Free Estimate Templates
Send professional estimates before you start the job. Click any field to edit, download a clean PDF — completely free, no account required.
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✅ 3 templates
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General Estimate Template
Versatile estimate template for any service business. Itemized labor and materials with a clear "Valid Until" date. Works for any industry or trade.
Free PDF
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Contractor Estimate Template
Professional estimate for general contractors and remodelers. Covers demo, framing, drywall, painting, and cleanup with detailed cost breakdown.
Free PDF
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Cleaning Service Estimate Template
Clean, professional estimate for house cleaners and commercial cleaning companies. Itemized by room, service type, and add-on options.
Free PDF
Estimate vs Invoice — What's the Difference?
Know when to send each document
Estimate (Before Work)
Sent before a job starts. Shows the client what the work will likely cost. Not a binding payment request — prices may change.
Invoice (After Work)
Sent after work is completed. Requests actual payment for services rendered. Legally binding and tied to specific deliverables.
Valid Until Date
Estimates include a validity window (typically 14–30 days). After that, prices may change due to material costs or availability.
Get Client Approval
Ask the client to sign or confirm the estimate before starting. This protects you from scope creep and payment disputes later.
Request a Deposit
Many contractors ask for 25–50% upfront after an estimate is approved. This covers material costs before work begins.
Convert to Invoice
After the job, convert your estimate to a final invoice. Adjust any prices that changed and note which items were completed.
Estimate Template FAQs
What is an estimate template?
An estimate template is a pre-formatted document you send to a potential client before starting work. It outlines the expected cost of labor, materials, and services so the client can approve the price before you begin.
How is an estimate different from a quote?
An estimate is an approximation — final costs may vary slightly. A quote is a fixed-price commitment. Estimates are more common in trades like construction and cleaning where scope can shift. Quotes are common for fixed-scope projects.
How long should an estimate be valid?
Most estimates are valid for 14 to 30 days. Material costs and labor availability change, so it's important to include a validity window. After expiry, re-quote the job if the client hasn't approved yet.
Is an estimate legally binding?
Generally, no — an estimate is not a binding contract. However, once a client accepts an estimate in writing, it can carry legal weight. For large jobs, always follow up with a formal contract or signed work order.
Can I convert an estimate to an invoice?
Yes. Once the job is done, open the corresponding invoice template, copy over the line items, and adjust any costs that changed. Update the document title from "ESTIMATE" to "INVOICE" and add a due date.
Do these estimate templates work on mobile?
Yes. You can edit on any modern phone or tablet. For the best PDF output, we recommend using a desktop or laptop browser when downloading.