Preparing a job estimate or work estimate for a customer basis the work order is often the first step in any process. It may include providing an estimate, preparing an official quote, creating a work order, invoicing the completed work, and then sending a receipt. You can start by downloading our free job estimate spreadsheet below.
Note: Unlike a quote, an estimate is not a contract and price may end up being higher or lower. You might provide an estimate before completing inspection is finish. Then a final quote on the exact price to complete the job.
This job estimate template is based on our billing invoice. So you can download both if you like a consistent design for both the work estimate and the invoice.
Xactimate estimator jobs
This template is design for service providers who want to provide their customer with an initial estimate of the cost. Sometimes it is not possible to guarantee the cost of a particular job. However a work estimate allows you to give the customer your best guess without entering into a binding contract.
If you can guarantee the cost of the work, consider using our Quote Template.
Creating a Job Estimate
Here are some instructions to customize this job estimate template for your business.
- Update your business address and contact information at the top. You can insert your company’s logo in place of [Company Name].
- Edit the contact information at the bottom to indicate who should be contacted if the customer has questions.
- Edit the Note at the bottom of the estimate form. Currently, the note is saying that the estimate is not a contract and the prices are subject to change, The customer will contact prior to proceeding with additional work. You need to edit this based on the type of work you do.
- Save a copy of the template so that when you create estimate for different customers.
Tips for Preparing Job Estimate sample
Customers do not like to surprise by an increase in price. It can lead to bad reviews. If your business relies on referrals, reviews and repeat business, you may want to make sure your customer is happy.
Taxes: Include sales tax in your estimate, either by listing items including sales tax, adding a separate line item for tax, or by indicating with a note that the estimate includes taxes.
Multiple Estimates: Consider providing two job estimates: one for the most likely cost, and another also lists additional parts and labor that might require for specific complications in a worst-case scenario.
If the type of work you are doing would allow you to guarantee a maximum price, consider a Quote instead.
Signature: To make sure your customer understands that the price is subject to change, you could either update the template or include a signature line below at the bottom of the form, or just handwritten an “x” and a line to give your customer a place to sign, or ask them to write their initials next to the note.
