Your estimate is a sales document, not paperwork
The estimate is often the only thing a client sees before deciding whether to hire you. A clear, professional estimate wins jobs that a scribbled number on the back of a business card loses — even at a higher price. Treat it like the pitch it is.
What every estimate should include
A strong estimate has your business name and license number, the client and job address, a clear scope of work, an itemized breakdown of labor and materials, the total, a validity period, and space for the client to approve. Itemizing shows the client what they're paying for and heads off “why so much?” before it starts.
Price it to win — and still make money
Don't just guess a number. Add up your material costs and labor hours, then apply your markup so the job hits your target profit margin. Markup and margin aren't the same thing — see how to price a job. Underpricing to win work is the fastest way to stay busy and broke.
Protect yourself: validity, deposits, and change orders
Put an expiration on the estimate (“valid for 30 days”) so rising material costs don't eat your margin. Request a deposit on larger jobs to cover materials and hold the schedule. And spell out what triggers a change order — hidden damage, added scope — so a surprise doesn't become an argument.
Send it fast, follow up faster
The contractor who sends the estimate first often wins. Build it on-site and send it before you leave. Use the free estimate generator to itemize the work and download a clean PDF, or download BIG INVOICE to send estimates from your phone, request a deposit, and convert an approved estimate straight to an invoice when the job's done.