Free Contractor Proposal Template (PDF, Word & Excel)
A proposal turns your price into an agreement. This one has a short cover letter, the scope of work, pricing by section, allowances, exclusions, a payment schedule, the main terms and signature lines for you and the client. Edit the wording in Word, or let Excel add up the price.
Free proposal template
No sign-up, no email. Download it and use it on your next job.
In LaraKey, proposals build from your estimate, go out by email or text, and clients approve and sign online. Your copy updates the moment they sign.
See Proposals & Online ApprovalWhat to put in a construction proposal
- Cover: your company, the client, the job address, the date and a two-line summary of the project.
- Scope of work: what you will do, section by section, in words the client understands.
- Price: totals by section and the contract total. Show allowances (fixtures, tile, cabinets) as their own lines.
- Exclusions: what isn’t included, like permits, hazardous materials or work by others.
- Schedule: the expected start and length of the job.
- Payment schedule: deposit and milestone payments.
- Terms: changes, warranty, cleanup and how disputes are handled.
- Signatures: client and contractor, with dates.
Examples
Kitchen remodel
Sections for demolition, cabinets, countertops, electrical, plumbing and finishes. Allowances for appliances and lighting. 30% at signing, 40% at cabinet install, 30% at the final walkthrough.
Basement finish
Framing, insulation, drywall, flooring, a bathroom and an egress window. Exclusions: radon mitigation and furniture moving. A 10-week schedule.
Proposal Template: common questions
What’s the difference between a proposal and an estimate?
An estimate is the price. A proposal adds the scope, exclusions, schedule, payment terms and signatures, so it becomes the agreement for the job.
Is this proposal template free?
Yes. Download the PDF, Word or Excel version. No sign-up, no email.
Is a signed proposal a contract?
A signed proposal with a clear scope, price and terms is usually treated as a contract, but rules vary by state. Have a lawyer review your terms once and reuse them.
Should I list allowances?
Yes. Allowances for items the client hasn’t picked yet (tile, fixtures, appliances) keep the price honest and make upgrades easy to handle with a change order.
What should go in the exclusions?
Anything a client might assume is included but isn’t: permits, engineering, hazardous material removal, landscaping repair, painting, or moving furniture.
How long should a proposal be?
As short as it can be while being clear. Two to four pages works for most remodeling jobs.
Can clients sign proposals online?
With LaraKey, yes. Clients approve and sign from any phone, and you’re notified right away.
Which format should I use?
Word to change the wording, Excel to price it with formulas, and PDF to print or send as is.
Talk to a person who knows remodeling.
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