Proper Estimate

Free estimate template

Fill in your estimate here and it adds up as you type. Print it or save it as a PDF when it's ready. Your details stay in your browser.

Your business

The first line prints as your business name. Saved for your next estimate.

Logo (optional)

PNG, JPG or SVG. It stays on your device.

Customer and job

Line items

Line 1

Amount $0.00

Tax and notes

On the whole subtotal. Leave at 0 if you don't charge it.

Payment terms, deposit, what's not included.

Your business name

Address, phone, email, license number

Estimate

Estimate no.
1001

Prepared for

Customer name and address

DescriptionQtyUnitPriceAmount
Your line items appear here
Subtotal
$0.00
Total
$0.00

Notes

This estimate is based on the measurements and prices above and is valid for the period shown. Changes to the work or to material prices may change the total.

Accepted by

Date

Made with properestimate.com

How to use this estimate template

  1. Add your business name and details, and your logo if you have one. They're saved for next time.
  2. Add the customer and a short description of the job.
  3. Add a line for each material and each part of the labor, with the quantity, unit and price. The template multiplies and adds up as you type. Or start from the deck calculator, which fills in every line for you.
  4. Set the sales tax if you charge it, and write your terms in the notes.
  5. Click "Print or save as PDF" and send the PDF to your customer.

What to put on an estimate

  • Your details: business name, phone, email, and license number if your state requires one.
  • The customer and the job: who it's for, where, and what the work includes.
  • Itemized materials and labor: quantities and prices make the total easy to trust and easy to adjust when the customer changes their mind.
  • Subtotal, tax and total.
  • How long the price holds, payment terms such as a deposit, and anything not included, like permits or removing an old structure.
  • A place to sign so the customer can accept it.

Pricing a construction estimate

Count the materials first; the calculators on this site give exact quantities for decks, footings, stairs, railings and concrete. Price them at your supplier's cost plus your markup, then add labor by the hour, by the square foot or by the job. Many contractors add a contingency for surprises on older houses, and list it as its own line so the customer can see it.

Questions

Is this estimate template really free?

Yes. There is no sign-up, no watermark you have to pay to remove and no limit on how many estimates you make. The small "Made with properestimate.com" line can be switched off.

How do I save the estimate as a PDF?

Click "Print or save as PDF" and choose "Save as PDF" (or "Microsoft Print to PDF" on Windows) as the printer. On a phone, use the share button in the print screen. Only the estimate prints, without the rest of this page.

Is what I type private?

Yes. Everything stays in your browser: nothing is sent to us. Your draft is saved on your own device so it's still there next time; "Clear" removes it.

Can I start from a materials list?

Yes. In the deck calculator or the deck cost calculator, click "Turn this into an estimate": every material and labor line comes across with its quantity and price, ready to edit.

How long should an estimate be valid?

Thirty days is common, because material prices move. Set your own period under "Valid for"; the template prints the date it runs out.

What is the difference between an estimate and a quote?

An estimate is your best calculation of what the job will cost and can change if the work changes. A quote is usually a fixed price for a defined scope. Many contractors use the words loosely, so say on the document which one it is and what it includes.