Free Contractor Quote Template
Contractors quote because renovation work involves both labour and materials, and material prices change. A detailed quote protects both sides by itemising what is included, what subcontractors are involved, and how price variations for materials will be handled.
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How does a contractor write a quote?
A contractor quote sets out the planned work, the materials, and the price before the job starts, such as a kitchen renovation. List labour, materials, and site clearance separately, and note what hidden conditions could change the figure. The customer approves the scope first, and the price stays an estimate until accepted.
Typical line items
- Kitchen renovation labour
- Materials and supplies
- Trade subcontractors (plumbing, electrical)
- Site clearance and waste disposal
- Permits and inspections (estimated)
- Fixtures and fittings
- Estimated labour hours or days
- Contingency for hidden conditions
How the work is charged
Contractors usually quote a fixed price for a defined job, with labour, materials, and subcontractors itemised. A contingency line covers what is found once work opens up.
Payment terms and deposits
A quote commonly proposes a deposit toward materials, staged payments through the job, and a final balance on completion. The price holds for a stated period and is an estimate until accepted, so note what a site change would alter.
Tax and compliance
If you are registered for sales tax or VAT, show it as a separate line with your registration number. Permit and licensing rules differ by area, so confirm what applies before the work begins.
Frequently asked questions
What should a contractor's quote include?
A professional contractor quote lists labour costs, materials (specified by brand and grade), subcontractors being used, a project timeline, payment terms (stage payments are standard for larger jobs), and a variation clause explaining how changes to scope will be priced. Vague quotes cause most contractor disputes.
How do contractors handle material price increases after quoting?
Many contractor quotes are valid for 30 days due to material price volatility. If the client doesn't proceed within that window, you can requote. For longer projects, include a variation clause that allows you to adjust the materials cost if supplier prices increase by more than a fixed percentage (typically 5% to 10%).
Should contractors quote labour and materials separately?
Yes, for transparency. Some clients want to supply their own materials; others want you to procure everything. Quoting labour and materials as separate line items lets the client make an informed choice. It also protects you if a client supplies low-quality materials and then disputes the finished result.
Related quote templates
Read the complete quoting guide to see how to price a job and turn an accepted quote into an invoice.
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