Writing estimates consumers can compare.

State your assumptions

Every estimate rests on assumptions: the condition of what is underneath, the access you expect, the disposal required, the hours the work will take. Write them down.

Then say what would change the price and roughly by how much. A consumer who has been warned about a likely change order rarely treats it as a surprise.

Separate the line items

Break out materials, labor, disposal, permits and any subcontracted work. Separation makes your estimate comparable and makes your pricing defensible.

• ·Materials, with grade or product named where it matters
• ·Labor, with the crew size and expected duration
• ·Disposal and site protection
• ·Permits and inspection fees

Put the warranty in writing

Say what your workmanship warranty covers, for how long, and what voids it. If a manufacturer warranty applies to the materials, note that it is separate from yours.

An unwritten warranty is worth very little to a consumer comparing three bids.

Agree the payment schedule before work starts

State the deposit, the milestones and the final payment terms in the estimate itself, along with what happens if the scope changes mid job.

Check your state rules on deposits and progress payments for your trade before you set these terms.