0 0 32px 0\">Generally, these are national-average reference points to drop into your remodeling estimate template. However, actual costs vary by region, finish level, and scope. As a result, use these as the starting point, then override every line item per job. Figures from the Remodeling 2024 Cost vs Value Report, Zonda Media.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sw-t__table-scroll\" style=\"width:100%;overflow-x:auto\">\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;min-width:600px\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background:#0f172a;color:#fff;padding:14px 20px;font-size:13px;font-weight:600;text-align:left\">Project<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#0f172a;color:#fff;padding:14px 20px;font-size:13px;font-weight:600;text-align:left\">Tier<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#0f172a;color:#fff;padding:14px 20px;font-size:13px;font-weight:600;text-align:left\">2024 National Average<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:14px 20px;font-size:14px;border-bottom:1px solid #f1f5f9\">Kitchen remodel<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:14px 20px;font-size:14px;border-bottom:1px solid #f1f5f9\">Minor (refaced cabinets, counter, appliance kept)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:14px 20px;font-size:14px;border-bottom:1px solid #f1f5f9\">$26,790<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background:#f8fafc\">\n<td style=\"padding:14px 20px;font-size:14px;border-bottom:1px solid #f1f5f9\">Kitchen remodel<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:14px 20px;font-size:14px;border-bottom:1px solid #f1f5f9\">Major mid-range<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:14px 20px;font-size:14px;border-bottom:1px solid #f1f5f9\">$77,939<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:14px 20px;font-size:14px;border-bottom:1px solid #f1f5f9\">Kitchen remodel<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:14px 20px;font-size:14px;border-bottom:1px solid #f1f5f9\">Major upscale<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:14px 20px;font-size:14px;border-bottom:1px solid #f1f5f9\">$158,530<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background:#f8fafc\">\n<td style=\"padding:14px 20px;font-size:14px;border-bottom:1px solid #f1f5f9\">Bathroom remodel<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:14px 20px;font-size:14px;border-bottom:1px solid #f1f5f9\">Mid-range, retain layout<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:14px 20px;font-size:14px;border-bottom:1px solid #f1f5f9\">$25,251<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:14px 20px;font-size:14px;border-bottom:1px solid #f1f5f9\">Bathroom remodel<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:14px 20px;font-size:14px;border-bottom:1px solid #f1f5f9\">Upscale, full replacement<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:14px 20px;font-size:14px;border-bottom:1px solid #f1f5f9\">$80,920<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background:#f8fafc\">\n<td style=\"padding:14px 20px;font-size:14px\">Universal-design \/ aging-in-place add-on<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:14px 20px;font-size:14px\">Above tier<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:14px 20px;font-size:14px\">+$10K to +$20K<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"margin:24px 0 0 0;font-size:14px;color:#64748b\">Costs vary by region, finish level, and scope. <a href=\"https:\/\/swcostestimator.app.link\/ce-ai\" style=\"color:#2563eb;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none\">Get a location-specific remodeling estimate in seconds with the SimplyWise Cost Estimator &rarr;<\/a><\/p>\n<\/section>\n\n<section style=\"padding:80px 120px;background:#f1f5f9;box-sizing:border-box;width:100%\">\n<div style=\"max-width:900px;margin:0 auto;background:#fff;border-radius:16px;padding:40px;border:1px solid #e2e8f0\">\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;font-weight:700;color:#2563eb;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;margin-bottom:12px\">Margin Reference<\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-size:28px;font-weight:800;margin:0 0 20px 0;color:#0f172a\">Scope Tiers, Contingency, and Markup to Put on Every Estimate<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0 0 24px 0\">Notably, the difference between a profitable remodel and a money-loser is whether contingency and markup were sized correctly at bid time. Therefore, set contingency to the scope tier in writing, and mark up cost of sales to hit the industry-average gross margin.<\/p>\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:16px\">\n<div style=\"padding:18px 20px;background:#f8fafc;border-radius:8px;border-left:4px solid #2563eb\">\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;font-weight:700;color:#0f172a;margin-bottom:4px\">Cosmetic refresh contingency<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;color:#475569\">5 to 8 percent<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding:18px 20px;background:#f8fafc;border-radius:8px;border-left:4px solid #2563eb\">\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;font-weight:700;color:#0f172a;margin-bottom:4px\">Full replacement contingency<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;color:#475569\">8 to 12 percent<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding:18px 20px;background:#f8fafc;border-radius:8px;border-left:4px solid #2563eb\">\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;font-weight:700;color:#0f172a;margin-bottom:4px\">Gut-to-studs contingency<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;color:#475569\">12 to 20 percent<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding:18px 20px;background:#f8fafc;border-radius:8px;border-left:4px solid #2563eb\">\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;font-weight:700;color:#0f172a;margin-bottom:4px\">Markup on cost of sales<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;color:#475569\">divide by 0.701 (roughly 1.43x)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#0f172a;color:#fff;border-radius:12px;padding:24px 28px;margin-top:20px\">\n<div style=\"font-size:13px;font-weight:700;color:#60a5fa;letter-spacing:1.5px;text-transform:uppercase;margin-bottom:8px\">The margin math<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#cbd5e1;line-height:1.7;margin:0\">To land the 29.9 percent industry-average gross margin, divide your cost of sales by 0.701. For example, $20,000 in cost of sales divided by 0.701 is $28,531, which yields a roughly 1.43 times markup. Then allocate 23.6 percent of revenue to operating expenses per NAHB, and the net margin lands near the 6.3 percent industry average.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#64748b;margin:24px 0 0 0\">Figures reference the <a href=\"https:\/\/eyeonhousing.org\/2026\/04\/remodelers-saw-profit-margin-gains-in-2024\/\" style=\"color:#2563eb;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none\">NAHB Remodelers&#8217; Cost of Doing Business 2026 edition<\/a> (FY2024 data): 29.9 percent gross margin, 6.3 percent net margin (highest since 1996), trade-contractor costs 30 percent of revenue, operating expenses 23.6 percent of revenue.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<section style=\"padding:80px 120px;background:#fff;box-sizing:border-box;width:100%\">\n<h2 style=\"font-size:36px;font-weight:800;margin:0 0 12px 0;color:#0f172a\">Permits, Lead-RRP, and Pre-1978 Risk Flags<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#64748b;margin:0 0 32px 0;max-width:760px\">Generally, the line items that turn into six-figure mid-job change orders are the ones contractors skip at bid time. In fact, on older housing stock, the regulatory flags below belong on the estimate before the first wall comes down, so the customer sees how the number was built and the contractor is protected when the inspector arrives.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background:#f8fafc;border-radius:12px;padding:32px;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;margin-bottom:24px\">\n<div style=\"font-size:13px;font-weight:700;color:#2563eb;letter-spacing:1.5px;text-transform:uppercase;margin-bottom:12px\">The pre-1978 checklist<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:18px;font-weight:600;color:#0f172a;margin:0 0 16px 0\">Lead pre-test + asbestos inspection + aluminum-wire check, before demo<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0\">First, on homes built before 1978, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/lead\/lead-safe-certified-firms\" style=\"color:#2563eb;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none\">EPA Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule<\/a> requires a certified firm for any renovation that disturbs painted surfaces. Then, pre-1981 homes can additionally trigger asbestos inspection under EPA NESHAP 40 CFR Part 61 Subpart M. Finally, aluminum branch wiring, common in 1965 to 1973 construction, drives a re-wire allowance contractors regularly miss at bid time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#0f172a;color:#fff;border-radius:12px;padding:32px\">\n<div style=\"font-size:13px;font-weight:700;color:#60a5fa;letter-spacing:1.5px;text-transform:uppercase;margin-bottom:12px\">Default-included flags by home age<\/div>\n<ul style=\"margin:0 0 16px 0;padding-left:20px;font-size:15px;color:#cbd5e1;line-height:1.8\">\n<li>Pre-1978: lead pre-test and certified RRP firm required for painted-surface disturbance<\/li>\n<li>Pre-1981: asbestos inspection under EPA NESHAP 40 CFR Part 61 Subpart M<\/li>\n<li>1965 to 1973: aluminum branch-wire inspection and re-wire allowance<\/li>\n<li>All ages: residential alteration permit for structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-size:14px;color:#94a3b8;margin:0\">Generally, the International Code Council reports a typical plan-review window of 14 to 28 calendar days. However, cosmetic refreshes (paint, flooring, fixture swap) often do not require a permit, while a gut-to-studs always does. Therefore, build the permit fee and plan-review window into the schedule so the customer is not surprised by the timeline.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<section style=\"padding:80px 120px;background:#f8fafc;box-sizing:border-box;width:100%\">\n<h2 style=\"font-size:36px;font-weight:800;margin:0 0 16px 0;color:#0f172a\">Estimating Best Practices for Remodelers<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#64748b;margin:0 0 40px 0;max-width:760px\">In summary, six rules that turn a good remodeling estimate template into a profit-protecting bid every time.<\/p>\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:24px\">\n\n<div style=\"background:#fff;border-radius:12px;padding:32px\">\n<div style=\"font-size:32px;font-weight:800;color:#2563eb;margin-bottom:12px\">1<\/div>\n<h3 style=\"font-size:17px;font-weight:700;margin:0 0 8px 0;color:#0f172a\">Segment the bid by trade, never lump-sum<\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-size:14px;color:#64748b;line-height:1.6;margin:0\">Notably, a lump-sum bid hides the cost structure, while a trade-segmented bid exposes it. For example, when a homeowner sees which trade absorbed an upgrade, the next contractor&#8217;s lump sum looks opaque by comparison. As a result, trade segmentation is exactly what wins jobs over the next contractor on the list.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"background:#fff;border-radius:12px;padding:32px\">\n<div style=\"font-size:32px;font-weight:800;color:#2563eb;margin-bottom:12px\">2<\/div>\n<h3 style=\"font-size:17px;font-weight:700;margin:0 0 8px 0;color:#0f172a\">Classify the scope tier at the walk-through<\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-size:14px;color:#64748b;line-height:1.6;margin:0\">First, decide cosmetic refresh versus full replacement versus gut-to-studs before you spec a single line item. In fact, getting that call wrong is the most common source of bid error. Therefore, document each surface keep, repair, or replace, and photograph everything before you build the estimate.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"background:#fff;border-radius:12px;padding:32px\">\n<div style=\"font-size:32px;font-weight:800;color:#2563eb;margin-bottom:12px\">3<\/div>\n<h3 style=\"font-size:17px;font-weight:700;margin:0 0 8px 0;color:#0f172a\">Size contingency to the scope tier<\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-size:14px;color:#64748b;line-height:1.6;margin:0\">Generally, 5 to 8 percent covers a cosmetic refresh, 8 to 12 percent a full replacement, and 12 to 20 percent a gut-to-studs. For example, a pre-1978 gut should sit at the upper end where lead and structural settlement risk is statistically higher. As a result, the contingency line is the buffer that keeps a budget overrun from eating your margin.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"background:#fff;border-radius:12px;padding:32px\">\n<div style=\"font-size:32px;font-weight:800;color:#2563eb;margin-bottom:12px\">4<\/div>\n<h3 style=\"font-size:17px;font-weight:700;margin:0 0 8px 0;color:#0f172a\">Bill labor at a loaded rate, not a wage<\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-size:14px;color:#64748b;line-height:1.6;margin:0\">Specifically, BLS median wages are the floor, not the bill rate. By comparison, a $30 wage carries roughly $10 burden, then overhead and margin, arriving at $75 to $90 per hour billable. Therefore, never drop a raw wage into the template, or you give away the burden, overhead, and margin the job needs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"background:#fff;border-radius:12px;padding:32px\">\n<div style=\"font-size:32px;font-weight:800;color:#2563eb;margin-bottom:12px\">5<\/div>\n<h3 style=\"font-size:17px;font-weight:700;margin:0 0 8px 0;color:#0f172a\">Write the exclusions list in full<\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-size:14px;color:#64748b;line-height:1.6;margin:0\">In particular, anything not explicitly listed in a trade section is, by template convention, excluded. For example, default-include structural engineering, soil testing, asbestos abatement beyond the pre-test, and hazardous waste beyond standard demo. As a result, the exclusions tab is the contractor&#8217;s largest defense at job close.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"background:#fff;border-radius:12px;padding:32px\">\n<div style=\"font-size:32px;font-weight:800;color:#2563eb;margin-bottom:12px\">6<\/div>\n<h3 style=\"font-size:17px;font-weight:700;margin:0 0 8px 0;color:#0f172a\">Carry customer selections as allowances<\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-size:14px;color:#64748b;line-height:1.6;margin:0\">Generally, fixtures and appliances are selected after the bid is written, so carry them as allowances with a target dollar value and a select-by deadline. For example, when the customer misses the deadline, the allowance defaults to target and the job proceeds. Therefore, a per-item allowance is the only defense against fixture-selection bid disputes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<section style=\"padding:80px 120px;background:#fff;box-sizing:border-box;width:100%\">\n<div style=\"max-width:820px;margin:0 auto;background:#eff6ff;border-left:4px solid #2563eb;border-radius:8px;padding:24px 28px\">\n<div style=\"font-size:12px;font-weight:700;color:#1e3a8a;letter-spacing:1.5px;text-transform:uppercase;margin-bottom:8px\">Industry Perspective<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:16px;color:#1e3a8a;line-height:1.6;margin:0 0 12px 0\">Per the <a href=\"https:\/\/eyeonhousing.org\/2026\/04\/remodelers-saw-profit-margin-gains-in-2024\/\" style=\"color:#1e3a8a;font-weight:700;text-decoration:underline\">NAHB Remodelers&#8217; Cost of Doing Business Study, 2026 edition<\/a> (FY2024 data), trade-contractor costs averaged 30 percent of revenue across residential remodelers, the single largest line item on the profit-and-loss statement. A template that segments those costs by trade at bid time is the only way a contractor sees margin leaks before the job closes.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:14px;color:#1e3a8a;line-height:1.6;margin:0;font-style:italic\">Lump-sum bids only surface trade margin issues at job close, which is too late to recover.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<section style=\"padding:80px 120px;background:#fff;box-sizing:border-box;width:100%\">\n<h2 style=\"font-size:36px;font-weight:800;margin:0 0 16px 0;color:#0f172a\">Common Mistakes a Remodeling Estimate Template Fixes<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#64748b;margin:0 0 32px 0;max-width:760px\">In fact, a remodeling estimate template is only useful if it forces you to fill in the line items that contractors most often skip. Specifically, here are the mistakes the template is built to catch before they cost you money on the actual job.<\/p>\n\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:20px\">\n\n<div style=\"background:#fff7ed;border-radius:10px;padding:24px;border:1px solid #fed7aa\">\n<h3 style=\"font-size:17px;font-weight:700;margin:0 0 8px 0;color:#9a3412\">Skipping the lead and asbestos pre-test<\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-size:14px;color:#7c2d12;line-height:1.6;margin:0\">Notably, on pre-1978 homes the EPA Lead RRP Rule requires a certified firm for painted-surface disturbance, and pre-1981 homes can trigger asbestos inspection. For example, skipping these line items at bid time is the most common source of a six-figure mid-job change order. As a result, the template default-includes the pre-test row under Demolition so you cannot ship the bid without addressing it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"background:#fff7ed;border-radius:10px;padding:24px;border:1px solid #fed7aa\">\n<h3 style=\"font-size:17px;font-weight:700;margin:0 0 8px 0;color:#9a3412\">Under-bidding paint<\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-size:14px;color:#7c2d12;line-height:1.6;margin:0\">Generally, paint is the most commonly under-bid trade on a remodel. For example, contractors price one number instead of taking off wall square feet, ceiling square feet, and trim linear feet separately, then forget primer is a separate coat. As a result, the template forces three separate paint rows and prices primer apart from finish so the trade carries its real cost.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"background:#fff7ed;border-radius:10px;padding:24px;border:1px solid #fed7aa\">\n<h3 style=\"font-size:17px;font-weight:700;margin:0 0 8px 0;color:#9a3412\">Dropping a raw wage into labor<\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-size:14px;color:#7c2d12;line-height:1.6;margin:0\">In particular, BLS median wages ($28.51 carpenter, $29.98 electrician, $30.27 plumber) are the floor input, not the bill rate. Conversely, billing the raw wage gives away burden, overhead, and margin. Therefore, the template applies a configured loaded rate to labor hours per section, so the wage never ships as the bill rate.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"background:#fff7ed;border-radius:10px;padding:24px;border:1px solid #fed7aa\">\n<h3 style=\"font-size:17px;font-weight:700;margin:0 0 8px 0;color:#9a3412\">Forgetting the waste factor<\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-size:14px;color:#7c2d12;line-height:1.6;margin:0\">Specifically, flooring and drywall run 8 to 12 percent waste, and tile runs 15 percent. For example, ordering exact square footage means a second supplier trip and a stalled crew. As a result, the template&#8217;s waste-factor columns auto-adjust the quantity so the order quantity is right the first time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<section style=\"padding:80px 120px;background:#0f172a;color:#fff;box-sizing:border-box;width:100%\">\n<div style=\"max-width:1000px;margin:0 auto\">\n<h2 style=\"font-size:32px;font-weight:800;margin:0 0 16px 0;color:#fff;text-align:center\">Remodeling in 2026, by the Numbers<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:14px;color:#94a3b8;margin:0 auto 32px;text-align:center;max-width:680px\">The market context behind every remodeling estimate template you fill out this year.<\/p>\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(4,1fr);gap:20px\">\n<div style=\"background:#1e293b;border-radius:12px;padding:24px\">\n<div style=\"font-size:36px;font-weight:800;color:#60a5fa;line-height:1;margin-bottom:8px\">$522B<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:13px;color:#cbd5e1;line-height:1.5\">projected U.S. homeowner improvement spend by end of 2026, +1.6% YoY (JCHS LIRA, April 2026)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#1e293b;border-radius:12px;padding:24px\">\n<div style=\"font-size:36px;font-weight:800;color:#60a5fa;line-height:1;margin-bottom:8px\">$20K<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:13px;color:#cbd5e1;line-height:1.5\">median homeowner renovation spend, with 90th-percentile at $150K (Houzz 2026 study)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#1e293b;border-radius:12px;padding:24px\">\n<div style=\"font-size:36px;font-weight:800;color:#60a5fa;line-height:1;margin-bottom:8px\">37%<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:13px;color:#cbd5e1;line-height:1.5\">of homeowners exceeded their initial budget on a 2025 renovation (Houzz 2026 study)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#1e293b;border-radius:12px;padding:24px\">\n<div style=\"font-size:36px;font-weight:800;color:#60a5fa;line-height:1;margin-bottom:8px\">29.9%<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:13px;color:#cbd5e1;line-height:1.5\">industry-average gross margin, FY2024, with 6.3% net (NAHB Cost of Doing Business 2026)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#94a3b8;margin:24px 0 0 0;text-align:center\">Sources: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jchs.harvard.edu\/blog\/remodeling-growth-set-downshift-late-2026\" style=\"color:#60a5fa\">JCHS Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzz.com\/magazine\/2026-u-s-houzz-and-home-study-renovation-trends-stsetivw-vs~185090855\" style=\"color:#60a5fa\">Houzz 2026 U.S. Houzz and Home Study<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/eyeonhousing.org\/2026\/04\/remodelers-saw-profit-margin-gains-in-2024\/\" style=\"color:#60a5fa\">NAHB Cost of Doing Business 2026 edition<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<section style=\"padding:80px 120px;background:#fff;text-align:center;box-sizing:border-box;width:100%\">\n<h2 style=\"font-size:36px;font-weight:800;margin:0 0 16px 0;color:#0f172a\">Remodeling Estimate Template vs. Estimating Software<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#64748b;margin:0 0 32px 0;max-width:680px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto\">Generally, the free template is a perfect starting point. However, the next step up is photo-to-estimate software that pulls current material pricing and exports a branded PDF in a single tap.<\/p>\n<aside style=\"background:#eff6ff;border-left:4px solid #2563eb;border-radius:8px;padding:18px 22px;margin:0 auto 40px;font-size:16px;color:#1e3a8a;line-height:1.55;max-width:820px;box-sizing:border-box;text-align:left\"><strong>Wondering which estimating app to pick for your trade?<\/strong> See our <a href=\"\/blog\/best-estimating-app-electricians\/\" style=\"color:#2563eb;font-weight:700;text-decoration:underline\">10 best estimating apps for electricians<\/a> ranking. Notably, the same 100-point rubric applies across remodeling, roofing, plumbing, and HVAC, with current pricing and free-trial details on every option.<\/aside>\n<div style=\"display:flex;gap:32px;justify-content:center;max-width:900px;margin:0 auto\">\n<div style=\"flex:1;border-radius:16px;padding:40px 32px;text-align:left;background:#f8fafc;border:1px solid #e2e8f0\">\n<span style=\"display:inline-block;padding:4px 12px;border-radius:20px;font-size:11px;font-weight:600;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:1px;background:#f1f5f9;color:#64748b;margin-bottom:12px\">DIY Template<\/span>\n<h3 style=\"font-size:24px;font-weight:700;margin:0 0 16px 0;color:#0f172a\">Free<\/h3>\n<ul style=\"list-style:none;padding:0;margin:16px 0\">\n<li style=\"padding:6px 0;font-size:14px;color:#334155\">&#10003; Eight pre-built trade sections<\/li>\n<li style=\"padding:6px 0;font-size:14px;color:#334155\">&#10003; PDF, Excel, Google Sheets<\/li>\n<li style=\"padding:6px 0;font-size:14px;color:#334155\">&#10003; Print or email to clients<\/li>\n<li style=\"padding:6px 0;font-size:14px;color:#334155\">&#10003; Manual line-item entry<\/li>\n<li style=\"padding:6px 0;font-size:14px;color:#334155\">&#10003; No live material pricing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"flex:1;border-radius:16px;padding:40px 32px;text-align:left;background:#0f172a;color:#fff\">\n<span style=\"display:inline-block;padding:4px 12px;border-radius:20px;font-size:11px;font-weight:600;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:1px;background:#22c55e;color:#fff;margin-bottom:12px\">Free to Try<\/span>\n<h3 style=\"font-size:24px;font-weight:700;margin:0 0 8px 0;color:#fff\">SimplyWise Cost Estimator<\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#94a3b8;margin:0 0 16px 0\">From $15\/mo. Free to try, no credit card required.<\/p>\n<ul style=\"list-style:none;padding:0;margin:16px 0\">\n<li style=\"padding:6px 0;font-size:14px;color:#cbd5e1\">&#10003; Photo-to-estimate in seconds<\/li>\n<li style=\"padding:6px 0;font-size:14px;color:#cbd5e1\">&#10003; Current material pricing by location<\/li>\n<li style=\"padding:6px 0;font-size:14px;color:#cbd5e1\">&#10003; Trade-sectioned, branded PDF estimates<\/li>\n<li style=\"padding:6px 0;font-size:14px;color:#cbd5e1\">&#10003; Send straight to clients<\/li>\n<li style=\"padding:6px 0;font-size:14px;color:#cbd5e1\">&#10003; Track every estimate in one place<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/swcostestimator.app.link\/ce-ai\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#2563eb;color:#fff;padding:14px 28px;border-radius:8px;font-size:15px;font-weight:700;margin-top:16px;text-decoration:none\">Try the SimplyWise Cost Estimator free &rarr;<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<section style=\"padding:80px 120px;background:#fff;box-sizing:border-box;width:100%\">\n<h2 style=\"font-size:36px;font-weight:800;margin:0 0 40px 0;text-align:center;color:#0f172a\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<div style=\"max-width:800px;margin:0 auto\">\n\n<div style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #e2e8f0;padding:20px 0\">\n<h3 class=\"sw-fq\" style=\"font-size:16px;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#0f172a;margin:0\">What sections are in the remodeling estimate template?<\/h3>\n<div style=\"font-size:15px;color:#64748b;line-height:1.7;padding-top:12px;display:none\">Eight trade sections: demolition, plumbing, electrical, drywall and insulation, flooring, paint, finish carpentry, and fixtures and appliances. In addition, the template adds a cover sheet, schedule, allowances, exclusions, and signature block.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #e2e8f0;padding:20px 0\">\n<h3 class=\"sw-fq\" style=\"font-size:16px;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#0f172a;margin:0\">What gross margin should a remodeling estimate target?<\/h3>\n<div style=\"font-size:15px;color:#64748b;line-height:1.7;padding-top:12px;display:none\">Generally, the NAHB Remodelers&#8217; Cost of Doing Business 2026 edition (FY2024 data) reports a 29.9 percent industry-average gross profit margin. To hit it, divide cost of sales by 0.701, which produces roughly a 1.43 times markup on cost. As a result, the template&#8217;s signature tab does this math automatically once cost of sales is filled.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #e2e8f0;padding:20px 0\">\n<h3 class=\"sw-fq\" style=\"font-size:16px;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#0f172a;margin:0\">Does the template work for kitchen and bath remodels?<\/h3>\n<div style=\"font-size:15px;color:#64748b;line-height:1.7;padding-top:12px;display:none\">Yes. Kitchen and bath remodels use the same eight trade sections, and the contractor adjusts line items per scope. For example, per the Remodeling 2024 Cost vs Value Report, national-average mid-range kitchen remodels run $77,939 and mid-range bath remodels $25,251.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #e2e8f0;padding:20px 0\">\n<h3 class=\"sw-fq\" style=\"font-size:16px;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#0f172a;margin:0\">How much contingency should I add to a remodeling estimate?<\/h3>\n<div style=\"font-size:15px;color:#64748b;line-height:1.7;padding-top:12px;display:none\">Generally, size contingency to the scope tier: 5 to 8 percent on a cosmetic refresh, 8 to 12 percent on a full replacement, and 12 to 20 percent on a gut-to-studs. Notably, use the upper end on pre-1978 homes where lead and structural settlement risk is statistically higher.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #e2e8f0;padding:20px 0\">\n<h3 class=\"sw-fq\" style=\"font-size:16px;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#0f172a;margin:0\">What file formats can I download this remodeling estimate template in?<\/h3>\n<div style=\"font-size:15px;color:#64748b;line-height:1.7;padding-top:12px;display:none\">PDF (for sending to clients), Excel (for editing and formula-driven calculations), and Google Sheets (for cloud-based collaboration with crews and office staff). In addition, all three formats are free, no signup required.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #e2e8f0;padding:20px 0\">\n<h3 class=\"sw-fq\" style=\"font-size:16px;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#0f172a;margin:0\">How is the SimplyWise Cost Estimator different from this free template?<\/h3>\n<div style=\"font-size:15px;color:#64748b;line-height:1.7;padding-top:12px;display:none\">Generally, the free template is a static spreadsheet you fill out by hand. By comparison, the SimplyWise Cost Estimator turns a jobsite photo into a trade-sectioned estimate in seconds, pulls current material pricing, and exports a branded PDF directly to clients. In addition, SimplyWise is free to try with no credit card required, and paid plans start from $15 per month.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #e2e8f0;padding:20px 0\">\n<h3 class=\"sw-fq\" style=\"font-size:16px;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#0f172a;margin:0\">Do I need a permit for a remodel?<\/h3>\n<div style=\"font-size:15px;color:#64748b;line-height:1.7;padding-top:12px;display:none\">Generally, most jurisdictions require a residential alteration permit for any work that touches structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems. The International Code Council reports a typical plan-review window of 14 to 28 calendar days. However, cosmetic refreshes (paint, flooring, fixture swap) often do not require a permit, while a gut-to-studs always does.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #e2e8f0;padding:20px 0\">\n<h3 class=\"sw-fq\" style=\"font-size:16px;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#0f172a;margin:0\">Does the template handle pre-1978 lead-safe work?<\/h3>\n<div style=\"font-size:15px;color:#64748b;line-height:1.7;padding-top:12px;display:none\">Yes. The template includes a lead and asbestos line item under the Demolition section for pre-1978 housing. The EPA Lead RRP Rule requires a certified firm for renovation that disturbs painted surfaces in homes built before 1978. In addition, pre-1981 homes can trigger asbestos inspection under EPA NESHAP 40 CFR Part 61 Subpart M.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<section style=\"padding:80px 120px;background:#f8fafc;box-sizing:border-box;width:100%\">\n<h2 style=\"font-size:36px;font-weight:800;margin:0 0 32px 0;color:#0f172a\">More Free Templates for Contractors<\/h2>\n<div style=\"display:flex;gap:24px;width:100%\">\n\n<div style=\"flex:1;background:#fff;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;cursor:pointer;transition:box-shadow 0.2s\" onclick=\"window.location='\/blog\/concrete-estimate-template\/'\" onmouseover=\"this.style.boxShadow='0 4px 16px rgba(0,0,0,0.1)'\" onmouseout=\"this.style.boxShadow='none'\">\n<div style=\"background:#f1f5f9;height:160px;border-left:4px solid #64748b;padding:16px 20px;overflow:hidden;position:relative\">\n<div style=\"filter:blur(2px);opacity:0.6;transform:scale(0.95)\">\n<div style=\"font-size:7px;font-weight:700;color:#2563eb;letter-spacing:1px;margin-bottom:4px\">CONCRETE ESTIMATE<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:10px;font-weight:700;color:#0f172a;margin-bottom:6px\">Apex Concrete LLC<\/div>\n<div style=\"height:1px;background:#e2e8f0;margin:4px 0\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;justify-content:space-between;font-size:7px;color:#64748b;padding:3px 0\"><span>Ready-mix 4000 psi (8 cubic yards)<\/span><span>$1,440<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;justify-content:space-between;font-size:7px;color:#64748b;padding:3px 0\"><span>Excavate, grade, gravel base<\/span><span>$820<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;justify-content:space-between;font-size:7px;color:#64748b;padding:3px 0\"><span>Labor (3-person crew, 1 day)<\/span><span>$1,680<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"height:1px;background:#0f172a;margin:4px 0\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;justify-content:space-between;font-size:8px;font-weight:700;color:#0f172a\"><span>TOTAL<\/span><span>$5,585<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"position:absolute;bottom:0;left:0;right:0;height:40px;background:linear-gradient(transparent,#f1f5f9)\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding:20px\">\n<h3 style=\"font-size:16px;font-weight:700;margin:0 0 8px 0;color:#0f172a\">Concrete Estimate Template<\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#64748b;line-height:1.5;margin:0 0 12px 0\">Driveways, patios, and slabs with material, labor, cubic yards, and markup built in.<\/p>\n<a href=\"\/blog\/concrete-estimate-template\/\" style=\"font-size:14px;font-weight:600;color:#2563eb;text-decoration:none\">Download Free Template &rarr;<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"flex:1;background:#fff;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;cursor:pointer;transition:box-shadow 0.2s\" onclick=\"window.location='\/blog\/painting-invoice-template\/'\" onmouseover=\"this.style.boxShadow='0 4px 16px rgba(0,0,0,0.1)'\" onmouseout=\"this.style.boxShadow='none'\">\n<div style=\"background:#f1f5f9;height:160px;border-left:4px solid #f59e0b;padding:16px 20px;overflow:hidden;position:relative\">\n<div style=\"filter:blur(2px);opacity:0.6;transform:scale(0.95)\">\n<div style=\"font-size:7px;font-weight:700;color:#2563eb;letter-spacing:1px;margin-bottom:4px\">PAINTING INVOICE<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:10px;font-weight:700;color:#0f172a;margin-bottom:6px\">TrueColor Painting Co.<\/div>\n<div style=\"height:1px;background:#e2e8f0;margin:4px 0\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;justify-content:space-between;font-size:7px;color:#64748b;padding:3px 0\"><span>Interior walls, 2 coats (1,800 sf)<\/span><span>$2,700<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;justify-content:space-between;font-size:7px;color:#64748b;padding:3px 0\"><span>Trim and doors, primer + finish<\/span><span>$960<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;justify-content:space-between;font-size:7px;color:#64748b;padding:3px 0\"><span>Materials and supplies<\/span><span>$540<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"height:1px;background:#0f172a;margin:4px 0\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;justify-content:space-between;font-size:8px;font-weight:700;color:#0f172a\"><span>TOTAL<\/span><span>$4,200<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"position:absolute;bottom:0;left:0;right:0;height:40px;background:linear-gradient(transparent,#f1f5f9)\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding:20px\">\n<h3 style=\"font-size:16px;font-weight:700;margin:0 0 8px 0;color:#0f172a\">Painting Invoice Template<\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#64748b;line-height:1.5;margin:0 0 12px 0\">Interior and exterior paint jobs with coats, trim, and materials itemized for billing.<\/p>\n<a href=\"\/blog\/painting-invoice-template\/\" style=\"font-size:14px;font-weight:600;color:#2563eb;text-decoration:none\">Download Free Template &rarr;<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"flex:1;background:#fff;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;cursor:pointer;transition:box-shadow 0.2s\" onclick=\"window.location='\/blog\/construction-change-order-template\/'\" onmouseover=\"this.style.boxShadow='0 4px 16px rgba(0,0,0,0.1)'\" onmouseout=\"this.style.boxShadow='none'\">\n<div style=\"background:#f1f5f9;height:160px;border-left:4px solid #2563eb;padding:16px 20px;overflow:hidden;position:relative\">\n<div style=\"filter:blur(2px);opacity:0.6;transform:scale(0.95)\">\n<div style=\"font-size:7px;font-weight:700;color:#2563eb;letter-spacing:1px;margin-bottom:4px\">CHANGE ORDER<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:10px;font-weight:700;color:#0f172a;margin-bottom:6px\">Cornerstone Remodeling LLC<\/div>\n<div style=\"height:1px;background:#e2e8f0;margin:4px 0\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;justify-content:space-between;font-size:7px;color:#64748b;padding:3px 0\"><span>Added scope: relocate plumbing wall<\/span><span>$3,200<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;justify-content:space-between;font-size:7px;color:#64748b;padding:3px 0\"><span>Upgraded countertop selection<\/span><span>$1,850<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;justify-content:space-between;font-size:7px;color:#64748b;padding:3px 0\"><span>Schedule impact (3 days)<\/span><span>$0<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"height:1px;background:#0f172a;margin:4px 0\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;justify-content:space-between;font-size:8px;font-weight:700;color:#0f172a\"><span>CHANGE TOTAL<\/span><span>$5,050<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"position:absolute;bottom:0;left:0;right:0;height:40px;background:linear-gradient(transparent,#f1f5f9)\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding:20px\">\n<h3 style=\"font-size:16px;font-weight:700;margin:0 0 8px 0;color:#0f172a\">Construction Change Order Template<\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#64748b;line-height:1.5;margin:0 0 12px 0\">Scope changes, cost adjustments, and schedule impacts documented and signed mid-project.<\/p>\n<a href=\"\/blog\/construction-change-order-template\/\" style=\"font-size:14px;font-weight:600;color:#2563eb;text-decoration:none\">Download Free Template &rarr;<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<section style=\"background:#0f172a;text-align:center;padding:80px 120px;box-sizing:border-box;width:100%\">\n<h2 style=\"font-size:36px;font-weight:800;color:#fff;margin:0 0 16px 0\">Ready to save hours on every remodeling estimate?<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:16px;color:#94a3b8;margin:0 0 32px 0\">Finally, pair the free remodeling estimate template above with the SimplyWise Cost Estimator. As a result, a jobsite photo turns into a trade-sectioned, contractor-ready estimate in seconds. Of course, free to try, no credit card required.<\/p>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/swcostestimator.app.link\/ce-ai\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#2563eb;color:#fff;padding:16px 32px;border-radius:8px;font-size:16px;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none\">Try the SimplyWise Cost Estimator free &rarr;<\/a>\n<\/section>\n\n<div style=\"background:#0f172a;padding:40px 120px;border-top:1px solid #1e293b;display:flex;justify-content:space-between;align-items:center;box-sizing:border-box;width:100%\">\n<div style=\"font-size:20px;font-weight:700;color:#fff\">SimplyWise<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;gap:24px\">\n<a href=\"\/blog\/\" style=\"font-size:14px;color:#94a3b8;text-decoration:none\">Templates<\/a>\n<a href=\"\/blog\/\" style=\"font-size:14px;color:#94a3b8;text-decoration:none\">Blog<\/a>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/simplywise.com\/privacy\" style=\"font-size:14px;color:#94a3b8;text-decoration:none\">Privacy<\/a>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/simplywise.com\/terms\" style=\"font-size:14px;color:#94a3b8;text-decoration:none\">Terms<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align:center;padding:16px 120px;background:#0f172a;font-size:12px;color:#475569;border-top:1px solid #1e293b;box-sizing:border-box;width:100%\">&copy; 2026 SimplyWise. All rights reserved.<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"Article\",\n  \"headline\": \"Free Remodeling Estimate Template (Excel + PDF), 2026 Contractor Guide\",\n  \"description\": \"Free remodeling estimate template for contractors, sectioned by trade. Download PDF, Excel, or Google Sheets. 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Plus a cover sheet, schedule, allowances, exclusions, and signature block.\"}},\n    {\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What gross margin should a remodeling estimate target?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The NAHB Remodelers' Cost of Doing Business 2026 edition (FY2024 data) reports a 29.9 percent industry-average gross profit margin. To hit it, divide cost of sales by 0.701, which produces roughly a 1.43 times markup on cost.\"}},\n    {\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Does the template work for kitchen and bath remodels?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes. Kitchen and bath remodels use the same eight trade sections; the contractor adjusts line items per scope. Per the Remodeling 2024 Cost vs Value Report, national-average mid-range kitchen remodels run $77,939 and mid-range bath remodels $25,251.\"}},\n    {\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How much contingency should I add to a remodeling estimate?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Size contingency to the scope tier: 5 to 8 percent on a cosmetic refresh, 8 to 12 percent on a full replacement, and 12 to 20 percent on a gut-to-studs. Use the upper end on pre-1978 homes where lead and structural settlement risk is statistically higher.\"}},\n    {\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What file formats can I download this remodeling estimate template in?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"PDF for sending to clients, Excel for editing and formula-driven calculations, and Google Sheets for cloud-based collaboration. All three formats are free, no signup required.\"}},\n    {\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How is the SimplyWise Cost Estimator different from this free template?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The free template is a static spreadsheet. The SimplyWise Cost Estimator turns a jobsite photo into a trade-sectioned estimate in seconds, pulls current material pricing, and exports a branded PDF. SimplyWise is free to try with no credit card required, and paid plans start from $15 per month.\"}},\n    {\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Do I need a permit for a remodel?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Most jurisdictions require a residential alteration permit for any work that touches structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems. The International Code Council reports a typical plan-review window of 14 to 28 calendar days. Cosmetic refreshes often do not require a permit; gut-to-studs always does.\"}},\n    {\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Does the template handle pre-1978 lead-safe work?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The template includes a lead and asbestos line item under the Demolition section for pre-1978 housing. EPA's Lead RRP Rule requires a certified firm for renovation that disturbs painted surfaces in homes built before 1978. Pre-1981 homes can also trigger asbestos inspection under EPA NESHAP 40 CFR Part 61 Subpart M.\"}}\n  ]\n}\n<\/script>\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"HowTo\",\n  \"name\": \"How to Write a Remodeling Estimate in 5 Steps\",\n  \"description\": \"Step-by-step process for writing a professional remodeling contractor estimate using a free template.\",\n  \"totalTime\": \"PT45M\",\n  \"step\": [\n    {\"@type\":\"HowToStep\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Walk the site and classify the scope tier\",\"text\":\"Document each room and surface keep, repair, or replace, then classify the project as cosmetic refresh, full replacement, or gut-to-studs.\"},\n    {\"@type\":\"HowToStep\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Fill the trade sections with quantity take-offs\",\"text\":\"Move section by section through demolition, plumbing, electrical, drywall, flooring, paint, finish carpentry, and fixtures, entering quantities in the units each section asks for.\"},\n    {\"@type\":\"HowToStep\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Apply current unit costs and waste factors\",\"text\":\"Pull material unit costs from current supplier sheets and apply waste factor by trade: 8 to 12 percent for flooring and drywall, 15 percent for tile.\"},\n    {\"@type\":\"HowToStep\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"Load labor at a billable rate\",\"text\":\"Use BLS median wages as the floor, then add burden of 25 to 40 percent, then overhead and margin to reach the billable rate the template applies to labor hours.\"},\n    {\"@type\":\"HowToStep\",\"position\":5,\"name\":\"Add overhead, contingency, and margin to hit the bid total\",\"text\":\"Allocate 23.6 percent operating expenses per NAHB, add scope-tier contingency, then divide cost of sales by 0.701 for a roughly 1.43 times markup to land the 29.9 percent gross margin.\"}\n  ]\n}\n<\/script>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Templates &nbsp;&gt;&nbsp; Remodeling &nbsp;&gt;&nbsp; Estimate Template Free Remodeling Estimate Template A contractor-ready remodeling estimate template, sectioned by trade, with demo, plumbing, electrical, flooring, paint, contingency, and markup built in. Then download it instantly in PDF, Excel, or Google Sheets. Finally, fill it out in under 30 minutes. Download PDF Excel Google Sheets No signup required. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[177],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6199","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-free-templates"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Remodeling Estimate Template: Free Excel + PDF 2026<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Free remodeling estimate template sectioned by trade. 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