Create comprehensive general contractor estimates and invoices for renovations, additions, and new construction projects.
Used by licensed general contractors managing residential remodels, commercial builds, and multi-family projects across the US. EstimatePro supports the scope complexity that GCs deal with — from single trade quotes to full project estimates with subcontractor costs.
General contractor estimates are the most complex because they span multiple trades, permit timelines, and subcontractor costs. EstimatePro keeps it simple: list each phase as a line item, add your GC fee, and the math handles itself. Clients see the full project scope in a professional format they can share with their bank or architect.
Common questions from general contractors:
How much should a general contractor markup subcontractor bids?
Typical GC markups are 10-20% over direct costs (materials + subcontractor labor). This covers your project management, insurance, scheduling, and warranty. Be transparent about it — itemize the subcontractor cost and your fee separately.
Should I include permit costs in the estimate?
Yes — pull permits early and include them as a line item. Permit fees are set by the building department and typically billed at cost (no markup). Including them prevents surprise costs for your client later.
How do I estimate timeline and scheduling?
Include a timeline section in your estimate notes. Break down phases: demo (2-3 days), rough-in (1-2 weeks), finish work (1-2 weeks). EstimatePro's notes field lets you add this detail. Clients appreciate knowing when they can expect each phase to complete.
How it works
Built for general contractors — estimate renovations, additions, and new builds from your phone.
Create Free EstimateHere's what a typical General Contractor estimate looks like — complete with itemized labor, materials, subtotal, tax, and total.
| Description | Qty | Unit Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bathroom renovation | 1 | $9500.00 | $9500.00 |
| Kitchen cabinet installation | 1 | $4200.00 | $4200.00 |
| Framing new wall (linear ft) | 30 | $45.00 | $1350.00 |
| Drywall install (per sheet) | 15 | $25.00 | $375.00 |
| Subtotal | $15425.00 | ||
| Tax (8%) | $1234.00 | ||
| Total | $16659.00 | ||
General contractors deal with the widest mix of taxable and exempt items: building materials and fixtures are typically taxable, while skilled trades labor, permit fees, and engineering costs may not be. Subcontractor pass-through costs vary by state and project type. EstimatePro's per-item taxable toggle handles complex mixed-tax estimates with ease. Taking on smaller jobs too? Try our <a href="/handyman/">free handyman estimates</a> for repairs, installations, and odd jobs. Set your local rate and the subtotal, tax, and total update instantly.
General contractors charge 10-20% of total project cost as their fee, with full renovations running $100-$250/sqft depending on scope and finishes.
Always separate your GC fee (percentage or flat) from subcontractor pass-through costs. Clients need to see each layer of the estimate — the subs, the materials, the permits, and your management fee. This prevents sticker shock later.
How much should a general contractor markup subcontractor bids?
Typical GC markups are 10-20% over direct costs (materials + subcontractor labor). This covers your project management, insurance, scheduling, and warranty. Be transparent about it — itemize the subcontractor cost and your fee separately.
Should I include permit costs in the estimate?
Yes — pull permits early and include them as a line item. Permit fees are set by the building department and typically billed at cost (no markup). Including them prevents surprise costs for your client later.
How do I estimate timeline and scheduling?
Include a timeline section in your estimate notes. Break down phases: demo (2-3 days), rough-in (1-2 weeks), finish work (1-2 weeks). EstimatePro's notes field lets you add this detail. Clients appreciate knowing when they can expect each phase to complete.
Is this general contractor estimates free?
Yes, EstimatePro is completely free. Create unlimited general contractor estimates without signup. Pro upgrade ($14.99 lifetime) adds your business branding.
How does tax work for materials vs labor?
Each line item has a taxable checkbox. Mark materials as taxable, uncheck labor if exempt. Set your rate once — the app calculates everything.
How much does a typical general contractor estimate cost to create?
EstimatePro is completely free. Create unlimited estimates with no signup or credit card. The Pro upgrade ($14.99 lifetime) adds your branding.
Can I customize the estimate with my company info?
The free version includes a 'Made with EstimatePro' watermark. Pro users can add their company name, logo, phone, email, and address to every estimate.
Are my client estimates private and secure?
Yes. Each estimate gets a unique share link. Your data stays private — only people with the link can view it. Estimates are stored temporarily (configurable: 3-30 days) then automatically deleted.
Can I track estimate status (sent, viewed, accepted)?
The free tier generates shareable links. Pro users can add branding. For detailed job tracking and client management, you may want to pair EstimatePro with a dedicated CRM tool — our strength is fast, professional estimate creation.
Takes 2 minutes. Free forever. No signup required. Quote your next project today.
Create Free EstimateLooking for a different trade? Browse all supported trades: