Create professional contractor quotes in minutes. Define scope, set rates, and get client approval before starting work.
A contractor quote is a formal estimate issued to a client before work begins. It sets out the scope, deliverables, rates, and terms so both parties agree on what will be done and at what cost. A well-written quote protects both sides: the client knows what they are paying for, and the contractor has a documented basis for the work and invoice that follows. Once accepted, the quote typically converts into a confirmed booking or contract, and later into an invoice when the work is complete.
| Service | Typical Rate | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| General Labor | $65 - $120 | per hour |
| Framing and Rough Carpentry | $75 - $130 | per hour |
| Lumber and Framing Materials | cost + 15-25% | per job |
| Subcontractor (Electrical) | $800 - $2,500 | per job |
| Permit and Inspection Fees | $150 - $1,500 | per permit |
| Project Management Fee | 10-15% of project total | per project |
Before sending a contractor quote, have a clear conversation with the client about what they need, any constraints, and their budget. Break the work into specific deliverables so the quote is easy to understand and hard to dispute later. Attach a validity period (14 or 30 days is standard) so stale quotes do not turn into unexpected commitments. If the scope is uncertain, either quote a fixed scope with change-order pricing, or use a day rate with a ceiling. Clarify what the quote does not cover: materials, third-party fees, rush surcharges. Ask for written acceptance before starting work. For larger projects, request a deposit (typically 25 to 50 percent) to lock in the schedule. When work is complete, convert the accepted quote into an invoice so the numbers match and the audit trail is clean.