How to price a construction quote

1. Break the job into items and measure

Split the work into packages (earthworks, structure, masonry, coatings, tiling, painting…) and each package into items with a unit: m³ of concrete, m² of wall, linear metres, units. Measure on site or on the plans and write the dimensions down: they justify your quantities if the client questions them.

2. Cost each item: materials, labour, equipment

For each item, compute a dry cost per unit:

• Materials at your purchase price, plus waste (about 5 % for concrete, 10 % for tiles, 10–15 % for cuts and breakage).
• Labour: hours per unit × loaded hourly cost of the team (wages and social charges).
• Equipment and consumables: mixer, scaffolding, rental, fuel, small supplies.
• Transport, waste removal and access constraints (floors, narrow streets).

3. Add overheads and margin

Overheads (vehicle, insurance, office, unpaid quoting time) are usually spread as a percentage of the dry cost, often 10 to 20 %. Then apply your margin. Be careful: a 20 % margin on the selling price is not +20 % on the cost; to keep 20 % of the price, divide the cost by 0.8 (coefficient 1.25).

Compare your unit prices with your last jobs: if a price is far below your usual one, an item is probably missing.

4. Write a quote that protects you

Describe each item precisely (brand, thickness, finish), state what is excluded, the start date and duration, the validity of the offer (30 days is common while material prices move) and the payment schedule: deposit at signature (often 30 %), progress payments, balance at handover. Ask for a dated signature with “good for agreement”.