What to include in a contractor quote

The checklist

1. 1Who you areBusiness name, phone, email, and your license number where your trade or area requires one.
2. 2Who it's for, and whereThe customer's name and the job's address. A quote number helps when they call about it.
3. 3The scope, in a sentence or twoWhat you'll do, in plain words. 'Replace the 50-gallon gas water heater in the basement' beats 'water heater'.
4. 4Itemized linesLabor, materials, equipment and fees on their own lines, with quantities and units. Group them in sections for bigger jobs.
5. 5Options and add-onsIf there's a choice, show it on the quote with each price, rather than sending two quotes.
6. 6What's not includedSay what you're leaving out, such as patching and painting after electrical work, or hauling away old fixtures. Most disputes start here.
7. 7AllowancesWhere the customer picks materials later, give an allowance and say the final cost adjusts to their selection.
8. 8Tax, deposit and payment termsTax on the lines it applies to, the deposit due to book the job, and when the rest is due.
9. 9How long the price holdsAn expiry date. Material prices move, and a date gives your last follow-up a reason.
10. 10How to acceptOne clear way to say yes, ideally a signature or an accept button, not 'call me'.

Estimate or quote?

People use the words loosely. Usually an estimate is your best guess at the cost, and a quote is a price for a defined scope of work. Whatever you call it, say on the document whether the price is fixed and what would change it. Rules on written estimates differ by state and country, so check yours for anything specific to your trade.