Free estimate template
Estimate template: a price they can say yes to.
A painter's estimate for three rooms: prep, walls by the square foot, trim, and materials with tax, valid for 30 days. Change it to your job and download the PDF.
- 30 days
- a common validity period
- By the unit
- square feet, rooms, hours: whatever you price by
- Deposit
- say what books the start date
The lines on this estimate, and why
| Line | What it tells your client |
|---|---|
| Prep and repairs | The work nobody sees and everybody needs, priced on its own so it isn't cut. |
| Painting: walls | Priced by the unit you measure: square feet, rooms, or hours. Unit prices let the client change the scope without a new quote. |
| Paint and supplies | Materials on their own line, taxed where your state taxes them. |
Estimate, quote or bid?
An estimate is your best price for the work described; a quote is usually a fixed price; a bid answers a request with a fixed price. Whatever you call it, state what's included, and how changes are priced.
Give it an end date
Prices for materials move. "Valid until" protects you and gives the client a reason to decide.
From yes to invoice
When the client accepts, the estimate becomes the first invoice or the deposit invoice. In BillGrid that's one click, and the client can approve the estimate online.
Wording you can copy
This estimate is valid for 30 days. A 30% deposit books your start date; the balance is due on completion. Changes to the scope are quoted in writing before work begins.
Questions
Is an estimate legally binding?
Usually not on its own, but once accepted it can become part of the contract. Write what it covers and how changes are handled.
Should I charge for an estimate?
Most trades quote small jobs free; for big or design-heavy work, a paid assessment is common.
Can I turn this estimate into an invoice?
In the free generator, switch Estimate to Invoice and download again. In BillGrid, an approved estimate becomes an invoice in one click.
Sources: Invoice Simple: estimate vs invoice
Written by the BillGrid team. Checked .
