Free Handyman Estimate Template
About this template
Still calculating repair costs on scratch paper while customers wait? FieldCamp’s free handyman estimate template helps you price jobs professionally in minutes. Add labor rates, material costs with markups, and detailed repair descriptions that make sense to clients.
Brand it your way, send it instantly, and watch your close rate climb. Professional estimates, better profit margins, zero learning curve.
Key Features
- Mix-and-match service catalog for common repairs
- Auto-calculate material markups and labor rates
- Customizable fields for any handyman job
- Professional layouts that build instant trust
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ESTIMATE
#1
Issued: 2026-02-25
Due: 2026-02-25
BILL TO:
Services Provided
| DESCRIPTION | PRODUCT / SERVICE | QTY | UNIT PRICE | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patch and paint small holes in the living room wall | Drywall Repair | 1 | $135.00 | $135.00 |
| Replace damaged deck boards and stain | Deck Repair | 1 | $300.00 | $300.00 |
| Install a new kitchen faucet with shut-off valves | Faucet Installation | 1 | $175.00 | $175.00 |
Built for Every Handyman’s Business
FieldCamp’s handyman estimate template works for pros juggling everything from quick fixes to major repairs. Whether you’re a solo operator handling emergency calls or a crew tackling home renovations, create detailed estimates that cover every screw, every hour, and every dollar.
This template helps you price confidently, communicate clearly, and close deals faster. No more back-of-the-envelope math or lost paperwork. Just professional estimates that show clients you mean business, and get you paid what you’re worth.
How to Use Our Free Estimate Template?
Getting started takes less than 5 minutes. Download the template, open it in Excel, Google Sheets, or your preferred app. Fill in your business name, contact info, and license number at the top. Add client details and job location.
List each repair task with quantities, hourly rates or flat fees, and material costs. The template auto-calculates totals with tax. Save as PDF, email to your customer, or print for on-site approval. Customize colors, add your logo, and save as your master template for future estimates.
Handyman Pricing Guide: What to Charge in 2026?
Talk to five different handymen about their rates, and you’ll hear five completely different numbers.
One guy charges $45 an hour, the next one says $120, and neither of them can explain how they got there. They just picked something that “felt right” or copied whatever they saw online.
That’s how you end up working 60-hour weeks and still not making what you should.
This pricing guide is built from what handymen are actually charging across the country right now, not what some blog from 2019 says you should charge.
Use it as a starting point when you fill out your estimate template, and adjust based on your local market and experience.
General Handyman Hourly Rates
| Experience Level | Rural / Suburban | Mid-Size Metro | Major City (NYC, LA, SF) |
| Entry-level (0-2 yrs) | $35 – $55/hr | $50 – $75/hr | $65 – $95/hr |
| Mid-level (3-7 yrs) | $55 – $80/hr | $75 – $110/hr | $95 – $150/hr |
| Specialized / Licensed | $80 – $120/hr | $110 – $175/hr | $150 – $250/hr |
One thing newer handymen almost always get wrong: they don’t set a minimum service charge. You drove across town, loaded your tools, parked, spent 10 minutes talking to the homeowner about what they need, did the work, cleaned up, and drove back.
Even if the actual repair took 20 minutes, that’s easily 90 minutes of your day gone. Charge a 1-2 hour minimum ($75-$200 depending on your area). It’s standard across the industry, and any homeowner who pushes back on a service call minimum isn’t someone you want to work for.
Cost Estimates by Common Service Type
| Service | Typical Price Range | What Drives the Price Up or Down |
| Drywall repair (small patch) | $75 – $250 | Hole size, whether you need to match existing texture, and the number of coats |
| Drywall repair (large section) | $250 – $750 | Total square footage, ceiling vs. wall, scaffolding or ladder access |
| Faucet replacement | $150 – $350 | Cost of the fixture itself, shut-off valve condition, single vs. double handle |
| Toilet repair/replacement | $125 – $400 | Wax ring swap vs. full replacement, flange condition, floor bolts |
| Door installation (interior) | $150 – $350 | Pre-hung vs. slab door, hardware, whether trim needs rework |
| Door installation (exterior) | $300 – $800 | Weatherstripping, deadbolt install, frame modifications for a proper fit |
| Deck repair (boards + stain) | $200 – $1,200 | How many boards, cedar vs. pressure-treated, stain quality |
| Tile repair/replacement | $200 – $600 | Finding a matching tile, old grout removal, and backer board replacement |
| Ceiling fan installation | $150 – $350 | Whether electrical wiring is already there, junction box reinforcement |
| Gutter cleaning + repair | $100 – $300 | Two-story vs. single, total linear footage, downspout replacements |
| Fence repair (section) | $150 – $500 | Whether posts need replacing (that’s the expensive part), panel type |
| Painting (per room) | $200 – $600 | Room size, ceiling height, how much prep and patching before paint |
| Caulking (bathroom/kitchen) | $75 – $200 | Linear footage, removing old moldy caulk first, silicone vs. latex |
| Shelf/cabinet installation | $100 – $400 | Drywall anchors vs. hitting studs vs. masonry; each is different work |
| Window repair/replacement | $150 – $600 | Single vs. double pane, frame rot, and whether the opening needs resizing |
| Electrical outlet installation | $100 – $250 | Running a new circuit vs. tapping into an existing one, GFCI requirements |
On materials markup: Tack on 10-15% above what you actually pay. That’s not gouging. It covers your trip to the supply house, standing in line, dealing with a wrong item or return, and the scrap you can’t reuse.
Put materials on a separate line in your estimate. Homeowners can look up prices online, so if your total looks inflated and they can’t see where the materials cost sits, they’ll doubt the whole estimate. Transparency builds trust faster than a low price does.
If you want to get precise about what your labor and materials actually cost you per job, FieldCamp’s labor cost calculator breaks down the fully loaded cost per hour. The service price calculator factors in materials, overhead, and your target margin so you can price any job without guessing.
How to Figure Out Your Actual Hourly Rate?
Most handymen set their rate by looking at what competitors charge and picking a similar number. The problem is that the other guy might have zero insurance, a paid-off truck, and his wife doing the books for free. His costs have nothing to do with yours, so matching his rate could mean you’re losing money on every job.
Work backwards from your actual numbers instead:
- Total up your annual overhead. Truck payment or lease, gas, insurance premiums, tool replacements, phone, licensing, marketing, website, and any software you pay for. Be brutally honest. For most solo handymen, this lands somewhere between $25,000 and $50,000 a year.
- Figure out your real billable hours. Not the hours you work. The hours that actually go on an invoice. Between driving to jobs, writing up estimates, returning phone calls, picking up materials, and handling admin, most solo guys realistically bill 20-30 hours per week. Over a year, that’s roughly 1,000-1,500 billable hours.
- Decide what you want to take home. Your target net income, deposited in your bank account after everything. Then add 25-30% on top for self-employment tax, because the IRS will come for that whether you planned for it or not.
- Run the formula: (Take-Home Target + Taxes + Annual Overhead) / Billable Hours = Your Minimum Hourly Rate
Real example: $40,000 in overhead, $70,000 take-home target, $21,000 set aside for SE tax, 1,200 billable hours per year.
That’s $131,000 / 1,200 = about $109/hour.
If you’re charging $65/hour because that’s “what everyone else charges,” you’re subsidizing your clients’ home repairs out of your own pocket.
Want to double-check your margins before you send that next estimate? Plug your numbers into the profit margin calculator. It takes 30 seconds and might show you that the job you thought was profitable is actually costing you money once you factor everything in.
For a deeper look at when to use hourly vs. flat rate pricing, how to handle price objections from homeowners, and when project-based pricing makes more sense than hourly, read this guide on how to price handyman jobs.
Sample Handyman Estimates: 3 Real-World Examples
Talking about estimates in the abstract only gets you so far. Here are three actual, filled-out handyman estimates for jobs that come up constantly.
Each one shows the line items, materials, tax, scope of work, and exclusions, the way a real estimate should look when it lands in a homeowner’s inbox.
Sample Estimate #1: Bathroom Repairs Package
| Line Item | Qty | Rate | Total |
| Replace bathroom faucet (client-supplied fixture) | 1 | $165.00 | $165.00 |
| Re-caulk bathtub surround (silicone, remove existing mold) | 1 | $135.00 | $135.00 |
| Repair loose toilet (pull toilet, new wax ring, reset and seal) | 1 | $125.00 | $125.00 |
| Materials (wax ring, caulk, supply lines, Teflon tape) | 1 | $45.00 | $45.00 |
| Subtotal | $470.00 | ||
| Tax (8%) | $37.60 | ||
| Total | $507.60 |
Scope of work: Three bathroom fixes handled in a single visit. Estimated time on site: 3-4 hours. Covers the cleanup and disposal of old parts.
Does not include purchasing the new faucet (homeowner is providing) or any plumbing work behind the wall if corroded pipes are discovered when the toilet is pulled.
Sample Estimate #2: Drywall Patch + Paint (Living Room)
| Line Item | Qty | Rate | Total |
| Patch drywall holes (3 holes, largest approximately 4″) | 3 | $65.00 | $195.00 |
| Sand, prime, and texture-match all patched areas | 1 | $85.00 | $85.00 |
| Paint touch-up (color-matched to existing wall, 1 coat) | 1 | $95.00 | $95.00 |
| Materials (mesh tape, joint compound, primer, sandpaper) | 1 | $35.00 | $35.00 |
| Subtotal | $410.00 | ||
| Tax (8%) | $32.80 | ||
| Total | $442.80 |
Scope of work: Patch and paint 3 holes in the living room wall. Two-visit job. First visit for patching and priming (joint compound needs overnight to dry and cure), second visit for final sanding and paint.
Does not include repainting the full wall or handling any holes larger than 6 inches, which require a different patch method and expanded scope.
Sample Estimate #3: Deck Board Replacement + Stain
| Line Item | Qty | Rate | Total |
| Remove and replace damaged deck boards (pressure-treated lumber) | 8 | $45.00 | $360.00 |
| Sand and prep deck surface (approximately 120 sq ft) | 1 | $175.00 | $175.00 |
| Apply 2 coats of semi-transparent deck stain | 1 | $225.00 | $225.00 |
| Materials (lumber, deck screws, stain, sandpaper, brushes, drop cloths) | 1 | $210.00 | $210.00 |
| Subtotal | $970.00 | ||
| Tax (8%) | $77.60 | ||
| Total | $1,047.60 |
Scope of work: Replace 8 damaged boards and refinish approximately 120 square feet of deck surface. Two-day job, weather permitting, since the stain requires 24 hours to cure between coats. Covers cleanup and debris removal. Does not include structural joist repair, railing replacement, or building permit fees if your municipality requires a permit for deck work.
Notice how each estimate spells out exactly what’s included and what isn’t. That’s not being paranoid. It’s how you protect yourself. Homeowners get two or three quotes for every job, and the handyman who breaks things down line by line wins more often than the one who just writes “bathroom repairs – $500.” When a client can follow the math, they stop questioning the price.
What Makes a Winning Handyman Estimate?
You could be the most skilled handyman in your zip code, but if your estimate shows up as a one-line text message that says “I can do it for $800,” you’re going to lose to the guy who sends a proper document with his logo on it.
The estimate is the first thing a homeowner judges you on before you’ve touched a single tool.
Here’s what actually separates estimates that close jobs from the ones that never get a callback:
Break everything into line items – Nobody wants to see a single lump sum with no explanation. Every task gets its own line: what the work is, what materials it needs, what you’re charging for it.
When a homeowner can look at the estimate and understand where each dollar goes, the price stops feeling like a guess and starts feeling fair. That’s when they hire you.
Write out the scope, especially what’s NOT included – This one will save you from arguments down the road. If you’re patching three drywall holes, say that. And then say it doesn’t include repainting the whole wall.
If you’re replacing a faucet, note that you’re not responsible for corroded pipes behind the wall. Be specific. Most payment disputes in handyman work happen because the homeowner assumed something was part of the deal that you never agreed to. A clear scope of work on the estimate fixes that before it starts.
Show materials separately – Marking up materials 15-25% is standard practice. It covers your time sourcing, driving, and dealing with waste or returns. But don’t bury the markup inside an inflated labor rate. Put materials on their own line with the cost visible.
Homeowners can check prices at Home Depot with their phone in 10 seconds. If they see a $300 labor charge for a job they expected to cost $150 in labor, they’ll question everything, even if the total is fair. Show the math. Let them see that materials are $80, labor is $150, and the total makes sense.
State your payment terms clearly – Surprises on payment kill trust. Put your terms right on the estimate: 50% deposit for jobs over $500, balance on completion. Or net 30. Or payment before you leave.
Spell out the payment methods you accept (check, Venmo, Zelle, credit card, cash). The homeowner should know exactly what’s expected before they approve anything.
Put an expiration date on every quote – Material costs shift. Your schedule fills up. A quote you sent in January shouldn’t still be valid in April. Thirty days is standard for most handyman estimates.
If the homeowner waits three months and lumber prices have jumped 20%, you don’t want to be locked into a number that doesn’t work anymore. The expiration date protects you.
Send it as a PDF, not a text or scribble – Sounds basic, but it matters more than most handymen realize. Your estimate is the first piece of “work” the homeowner sees from you. If it’s a messy screenshot of a notes app or a number scrawled on the back of a receipt, they’ll assume your actual work looks the same way.
A branded PDF with your business name, logo, and clean formatting tells them you’re a professional before you even show up. That perception alone can justify higher rates.
Once the homeowner approves your estimate, get their signature on it digitally. A signed estimate isn’t just a formality. It’s your proof of what was agreed to if there’s ever a question about scope, pricing, or what was supposed to be included.
Your Complete Handyman Command Center
Estimates are just the beginning. Quote, schedule, invoice, and get paid with all powered by AI that learns your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to write a handyman estimate?
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.
What key elements should I include in my handyman estimate template?
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.
What do most handymen charge per hour?
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.
What’s the most a handyman can charge?
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.
Do handymen charge for estimates?
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.
What are the benefits of using digital estimate templates over handwritten ones?
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.
Which file formats are best for creating and editing handyman estimates?
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.
How can I customize a handyman estimate to reflect my branding and terms?
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.
How do I convert an estimate into an invoice using a handyman template?
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.
How do I handle estimated pricing for emergency handyman services?
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.
How do I write a handyman quote for a multi-day project?
Split it into phases. Each phase gets its own section on the estimate with separate labor, materials, and a subtotal, so the homeowner can see exactly what they’re paying for on day one vs. day three. Include a start date, expected completion, and whether the homeowner needs to be home. For projects over a week, use progress billing: 25% deposit, payment at the halfway mark, balance on completion. For outdoor work, add a weather delay clause.
What’s the difference between a handyman estimate and a handyman invoice?
The estimate is the “before” — your projected cost for labor, materials, and tax, sent before work starts. The invoice is the “after” — the final bill reflecting what actually happened. Any scope changes during the job should be documented with a signed change order. The invoice should reference the original estimate number so the homeowner can compare the two FieldCamp handyman invoice template pairs with this estimate template for a consistent look from first quote to final bill.
Do I need a license to work as a handyman?
Depends on your state. Most allow general handyman work (shelves, painting, minor repairs) without a license if the job stays under $500–$1,000. Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or structural work requires a licensed contractor almost everywhere. Regardless of licensing, carry general liability insurance ($1M minimum, typically $500–$1,200/year for a solo operator) and list your credentials on every estimate. Insured handymen command 20–30% higher rates.