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Free Estimate Template
An estimate is your best guess at what a job will cost. Fill it in below and download the PDF.
What an estimate should say
- The work, described plainly
- Your expected cost for each part and the total
- What could make the cost go up or down
- How long the estimate is good for
- What happens next if the client accepts
Estimate or quote?
In most trades an estimate can change and a quote is a fixed price, though some people use the words interchangeably, so label the document. See estimate vs quote, and how to give an estimate.
Questions
- Can the final bill be higher than the estimate?
- It can if the work turns out bigger, but many places limit how far over an estimate you can go without the customer agreeing first. Tell them in writing before you pass it.
- Do I give a free estimate?
- Many do, for simple jobs. If a site visit is charged, say so before you go.