Free Handyman Estimate Template

Start with your business header, including license number and insurance info. List the scope of work with specific line items, not just “repairs $500.” Break down each task: materials needed, labor hours, and service charges. Include project timeline, payment schedule, and terms of service. Add photos of problem areas when possible. Always specify what’s included and what’s not to avoid scope creep. End with a clear expiration date and next steps for customer approval.

Essential elements: client contact details, job address, detailed service descriptions, material costs with markup percentages, labor charges by hour or task, applicable taxes, payment terms (net 30, upon completion, etc.), warranty information, and authorization signature line. Include your service agreement terms, insurance coverage details, and project start/completion dates. Don’t forget permit costs if applicable and cleanup fees for larger jobs.

Hourly rates vary by location and experience: $40-60/hour for basic repairs in rural areas, $75-150/hour in major cities. Specialized work (electrical, plumbing) commands $85-200/hour. Many pros use minimum service charges of 2-4 hours to cover travel and setup time. Factor in your overhead costs, insurance, tools, and desired profit margin when setting rates. Track local competitors but price based on your value, not just the market average.

There’s no legal maximum, but market rates and job complexity set practical limits. Premium handymen in high-cost areas charge $200-300/hour for specialized work. Complex projects can reach $5,000-10,000+ when they involve multiple trades. The key is transparent pricing—clients pay premium rates for exceptional skill, same-day service, commercial-grade materials, extended warranties, or emergency response. Document your expertise and certifications to justify higher rates.

Most handymen offer free estimates for standard jobs under $1,000. For complex projects requiring multiple visits, detailed drawings, or extensive troubleshooting, charging $50-150 for a diagnostic fee is common, often credited toward the final bill if hired. Be upfront about any charges. Quick phone estimates should always be free. Written detailed estimates for insurance claims or large renovations may warrant fees.

Digital templates let you calculate automatically, eliminating math errors that kill credibility. Create professional-looking documents with your logo and consistent formatting. Save time with pre-built line items and material databases. Email instantly, track open rates, and get e-signatures without chasing paper. Store client history for easy reference. Update pricing globally when costs change. Most importantly, you’ll close more jobs—studies show professional digital estimates convert 40% better than handwritten ones.

Start with Excel or Google Sheets for easy editing and auto-calculations. These let you build formulas for markups, taxes, and totals. Save final versions as PDF to prevent client edits and ensure professional presentation. For mobile work, apps that sync between devices work best. Avoid Word docs for estimates—they’re too easy to accidentally modify. Cloud-based formats let you access templates anywhere and share instantly with customers.

Add your logo, brand colors, and tagline to the header. Include your unique selling points (24/7 availability, satisfaction guarantee, veteran-owned) prominently. Customize terms to match your policies: payment methods accepted, warranty periods, and change order procedures. Add a personal note section to reference specific client conversations. Include testimonials or certification badges. Create different templates for residential vs. commercial work with appropriate language and pricing structures.

The best templates make this one-click simple. Change the header from “Estimate” to “Invoice,” add an invoice number, and date. Include actual hours worked if they differ from the estimated. Add any approved change orders or additional work completed. Update payment terms to show the amount due and the due date. Include payment instructions (check, credit card, online payment link). Note any deposits already received. Keep the same line-item structure for easy client reference.

Emergency rates typically run 1.5-2x standard pricing. Build separate templates showing after-hours charges, weekend premiums, and holiday rates. Include rush service fees for same-day requests. Be transparent about minimum charges (often a 4-hour minimum for emergencies). Consider flat-rate emergency response fees plus hourly work. Always clarify what constitutes an emergency vs. urgent, vs. standard service. Get written approval for premium rates before starting work to avoid payment disputes.