Why contractors use DocJoist for estimates
Trade-Specific Line Items
Not generic templates. Roofing estimates list shingles and underlayment. Plumbing estimates list pipe types and fixtures. Pre-built for your trade.
Professional PDFs
Clean, itemized estimates with your company info, client details, line items, tax, and totals. Send to clients with confidence.
Under 5 Minutes
Stop spending an hour in Excel. Pick your trade, fill in the numbers, download the PDF. Back to the job site.
Estimate Templates by Trade
Each template comes pre-loaded with the line items your trade needs. Just fill in your quantities and prices.
Roofing Estimate
Generate professional roofing estimates with pre-built line items for shingles, underlayment, labor, and tear-off. Download as PDF instantly.
View templatePainting Estimate
Create detailed painting estimates with line items for prep, primer, paint, and labor by coat. Download a professional PDF estimate instantly.
View templateLandscaping Estimate
Build landscaping estimates with line items for sod, mulch, plants, pavers, and installation labor. Generate a PDF estimate in minutes.
View templatePlumbing Estimate
Create plumbing estimates with line items for pipes, fittings, fixtures, and labor. Generate a professional PDF estimate for any plumbing project.
View templateElectrical Estimate
Build electrical estimates with line items for wiring, panels, outlets, fixtures, and labor. Download a professional PDF estimate instantly.
View templateHVAC Estimate
Generate HVAC estimates with line items for AC units, furnaces, ductwork, and installation. Create professional PDF estimates for heating and cooling projects.
View templateDrywall Estimate
Create drywall estimates with line items for sheets, joint compound, tape, and finishing labor. Generate a professional PDF estimate for any drywall project.
View templateConcrete Estimate
Generate concrete estimates with line items for concrete, rebar, forming, and finishing. Create professional PDF estimates for driveways, patios, and foundations.
View templateKitchen Remodel Estimate
Build kitchen remodel estimates with line items for cabinets, countertops, backsplash, and all trades. Generate a detailed PDF estimate for any kitchen renovation.
View templateRemodeling Estimate
Create general remodeling estimates with line items for demo, framing, finishes, and multiple trades. Generate professional PDF estimates for any renovation project.
View templateHow it works
Pick your trade
We load the right line items for your trade
Fill in your numbers
Quantities, prices, client info — takes under 5 minutes
Download your PDF
Professional, itemized — send to your client
Estimate FAQ
What should a construction estimate include?
+
A professional estimate should include itemized materials with quantities and unit prices, labor broken out by phase or trade, permits and fees, a subtotal with tax, notes and terms, your company information, client details, an estimate number, and a validity period (typically 30 days).
What's the difference between an estimate, a quote, and a bid?
+
An estimate is an approximation of costs — it can change as the project develops. A quote is a fixed price for a defined scope of work. A bid is a formal response to a request for proposals (RFP), typically on larger commercial projects. For most residential work, contractors provide estimates.
How much markup should a contractor charge?
+
Most contractors mark up 25-50% over direct costs (materials + labor) to cover overhead, insurance, equipment, and profit. The right markup depends on your trade, market, and business expenses. Never price below your true cost just to win a job.
How do I use DocJoist's estimate generator?
+
Pick your trade and we load the right line items — roofing estimates get shingles and underlayment, not generic 'materials.' Fill in your quantities and prices, add client details, and download a professional PDF. The whole process takes under 5 minutes.