What Is a Construction Quote?
A construction quote gives a written price for a specific scope of work. Contractors prepare it once the job details are defined, including materials, labor, and any design or engineering tasks needed for the project. The goal is to put pricing in writing before work begins, so both sides understand what the job will cost and what the price covers.
Unlike early-stage pricing conversations, a quote relies on confirmed plans and specifications. Contractors base the number on real inputs, such as labor hours, material costs, and required services, rather than broad assumptions. That makes a quote more dependable once both parties agree on the scope.
Construction Quote vs. Estimate
An estimate offers a rough price when project details are still uncertain. A quote comes later, once the scope and materials are defined.
When to Use a Construction Quote
A construction quote works best once the project details are mostly settled and pricing needs to move from conversation to documentation. In these situations, putting the terms in writing helps keep everyone aligned before work begins, especially:
- Before starting any paid construction work.
- When a client asks for pricing in writing to approve the job or compare bids.
- When the project includes multiple tasks, phases, or trades, it is necessary to have clear boundaries.
- Permits, zoning rules, or licensing requirements may affect cost or timing.
A construction quote gives both the contractor and the client a clear point of reference before materials are ordered or work begins. Once pricing is approved, many contractors move the details into a formal agreement using a construction contract.
Benefits of Using a Construction Quote
- Defines what work is covered and the total price
- Helps avoid issues once construction begins
- Sets clear boundaries around the scope to limit added work later
- Provides a written record of labor and material pricing for reference
How to Write a Construction Quote
A strong construction quote breaks the job into measurable parts, not just a lump sum. These steps help record the work, costs, and conditions tied to the job site.
- Include the job site address. State the exact location where the work will occur. The job site affects permits, taxes, access, and travel-related costs.
- Describe the work in one clear sentence. State the construction task being performed, such as demolition, framing, or installation. Avoid describing the finished result.
- Break the work into phases, if needed. If the job runs in stages, separate the work into defined phases and include estimated start and end dates.
- List materials with quantities and pricing. Identify each material, the quantity required, and the unit price. Limit materials to what will be used at the job site.
- Outline labor pricing. List the crews or trades involved, expected duration, and whether pricing is hourly or flat rate.
- Add job-related costs outside labor and materials. Include items like dumpsters, equipment rentals, cleanup, or temporary site services.
- Show taxes as a separate line. Apply tax only when required based on the job type and location.
- State the quote’s validity period. Note how many days the price remains fixed, especially when material costs may change.
- Add a notice period for changes. Explain how much notice is required before scope or pricing adjustments apply.
- Include job-specific terms. Address exclusions, permit responsibility, inspections, site access, or site conditions that may affect the work.
Following these steps helps keep your construction quote aligned with the work being priced. Once you’re ready to put it together, Legal Templates gives you a structured construction quote you can customize and send.
If payment will be made over time, a payment agreement helps document the schedule. Once the work is completed, contractors typically send a construction invoice to request payment.
Common Construction Quote Mistakes to Avoid
Construction quotes usually fall apart when pricing doesn’t line up with how the job will actually run. These mistakes often seem small at first, but can cause problems once work begins, especially when quotes include things like:
- Using vague scope descriptions that don’t clearly state what work is included or excluded.
- Skipping details on materials, finishes, or systems makes pricing unreliable and leads to change requests.
- Overlooking permit or licensing requirements, even when local rules override contract terms.
- Underpricing by missing real cost drivers, such as labor, materials, or engineering-related work.
- Leaving out assumptions or exclusions, causing clients to expect work that was never priced.
- Sending a quote without clear approval or acceptance terms makes it harder to confirm when pricing is locked in.
Catching these issues early helps keep the quote grounded in the real work. And when project details change after approval, a construction change order helps document the updated scope and pricing.
Construction costs vary quite a bit from one part of a job to another. Major systems and interior finishes often take up a large share of the total cost. Keep allowances tight and specific, or pricing can unravel quickly once work starts.
Construction Quote Sample
View the construction quote sample below, then customize and download the template in Word or PDF.
