Useful line items for general contracting
- Mobilization and site setup
- Labor and site supervision
- Materials and deliveries
- Subcontractor work
- Permits and equipment
- Approved change orders
Free general contractor estimate generator
Free General Contractor Estimate Generator
Start with the labor, materials, and job costs general contractors use most. Add your prices and download a professional PDF—no signup, upload, or watermark.
Price the whole job
- Trade and subcontractor quotes, including supervision and coordination time
- Crew and site labor, including mobilization, protection, and cleanup
- Materials, fixtures, deliveries, and a realistic waste allowance
- Permits, equipment rental, disposal, and other direct project costs
- Overhead, profit, and a contingency tied to documented scope risk
Before you send it
- Mark up subcontractor quotes for coordination and risk. You carry the schedule and the callbacks, so it is not pass-through.
- Bill larger jobs on a draw schedule tied to milestones, like rough-in or drywall, rather than one invoice at the end.
Licensing and permits for general contractors
General contractor licensing is set by states and sometimes cities, usually with a job-value threshold, and home-improvement contracts often carry required terms, deposit limits, and cancellation notices. Lien rights may depend on sending preliminary notices on time. Check your state board for the current rules.
General information, not legal advice. Rules vary by state and city.
From estimate to approved job
The PDF is free and stays in your browser. When a customer is ready, carry the same pricing into ForgeBill to send a secure quote, collect approval and a signature, then turn the accepted work into a job and invoice.
Need help pricing it? Read the general contractor pricing guide. Billing completed work? Use the general contractor invoice template.