What is in the contractor quote template
- Word (.docx): printable quote with scope, line items, terms and acceptance. Opens in Word and Google Docs.
- Excel (.xlsx): line totals, tax and total calculated, plus a filled example tab. Opens in Excel, Google Sheets and Numbers.
No sign-up and no email address. The files are yours to edit and reuse.
Contractor quote template fields
Header: company name, address, phone or email, license number, logo.
Quote details: quote number, date, valid until.
Customer: name, billing address, job address, and property owner if different.
Scope of work: two to five plain sentences: what, where, to what finish.
Line items: description, quantity, unit, unit price, line total (calculated).
Totals: subtotal, sales tax rate and amount, quote total (calculated).
Exclusions: what the price does not include.
Payment terms: deposit, progress payments, final payment, accepted methods.
Acceptance: customer signature, printed name and date.
Filled-in quote example
The example tab shows a fictional small interior job. Quantities come from your walk-through or the plans; you enter unit prices, and Excel calculates the line totals, tax and quote total.
How to fill in each field
- Quote number: unique, so you can refer to it when the customer accepts or asks for changes.
- Valid until: a period your supplier prices can support, such as 30 days.
- Customer and job address: if the payer and property owner differ, name both.
- Scope: plain words, specific rooms or areas, finish level.
- Tax: tax rules for labor and materials differ by state, so check yours.
- Exclusions: permits, patching outside the work area, hidden conditions.
- Payment terms: deposit, progress and final payments, and methods.
- Acceptance: a signed quote is the simplest record you both agreed on scope and price.
Short on time? Bidmere can do this for you. Trade estimates from $195, ready in 48 hours. See construction estimating services or get a fixed quote.
How to use the quote template, step by step
- Walk the job or read the plans, then write the scope in plain words the customer will understand.
- List and price each line from your costs plus markup.
- Set tax, payment terms and validity.
- List exclusions so nothing is assumed.
- Save as PDF, send it, and file the signed copy with the job.
Exclusions to consider on every quote
- Permits and inspection fees.
- Patching or painting outside the work area.
- Hidden conditions behind walls, floors or ceilings.
- Hazardous material testing or removal.
- Moving furniture or contents.
- Disposal of customer-owned items.
- Work by other trades.
Quote vs estimate vs bid
A quote is a fixed price offer for a defined scope. An estimate is an approximate cost that can move as you learn more; build it in the construction estimate template. A bid answers a formal invitation with its own form, deadline and rules; use the bid sheet template or the bid proposal template.
Rather have the number built for you?
Send the plans. Bidmere measures the quantities and prices them at your rates, ready for your quote. Single-trade estimates are priced from $195 in 48 hours, and you get a fixed quote for the work within 2 business hours.
Worked example
| Line item | Qty | Unit | Unit price | Line total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remove and dispose of existing doors | 3 | EA | your price | qty x unit price |
| Supply and hang pre-hung interior door, 30 in | 3 | EA | your price | qty x unit price |
| Install customer-supplied door hardware | 3 | EA | your price | qty x unit price |
| Paint hallway walls, two coats | 420 | SF | your price | qty x unit price |
| Subtotal | sum of line totals | |||
| Sales tax | your rate | subtotal x tax rate | ||
| Quote total | subtotal + sales tax |
Fictional example: small interior job quote
Frequently asked questions
Is this contractor quote template free to use?
Yes. Download the Word and Excel files with no sign-up and no email address. Edit them with your company details and reuse them for every job. The Excel file includes a filled example tab so you can see the totals calculate before you enter your own job.
Can I open the quote template in Google Docs or Google Sheets?
Yes. Upload the Word file to Google Drive and open it with Google Docs, or open the Excel file with Google Sheets. The formulas use only standard functions, so line totals, tax and the quote total keep calculating in Google Sheets.
How long should a contractor quote be valid?
Long enough for the customer to decide, short enough that your material prices still hold. Many contractors use 30 days. Print the expiry date on the quote, and requote if the customer accepts after it passes, especially when material prices are moving.
What is the difference between a quote and an estimate?
A quote is a fixed price for a defined scope; once accepted, that is the price unless the scope changes. An estimate is an approximate cost that can change as you learn more. Many contractors build the estimate first, then send the price on a quote.
Should a quote include a deposit?
That is your business decision, and some states regulate deposits on home improvement work, so check your state’s rules. If you take one, state the amount, when it is due and what it covers. Put the full payment schedule in the payment terms so there are no surprises.
Should line items show unit prices or just totals?
Either works. Unit prices help the customer see what changes if quantities change, and make change orders easier. Totals only keep the quote simpler and protect your pricing detail. The Excel template calculates both; hide the unit price column in the Word version if you prefer totals.
Is a signed quote a contract?
A signed quote is a record that the customer accepted your scope and price, and in many cases it can form an agreement. Contract rules vary by state, especially for home improvement work. For larger jobs, use a written contract that references the quote, and check your state’s requirements.
Can you price the job for me?
Yes. Bidmere measures the quantities from your plans and prices them at your rates, ready for you to put on your quote. Single-trade estimates are priced from $195 and are ready in 48 hours. You get a fixed price within 2 business hours and pay after you accept.
Link to this template
Teaching estimating, running a trade association or keeping a resources page for contractors? You are welcome to link to this free template. Copy the link below into your page’s HTML.