How to Create a Professional Contractor Quote in 5 Minutes

Step 1: Add Your Company Information

Start by entering your business name, contact phone, email, and website. If you're on the Pro plan, upload your company logo — it will appear on every quote you create.

Step 2: Enter Client Details

Add the client's name, email, phone, and job address. This personalizes the quote and ensures the client knows exactly which property the quote is for.

Step 3: Select the Job Type

Choose a category (roofing, painting, landscaping, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, general, other). This helps you organize quotes and track what types of jobs you're bidding on.

Step 4: Add Line Items

List each material and labor item separately. For each line item, include:

• Description (e.g., "30-year architectural shingles")
• Quantity (e.g., 25 squares)
• Unit cost (your cost per unit)

The app automatically calculates the subtotal for each line. Breaking out materials and labor separately builds client trust and protects you if material costs change.

Step 5: Set Your Markup Percentage

Enter your desired markup (e.g., 20%, 30%, 50%). ContractorQuoteKit calculates the markup amount correctly — it knows the difference between markup and margin, so you never underprice a job.

Step 6: Add Sales Tax

Enter your local sales tax rate (e.g., 7.5%). The app applies tax to the marked-up subtotal and displays the final total.

Step 7: Include Payment Terms and Notes

Add payment terms (e.g., "50% deposit required, balance due on completion") and any additional notes, terms, or disclaimers. This is also where you can specify warranty information.

Step 8: Export as PDF and Send

Click "Download PDF" to generate a professional proposal. Email it to your client, print it, or bring it to an in-person meeting. Update the quote status to "Sent" so you can track your pipeline.