You walk the job, picture it in your head, throw a number together, and send it off. Two weeks into the project you realize you forgot to account for demo, disposal, the permit, and the three trips to the supply house. Sound familiar?
A complete estimate isn't just about looking professional — it's about protecting yourself. Every line item you miss is money coming straight out of your pocket. Here's the checklist you should run through before sending any bid.
Materials
- Primary materials (lumber, drywall, tile, fixtures, etc.)
- Waste factor — 10% minimum, 15% for tile and hardwood
- Fasteners, adhesives, and connectors
- Consumables (blades, sandpaper, bits, caulk, tape)
- Specialty items with long lead times (order early or add buffer)
- Delivery charges
Labor
- Actual work hours (be honest — not optimistic)
- Setup and cleanup time each day
- Drive time to and from the job
- Time for material runs (they always happen)
- Subcontractor labor and coordination time
- Inspection wait times if applicable
Site Work and Prep
- Demolition and removal of existing materials
- Dump fees and disposal costs
- Site protection (drop cloths, plastic sheeting, floor protection)
- Moving or covering furniture and belongings
- Temporary supports or shoring
- Dust barriers and containment
Permits and Compliance
- Building permits (include the fee in your bid)
- Inspection fees
- HOA approval requirements and timelines
- Code-required upgrades discovered during work
Logistics and Overhead
- Dumpster or trailer rental
- Equipment rental (scaffolding, lifts, compactors)
- Portable toilet for multi-day jobs
- Parking and access fees
- Insurance cost allocation
Project Closeout
- Final cleanup and debris removal
- Touch-up materials and time
- Client walkthrough and punch list time
- Warranty callback buffer (1-2% of total)
The Bottom Line
Print this checklist out. Tape it to your dashboard. Run through it before you send every single estimate. The five minutes it takes will save you hundreds — or thousands — on every job.