An estimate is a range, not a promise. The best bid sheets show the client the low and high end of labour, the material allowance, and the contingency that protects you when a wall turns out to be load-bearing.
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About the Estimate
An estimate is a range, not a promise. The best bid sheets show the client the low and high end of labour, the material allowance, and the contingency that protects you when a wall turns out to be load-bearing.
OpenDocuHub prices labour as a minimum and maximum hour range, itemizes materials with a markup, and applies a contingency buffer from 0% to 25%. Every estimate carries the non-binding disclaimer that keeps it an estimate.
Dual labour inputs - minimum and maximum hours × your hourly rate.
Material line items with unit cost, quantity and 0-50% markup.
Contingency slider from 0% to 25% applied to labour and materials.
Non-binding disclaimer printed on the document, not buried in a footer link.
How to issue it
STEP 01
Scope and line items
Add items, quantities and unit rates with optional tax and discounts.
STEP 02
Calculate and tax
Verify subtotal, tax breakdown, withholding and balance due.
STEP 03
Export vector PDF
Render an unwatermarked PDF directly in your browser without an upload.
STEP 04
Convert or archive
Store locally in your vault or advance to the next lifecycle document.
Questions about estimate
What is the difference between an estimate and a quote?
An estimate is a good-faith approximation and stays non-binding; a quotation is a firm offer at a stated price for a stated period. Converting an estimate to a quotation turns the mid-point of your ranges into fixed prices.
How much contingency should I include?
Residential renovation work typically carries 10-15%, restoration and remediation 15-25%, and well-surveyed commercial fit-outs 5-10%. OpenDocuHub lets you dial it per document rather than baking it into unit rates.
Can I show the client the labour range without the markup?
Yes. Material markup is a display option on the estimate sheet - you can present a client-facing range while keeping the underlying costs in your own copy.
Does this work for agency retainers?
The Agency Milestone Schedule template is built for it: phases, deliverables and buffers instead of trade labour lines.