An estimate shows what a price is made of. Below is a full template with every part explained, a worked example and downloadable forms.
The four parts
A header with estimate number, date, validity, both parties' details and the site; a work table with lines by section — description, unit, quantity, unit price, total; a summary with direct costs, overheads, profit, net, VAT and grand total; and notes with exclusions, the date prices were fixed and payment terms.
Worked example: 150 m² of facade insulation
Direct costs €9,666; overheads at 12% €1,159.92; profit at 10% €966.60; €11,792.52 net; 21% VAT €2,476.43; €14,268.95 total. Both percentages are calculated from direct costs, not one on top of the other, and VAT sits on its own line.
Common mistakes
No validity date; unclear VAT status; no exclusions section, so the client assumes waste removal and scaffolding are included; no profit at all; and round sums with no quantities behind them.
Formats: PDF for the client, Excel where figures will still change, Word for printing and signing. See also LBN 501-17.