Use this example as an organizational guide—not as a source of local pricing or contract language. Your estimate should reflect the actual site, measurements, labor rates, supplier quotes, taxes, licensing rules, and project requirements.
1. Estimate header
Maple Street Deck Replacement
Prepared for: Sample Homeowner
Job address: 100 Example Street, Sampletown
Prepared by: Sample Contracting Company
Estimate date: August 10, 2026
Valid through: September 9, 2026
2. Scope summary
Remove and dispose of the existing deck surface and selected framing. Construct an approximately 16-by-20-foot deck using the specified framing system and composite deck boards. Include stairs, railing, basic site protection, cleanup, and the allowances and exclusions listed below.
3. Detailed line items
| Description | Qty | Unit | Example rate | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Site protection and mobilization | 1 | LS | $450.00 | $450.00 |
| Selective demolition and disposal | 1 | LS | $1,100.00 | $1,100.00 |
| Concrete footing allowance | 12 | EA | $225.00 | $2,700.00 |
| Deck framing labor and material | 320 | SF | $9.50 | $3,040.00 |
| Composite decking allowance | 320 | SF | $11.00 | $3,520.00 |
| Guardrail allowance | 54 | LF | $42.00 | $2,268.00 |
| Stair assembly allowance | 1 | LS | $1,250.00 | $1,250.00 |
| Example subtotal | $14,328.00 | |||
| Example contingency — 5% | $716.40 | |||
| Example total before applicable tax | $15,044.40 | |||
LS means lump sum, EA means each, SF means square foot, and LF means linear foot. Define abbreviations your customer may not recognize.
4. Assumptions and allowances
- Final product, color, and railing selections are subject to customer approval and supplier availability.
- Allowances will be adjusted if the customer selects products above or below the included amount.
- Work assumes reasonable access and ordinary subsurface conditions.
- Hidden damage or code-required work not visible during the walkthrough requires written approval before proceeding.
5. Exclusions
- Engineering, survey, and permit fees unless specifically listed
- Electrical, plumbing, landscaping, or drainage work not shown in the scope
- Hazardous-material testing or removal
- Repair of concealed structural or moisture damage
- Owner-requested changes after approval
6. Schedule, payment, and approval
State the anticipated duration, factors that could change the schedule, deposit and progress-payment terms, change-order procedure, warranty information, and estimate expiration. Have a qualified local professional review contract language used by your business.
Customer approval
I have reviewed the described scope, allowances, exclusions, estimated price, and payment schedule.
Customer signature: ____________________ Date: __________
Create this structure from your job details.
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