A client wants a quote by tomorrow. You could spend 45 minutes formatting a spreadsheet from scratch — or you could use a template that already has the structure, line items, and payment terms built in.
We put together three free, fully editable quote templates for the most common residential projects. They open in Excel and Google Sheets, and every field is editable — swap in your company name, adjust the line items, change the prices, and send it out.
Below, we break down what makes a quote effective, walk through each template, and show you what to include (and what to leave out) so you actually win the job.
Download the Free Templates
Three project-specific templates, ready to use:
| Template | Project Type | Example Total | Download |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bathroom Remodel | Full primary bath renovation | $18,985 | Download (.xls) |
| Kitchen Renovation | Complete kitchen gut + rebuild | $30,988 | Download (.xls) |
| Deck Build | 320 sq ft composite deck | $14,045 | Download (.xls) |
Each template includes: company header, client info, scope of work, categorized line items with quantities and unit prices, totals, payment schedule, terms and conditions, and signature lines.
How to use: Download the .xls file → open in Excel or upload to Google Sheets → replace the example data with your own → save as PDF → send to client.
Quote vs. Estimate vs. Invoice — Know the Difference
These three documents get confused constantly. Here's the quick version:
| Quote | Estimate | Invoice | |
|---|---|---|---|
| When | Before the job, fixed price | Before the job, approximate | After the work is done |
| Binding? | Yes (within validity period) | No — can change | Yes — payment due |
| Purpose | Win the job with a firm price | Give a ballpark before details are known | Request payment for completed work |
For a deeper dive, check out our guides on how to write a construction quote, how to estimate construction costs, and how to write a construction invoice.
What Every Construction Quote Should Include
A professional quote isn't just a price on a page. It's the document that either builds trust or raises red flags. Here's the checklist:
1. Your Company Information
- Company name and logo
- Address, phone, email
- License number and insurance status
This is the first thing a client sees. If it looks sloppy or incomplete, they're already comparing you unfavorably to the next contractor.
2. Client and Project Details
- Client name and contact info
- Project address (if different from client address)
- Quote number, date, and validity period
3. Scope of Work
A short paragraph describing what you will do. This protects both sides. If the client later says "I thought you were doing X," you point to the scope.
Good scope: "Complete remodel of the primary bathroom including demolition of existing fixtures, new plumbing rough-in, electrical upgrades, tile installation (floor + shower walls), vanity with dual sinks, freestanding bathtub, frameless glass shower enclosure, and all finish work including paint."
4. Categorized Line Items
Group your line items by trade or phase — demolition, plumbing, electrical, finishes, etc. For each item include:
- Description — What you're doing or installing
- Details — Brand, model, material, finish
- Quantity — Square feet, linear feet, each, lot
- Unit price — Price per unit
- Line total — Quantity x unit price
Never write "Bathroom renovation — $18,000." That tells the client nothing and invites questions. Detailed breakdowns build confidence.
5. Totals
Subtotal, plus any additional costs (permits, dumpster, general conditions), then the grand total. Keep the math visible and simple.
6. Payment Schedule
Define when you get paid. Common structures:
- Small jobs (under $5K): 50% deposit, 50% on completion
- Medium jobs ($5K–$25K): 30/40/30 (signing, rough-in, completion)
- Large jobs ($25K+): 25/25/25/25 tied to milestones
7. Terms and Conditions
Cover the basics: quote validity period, change order process, warranty, late payment policy, and anything project-specific (access requirements, client responsibilities, etc.).
8. Signature Lines
For both contractor and client. A signed quote becomes a basic contract. Include date lines.
Template Breakdown: Bathroom Remodel ($18,985)
This is the most requested residential quote. Our template breaks the job into five categories:
| Category | Cost | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition & Prep | $1,650 | 9% |
| Plumbing | $3,600 | 19% |
| Electrical | $1,600 | 8% |
| Tile & Surfaces | $4,230 | 22% |
| Fixtures & Finishes | $7,080 | 37% |
| Permits + Dumpster | $825 | 5% |
Fixtures and finishes are always the largest chunk in a bathroom remodel. That's where the client's choices (freestanding tub vs. alcove tub, frameless glass vs. curtain) swing the total the most.
Template Breakdown: Kitchen Renovation ($30,988)
Kitchens have more moving parts than any other room. This template covers:
- Cabinetry ($11,210) — the single biggest line item. Custom shaker cabinets with soft-close, plus installation labor.
- Countertops + backsplash ($5,171) — quartz with herringbone tile.
- Plumbing ($1,450) — sink, dishwasher, gas line for range.
- Electrical ($2,555) — under-cabinet lighting, recessed cans, dedicated circuits.
- Flooring + finishes ($4,625) — engineered hardwood, paint, appliance install.
- Overhead ($3,527) — general conditions, permits, dumpster.
Notice the 8% general conditions line. On larger projects, it's standard to include project management overhead as a separate line item rather than hiding it in your markup.
Template Breakdown: Deck Build ($14,045)
Decks are one of the most profitable residential projects when priced correctly. This template splits materials from labor clearly:
- Foundation ($2,207) — footings, brackets, grading
- Framing ($2,637) — ledger, beams, joists, posts, blocking
- Decking + finish ($5,216) — composite boards, fasteners, fascia
- Railing + stairs ($4,100) — aluminum railing, LED caps, stairs
The materials-to-labor split is shown in the totals section. This is helpful for clients who want to understand where their money goes, and for you when tracking job costs.
5 Tips for Quotes That Win Jobs
- Send it fast. The first professional quote usually wins. If you walked the job today, send the quote today — or tomorrow morning at the latest.
- Be specific about materials. "Tile — $2,420" is vague. "Subway tile — porcelain, 3x12, matte white, 110 sq ft at $22/sf installed" tells the client exactly what they're getting.
- Include what's NOT included. A one-line exclusions note prevents scope disputes. Example: "This quote does not include appliance purchases, furniture moving, or landscaping repair."
- Add a validity period. 30 days is standard. Material prices change, and you don't want a client accepting a quote you sent six months ago.
- Follow up. If you haven't heard back in 3–4 days, send a short follow-up. Half the time they just forgot — not because they went with someone else.
When Templates Aren't Enough
Templates work great when you're doing a few quotes a week. But if you're quoting multiple projects a day, the copy-paste-edit cycle starts eating into your evenings.
That's exactly why we built PlanUpPro. Describe the job in plain English — "320 sq ft composite deck with aluminum railing and stairs" — and get a branded, professional quote with line items, pricing, and terms in 30 seconds. No spreadsheets, no formatting, no starting from scratch every time.