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Contractor Estimate Example

By Nolan · Updated October 5, 2026

This example estimate prices a 16 × 20 ft composite deck. It shows how to handle choices the customer hasn't made yet with an allowance, what to put in the exclusions, and how to ask for a deposit before you order materials.

Contractor Estimate Example: a completed sample with line items, totals and terms — Sample document — the business, customer and prices are fictional.

What does each part of this estimate do?

1. Project title and job site

A short project title ("Backyard composite deck") tells the customer at a glance which estimate this is — useful when they are comparing three contractors.

2. Scope broken into steps

Permits, footings, framing, decking, railing and stairs are separate lines. If the customer wants to drop the stairs or upgrade the railing, you can revise one line instead of re-pricing the job.

3. Allowance for undecided items

Lighting is carried as an allowance because the customer hasn't picked fixtures. If they choose something more expensive, the difference is added by change order — and they knew that from day one.

4. Deposit to start

A 30% deposit covers material orders. Showing the dollar amount, not just the percentage, removes any doubt about what to pay to get on the schedule.

5. Valid-until date

Lumber and composite prices move, so the estimate is valid for 30 days. After that you can re-check supplier prices before committing.

6. Exclusions in the notes

Moving the hot tub, landscaping repairs and staining are listed as excluded. Writing exclusions down is the cheapest way to avoid a dispute at the end of the job.

7. Signature line

The customer signs and dates the estimate to approve it. On HardHat Quote Pro they can do this online from the link you send.

Edit this example

Change the names and prices to yours and download a PDF. Starting from scratch? Use the blank contractor estimate template or read how contractor jobs are priced.

Ridgeline Renovations (sample)

2210 Industrial Way, Springfield
(555) 014-2290
office@ridgeline.example
License CB-000000 (example)

Estimate

No. EST-1182

Date Sep 21, 2026

Valid until Oct 21, 2026

Prepared for

Dana Whitfield
77 Maple Avenue, Springfield
dana@example.com

Job

Backyard composite deck (16 × 20 ft)
77 Maple Avenue, Springfield

Description	Qty	Rate	Amount
Permit drawings and building permit no tax 1 ea × $620.00	1 ea	$620.00	$620.00
Concrete footings (12) and post bases 12 ea × $165.00	12 ea	$165.00	$1,980.00
Pressure-treated framing, joist tape and hangers 320 sq ft × $14.00	320 sq ft	$14.00	$4,480.00
Composite decking, hidden fasteners, installed 320 sq ft × $22.00	320 sq ft	$22.00	$7,040.00
Aluminum railing with balusters 44 ft × $68.00	44 ft	$68.00	$2,992.00
Stairs (4 risers) with matching railing 1 ea × $1,450.00	1 ea	$1,450.00	$1,450.00
Deck lighting allowance 1 ea × $600.00	1 ea	$600.00	$600.00

Subtotal$19,162.00

Tax (6%)$1,112.52

Total$20,274.52

Deposit to start$6,082.36

Notes

Excluded: moving the hot tub, landscaping or sod repair, staining. Lighting is an allowance — final fixtures are billed at actual cost. Sample document — the business, customer and prices are fictional.

Terms

This estimate is valid until the date shown above. Work is scheduled once the deposit is received. Changes to the scope are priced by written change order.

Customer signature

Date

More filled-in examples

Sources

15 U.S. Code § 7001 (ESIGN Act) — Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School. Under federal law, a signature or contract can't be denied legal effect just because it is electronic.