The short version
A general contractor estimate often spans several trades, so it has to show how the total is built before subcontractor prices are final. A good general contractor estimate separates the lines you are sure of from the ones that depend on what you find, and gives the client a range.
Open the cost estimator for general contractorsGeneral contractor estimate lines and allowances
The estimate below is for an early budget conversation for a remodel, before plans and finishes are chosen. Each line is either firm or an allowance with a range of quantities. The rates are examples from the starter lines in the cost estimator, not market prices, so replace them with your own.
| Line item | Unit | Qty or range | Example rate | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Site preparation and set-up | job | 1 | $450.00 | Firm |
| Waste removal and site clean | job | 1 | $180.00 | Firm |
| LaborAllowance: crew days depend on the final scope. | day | 5 to 12 | $320.00 | Allowance |
| Materials and supplies, at costAllowance: materials stay an allowance until finishes are chosen. | job | 1 to 2 | $1,200.00 | Allowance |
| Materials markup (15%)Allowance: markup moves with materials. | job | 1 to 2 | $180.00 | Allowance |
Worked estimate range
Adding the firm lines to the allowances at their smallest and largest quantities gives a low end and a high end. The tax rate is an example only, so use your own and your local treatment.
| Estimate range | Low end | High end |
|---|---|---|
| Firm lines | $630.00 | $630.00 |
| Allowances (minimum and maximum quantities) | $2,980.00 | $6,600.00 |
| Subtotal | $3,610.00 | $7,230.00 |
| Sales tax at an example rate of 8% | $288.80 | $578.40 |
| Estimated total | $3,898.80 | $7,808.40 |
This is not a fixed price. It is a range the client can plan around until the unknowns are resolved.
Assumptions behind a general contractor estimate
- Scope. The range assumes the scope as described and no structural changes.
- Finishes. Materials are an allowance until finishes are chosen, and the markup moves with it.
- Subcontractors. Subcontractor prices are placeholders until bids are received.
What can change the price
Write these on the estimate so a revised figure is never a surprise:
- Finishes chosen above the allowance.
- Hidden conditions behind walls and floors.
- Permit requirements and inspection findings.
When to send a quote instead
A general contractor gives an estimate early, to see whether the project is in the client's range, and a quote once plans, allowances and subcontractor prices are in. Once the scope is fixed, move to the general contractor quote template, which adds a fixed scope, exclusions, a payment schedule and a place to sign.
Start your general contractor estimate
Pick the trade, set the quantities and ranges for your own job, and download it. Nothing needs an account.
Open the cost estimator for general contractorsRelated pages
Last reviewed by InvoiceTools, Houston, Texas, on 11 October 2026.