Handyman Estimate Template [Free Download - Easy to Use]

A handyman estimate template refers to a job-costing document sent to a client to indicate the price of completing a project.

Estimate templates are essential because they provide pricing information for the parts, materials, and labor required for the project, allowing the customer to assess the cost.

A handyman estimate template should include your business information, a detailed description of the project and the required parts and labor, and an approximate cost based on this information.

We’ve created a free estimate template PDF to help handyman businesses get started with estimates faster.

Read on to find out more about handyman estimates.

How Can I Use The Handyman Estimate Template?

To use our handyman estimate template, follow these steps:

• Download: Click on the link to open the template and click download to save it to your computer.

• Customize: Open the file and customize it with a client’s information and the estimate details. 

• Save and send: Save the estimate as a new file for each client, then print it or attach it to your estimate email.

Our customizable template has enough space to add everything you need for an accurate, comprehensive estimate, including your contact information, the client’s details, job location, and a detailed job description, including parts and labor.

There's also a second page to collect payment information, including billing details, payment terms, schedule, and payment card information.

It’s important to note that payment card information must be stored correctly. Businesses are not permitted to store the security code (the three-digit number on the back of a card), so ensure you redact this information from your estimate once the transaction is completed.

Why Is It Important to Create Accurate Handyman Estimates?

Creating detailed estimates may seem like a waste of time, especially when you could quickly throw something together. However, if you consider the labor hours that go into each job, estimating a project takes minimal time but greatly impacts its profitability. 

Creating an estimate that outlines every part and material and accurately covers the labor hours required for project completion is vital, with a margin allowing overruns. It’s always better to overestimate the cost and surprise the customer with a lower bill than underestimate, when you either disappoint the client with extra fees or absorb the shortfall yourself and lose money on the job.

When Do I Need to Create a Handyman Estimate?

You may not need to create estimates for every job you do. Once you build rapport with your customers and become their go-to handyman, it’s unlikely they’ll ask for estimates on small projects, so you’ll both go straight to booking.

However, new customers who don’t have an existing relationship with you will often use estimates to find the ideal handyman for their project. The same can be said for commercial customers, even if you’ve worked with them before.

Furthermore, commercial customers often require estimates or quotations for every project to get buy-in and approval from upper management.

Lastly, if an upcoming project is expected to take a long time, require extensive parts and materials, or involve particularly difficult or complex work, it’s best to create a detailed estimate. These high-ticket jobs often take more consideration than their lower-cost counterparts.

What Should I Include in a Handyman Estimate?

Ensuring you include all the information your customers need in your estimate may take a little longer, but eliminating unnecessary back-and-forth will save you time in the long run. Additionally, creating a comprehensive estimate can help you appear more professional.

While the exact details to include will vary depending on the project, a few elements should always be included. They are:

• Your business information: Include your handyman business name, logo, and contact information.

• The client’s information: Mention the project location and the client’s name and contact details.

• Unique estimate number: Like an invoice number, including a unique estimate number on each quote helps keep your records organized and means you can easily find the estimate again.

• Itemized work breakdown: Clearly explain the project and its work. Include labor, parts, materials, and quantities.

• Approximate cost: Define the project's cost according to the itemized breakdown. Don’t forget to include your markup, profit margins, and tax. This is where you can include any special rates or discounts too.

• Optional items: Here, you can add optional extras that add value to the project or enhance the work. For example, this could include replacing or servicing parts that are exposed during the project but are not related to the project.

• What won’t be included: If there is a part of the project your business won’t be working on, ensure you include it here. This could be electrical, plumbing, or other work that requires a specialist.

• Validity period: Parts and labor costs are subject to change, so it’s crucial to stipulate how long the estimate is valid. Ensure you give the customer enough time to consider the price—30 days should be good for most projects.

• Terms and conditions: Mention your invoice payment terms, required deposit, and any other terms and conditions related to the estimate and the eventual contract for the project.

• Warranty and quality information: If you offer parts or project warranties or anything else that guarantees your quality, state it here.

How Do I Create a Handyman Estimate?

The process for creating a handyman estimate will vary depending on the situation. In some instances, you may be able to quote the project over the phone, but in other cases, you will need to create a detailed formal estimate.

Here are some of the main methods of creating a handyman estimate:

• Estimation template: An estimation template like the one we created includes sections for every type of information the estimate should consist of. You can simply populate it with the required data and send it to your client.

• Estimation software: Estimating software lets you quickly create a detailed quote from job costing data. Most good apps also let you send the estimate straight from the app, streamlining the process and saving even more time.

• Spreadsheets: You can use a tool like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets to create a digital estimate. This method is acceptable for small projects with minimal items but can quickly become labor-intensive on large projects.

• Word processors: Google Docs and Microsoft Word are good tools for creating basic estimates, but they have the same drawbacks as spreadsheet software for larger  projects.

Let’s look at estimation software in more detail in our next section.

What is Handyman Estimating Software?

Handyman estimating software is a standalone tool or feature of larger software that allows handyman businesses to generate accurate job estimates. It is far more convenient and accurate than manually creating estimates, which can be a tedious process subject to human error.

ServiceTitan is all-in-one home services software that has robust estimating features. The Field Service App offers estimation features that let technicians create estimates in the field with just a few taps. 

The tool pulls data from the integrated Pricebook, ensuring every part and material expense is accounted for at the right price. It also uses existing labor and job costing information to create good-better-best estimates that provide more options (and therefore value) to every customer.

With easy-to-learn yet professional-looking estimate templates and detailed, accurate, and competitive estimates, ServiceTitan can help you win more jobs and ensure profit growth for your handyman business.

ServiceTitan is an all-in-one business management software solution designed for businesses in the trades. It offers comprehensive business tools as well as features for streamlining and improving marketing, front-of-house, and field operations. It is trusted by over 100,000 contractors nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We’ve gathered the answers to some common questions relating to handyman estimates.

How do estimates differ from quotes?

Estimates differ from quotes because estimates are essentially rough educated guesses and quotes are more precisely worked out. While they are very similar, quotes tend to be more rigid than estimates. An estimate leaves a little room for the unexpected.

How do estimates differ from invoices?

Estimates differ from invoices because estimates are created before the job starts and detail what a business expects the project will need. On the other hand, invoices are sent out after job completion and detail the exact cost for labor and materials. An invoice is essentially a bill.

How long does it take to create an estimate?

The time it takes to create an estimate depends on the method used. Creating an estimate manually, including details from memory, and calculating the total can take a long time. 

Using an estimate template makes the process faster as it prompts you to include the correct details.

However, if you want to save time and automate the process, estimation software like ServiceTitan is the way to go.