Builder's Estimate Template | Free UK Construction Quote Examples

Builder’s Estimate and Quote Templates

A professional builder’s estimate is one of the most important documents you’ll produce. It sets expectations, protects you legally, and — when done well — helps you win the job.

EasyEstimate gives every user professional estimate and quotation templates built in. Produce client-ready pricing documents in minutes, export to Word or PDF, and send directly to your customer.

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What Should a Builder’s Estimate Include?

A professional UK builder’s estimate should cover all of the following:

1. Your business details Company name, address, phone number, email, and any trade association memberships (FMB, NICEIC, Gas Safe etc.). These build trust and are legally required for contracts over a certain value.

2. Customer details and site address Full name, contact details and the property address where the work will be carried out.

3. Unique estimate reference number and date Helps you track, version and follow up on estimates. Always include an issue date.

4. Itemised scope of work Break down every element of the job — labour, materials, plant hire, and sub-contracted work. Clients appreciate transparency and it protects you if the scope changes.

5. Material costs List key materials with quantities and prices. Using live material prices from UK merchants (Jewson, Travis Perkins, Selco etc.) keeps your estimates accurate and competitive.

6. Labour rates State your day rates or hourly rates, and show the number of days/hours estimated per trade. This is often the area where builders undersell themselves.

7. VAT status Clearly state whether prices are inclusive or exclusive of VAT, and your VAT registration number if applicable.

8. Payment terms Include your deposit requirements, stage payment schedule, and final payment terms. Net 30 is standard; many builders require a deposit before starting.

9. Validity period Material prices change. Include a “this estimate is valid for 30 days” clause to protect yourself from price increases.

10. Terms and conditions Cover liability, variations, dispute resolution and what happens if the client makes changes during the job. A short T&C section prevents disputes later.

Builder’s Estimate vs Builder’s Quote — What’s the Difference?

In the UK construction industry the terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a technical distinction:

• Builder’s estimate — an approximate cost based on available information. Gives the client a ballpark figure, not legally binding.
• Builder’s quote (or quotation) — a fixed price offer. Once accepted, it forms part of the contract and you’re held to the price.

In practice, most builders produce a detailed priced estimate that functions as a quote — it itemises everything, sets a fixed price, and includes T&Cs. This is what EasyEstimate produces.

Builder’s Estimate Example

Here’s what a professionally produced builder’s estimate looks like. EasyEstimate produces all of these automatically from your priced job:

• Customer Summary Estimate — the client-facing document showing work sections and totals
• Customer Detailed Estimate — full line-by-line breakdown for clients who want full transparency
• Contractor Nett Costs — your internal cost sheet showing materials at trade prices and your margin
• Bill of Quantities (BoQ) — full schedule of quantities for larger or commercial projects

All reports can be exported to Word for further customisation, or downloaded as PDF to send straight to your client.

How EasyEstimate Produces Your Estimates

Once you’ve priced up a job in EasyEstimate:

1. Set your profit margins — control the markup on materials and labour separately
2. Choose what to show the client — full line-by-line detail, section totals only, or a single bottom-line price
3. Add your branding — company logo, colours, trade association badges
4. Export to Word or PDF — or send an interactive online quote your client can review and accept electronically
5. Create invoices from accepted quotes — one click turns an accepted estimate into an invoice, with stage payments supported

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a standard builder’s estimate template? A standard UK builder’s estimate includes your company details, an itemised breakdown of labour and materials, VAT status, payment terms, and a validity period. EasyEstimate produces all of this automatically — you price the job and the software formats the document.

Can I download a free builder’s quote template in Word? You can download our sample estimate PDF to see the format. To produce your own branded Word-format estimates with live material prices, sign up for EasyEstimate — there’s a free tier with no minimum contract.

What’s the difference between a builder’s estimate and a builder’s quote? An estimate is an approximate cost; a quote is a fixed price offer. Most UK builders produce a detailed priced estimate that functions as a fixed quote once accepted by the client. EasyEstimate supports both approaches.

How do I make my builder’s estimate stand out? Professional presentation, itemised pricing, and clear payment terms all make a difference. Clients who receive a detailed, branded estimate with a cover letter are far more likely to accept it than a rough figure on a piece of paper. EasyEstimate formats your estimates to look professional with minimal effort.

Can I produce estimates on my phone or tablet? Yes — EasyEstimate is cloud-based and works on any device including mobile phones and tablets. Many builders price jobs on site and send the estimate the same day.