Free Estimate Maker for Contractors & Service Businesses
Write the scope, price the work, set your deposit, print or save as PDF — in about 60 seconds. Everything stays on your device.
Prepared For
Job
Scope of Work
| Description | Qty | Rate ($) | Amount |
|---|
Terms
Customer Acceptance
To accept this estimate, call or text — or sign below.
How to use it
- Click any dashed box and type. Your estimate number, today's date, and a valid-until date 30 days out are filled in for you — change any of them.
- Describe the job in the Scope of Work box: what's included and, just as important, what's not.
- Add a line for each part of the job with quantity and rate. Set your tax rate and deposit ($ or %) — the total and balance update as you type.
- Hit Print / Save PDF and choose "Save as PDF" in the print window. The dashed borders and buttons disappear; your customer sees a clean, professional estimate with a signature line.
Why a written estimate wins jobs
Homeowners get burned by verbal quotes, so a written estimate with a scope, a number, and a valid-until date reads as "this person runs a real business." It also protects you: the scope box is where you write down what's not included, which is what most pricing arguments are actually about. Not sure your rate covers your overhead? Run it through the free hourly rate calculator before you put it on paper.
What estimating software costs in 2026
Joist and FreshBooks both advertise "free" contractor estimates — then gate them behind account signup before you can send one. This one is free with no watermark and no account. Full field-service platforms cost real money: Jobber runs $39/mo (Core, one user) to $599/mo (Plus), plus $29/mo per extra user, and a realistic stack with add-ons lands around $527/mo per a 2026 serviceagent.ai analysis. Those platforms do more than estimates — but if a clean, professional quote is all you need today, you don't need a subscription to send one. Figures are 2026 published pricing; verify current rates yourself.
Also in the family: the free invoice generator and the rest of the free tools for service businesses.
Common questions
Is this estimate maker really free?
Yes — free, no signup, no email gate, no watermark. Joist and FreshBooks make you create an account before you can send an estimate. This one you just fill in and print or save as a PDF.
What should a contractor estimate include?
Your business name and contact info, an estimate number and date, a valid-until date, the customer's name and job address, the scope of work in plain words, a priced line for each item, any deposit required, your terms, and how the customer accepts.
What's the difference between an estimate and an invoice?
An estimate is the price you propose before the work; an invoice is the bill you send after. Same layout, different job. When the customer says yes, copy your line items into the free invoice generator and bill it.
How long should an estimate be valid?
30 days is the common default, and it's what this tool sets automatically. Material prices move, so a valid-until date protects you from honoring January prices in June. Shorten it if your material costs swing fast.
Is an estimate legally binding?
Generally an estimate is an offer, not a contract — it usually becomes binding once the customer accepts and you both agree on the terms. Rules vary by state, and some trades require written contracts over a certain amount. For big jobs, check your state's rules. This is general info, not legal advice.
Can it remember my business info?
Yes, if you want. Tick 'Remember my business info on this device' and your name, contact info, license number, and last estimate number are saved only in your browser on this device — never uploaded. Untick the box to erase it.
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