Free Estimate Generator
Share a clear cost estimate with your client before committing to a scope. No signup required.
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Generates your estimate PDF locally in your browser.
Estimate vs quote — and why the difference matters
An estimate is your best approximation of the cost before you know every detail of the job — it can move within a reasonable range. A quote is a fixed number you commit to once the client accepts it. Sending the wrong one for the situation is how price disputes start.
Why estimates are the norm in trades and construction
Jobs like renovation, landscaping, or repair work often can't be priced exactly until the work is underway — hidden damage, material availability, and site conditions all move the number. An estimate lets you give the client a realistic range without locking in a price you might not be able to honor. That's also why estimates are the format most freelancers and contractors default to for anything beyond a simple, well-defined scope.
US state rules once an estimate becomes a contract
Once a client agrees to move forward, several states require the agreement to be formalized in writing above a set price. In California, a written contract is required for home improvement work over $500, the down payment is capped at the lesser of $1,000 or 10% of the contract price with no exceptions for special-order materials, and any change to scope or price must go through a signed written change order before the extra work begins (California Contractors State License Board). New York sets the same $500 threshold for requiring a written home improvement contract, which must include the contractor's license details, an approximate completion date, and a description of the work and materials (New York Attorney General — Home Improvement Fact Sheet). Rules vary by state, so check your own state's contractor licensing board or attorney general's office if you're unsure.
UK equivalent
The UK doesn't split “estimate” and “quote” by a dollar threshold the way US states do — the distinction is about whether a price was fixed at all. See the quote generator page for how the Consumer Rights Act 2015 treats each.
Frequently asked questions
An estimate is an approximate price that can move within a reasonable range once work starts. A quote is a fixed price you commit to. See our full comparison on the quote generator page if you're deciding which to send.