7 Things to Include in Your Contractor Quote/Proposal Template

You’re a pro at laying down the perfect pavement — every detail handled, every job as smooth as butter. But if your quotes and proposals look like they were scribbled on the back of a napkin (you know you’ve done it), you’re probably losing jobs you should be winning.

Here’s the problem — your clients need all the details to make an informed decision. They want to see every cost, every material, and every term laid out clearly. And not just that — they want it presented in a way that screams professionalism — they need to know you’ve thought of everything and you’re on top of your game.

In this article, we’ll cover seven essential elements your contractor quote template needs to hit the mark. From company info to project terms, we’ve got you covered with practical examples. By the end, you’ll have a template that not only looks good but also helps you close more deals. 

Note: When we mention a quote or proposal in this article, we’re saying they are essentially the same thing. Even the most basic quotes should be presented as a full proposal to make sure your clients can see you know what you’re doing!

1. Cover Page Section

Why It's Important

You wouldn’t shake hands with someone without exchanging names, right? The same goes for your contractor quotes and proposals. The first thing you need is solid information on a cover page. It sounds simple (and it is), but this section is super-important for setting the stage and telling your clients who they’re dealing with.

What to Include

  • Project Details: 
    • The name of the project.
    • The client’s name (get the spelling right!).
    • The client’s company’s name.
    • The client’s address.
    • The project’s address.
    • The date so that the client knows this quote is current.
  • Your Company Details: 
    • Company Name: Your company’s full trading name for credibility.
    • Address: Provide your physical or mailing address.
    • Contact Details: Include your phone number, email address, and any other relevant contact information.
    • Logo: Use a high-resolution version of your company logo. It’s like your brand’s calling-card.
    • About Us: A few paragraphs about your company — who you are, what you believe in, and how you look after your clients.

Example from the Field

Let’s take a cue from The King Boss Demo’s sample proposal:

SampleProposal_page-0001 (1)-1

SampleProposal_page-00022 (1)-1

Their cover page is straightforward and professional, featuring their company name, logo, project title, and client details. It’s clean and to the point, exactly what you want when you’re trying to convey reliability and professionalism.

How AK Dash Makes This Easier

  • Blazing Fast Setup for Contractor Software: 
    • Sign up and start creating proposals faster than ever, with no complicated software to wrestle with.
  • Ready-Made Templates 
    • No more blank page stress with customizable templates for all project sizes, from quick quotes to detailed boardroom presentations.
  • Easy Customization: 
    • Pick fonts, colors, and layouts to match your branding, no graphic design skills needed.

2. Scope of Work Section

Why It's Important

Only an amateur would start paving a driveway or parking lot without a clear plan. So of course, your client wants to know you have a detailed, well-thought-out plan of attack, and so the scope of work section is where you lay out exactly what you’re going to do. This part is all about clarity and detail.

What to Include

  • Specific Tasks: 
    • Outline each task you’ll be performing. Be as detailed as possible to avoid any confusion.
  • Materials: 
    • List all the materials you’ll need for the job. Clients appreciate knowing where their money is going.

Example from the Field

Let’s take another look at The King Boss Demo’s sample proposal:

SampleProposal_page-3

Each task is described with specifics about the area size, methods of application, and the materials to be used. Don’t skimp on the detail — this level of detail ensures that the client knows exactly what to expect, and the contractor can avoid scope creep and potential added costs.

How AK Dash Makes This Easier

  • Pre-Built Scopes of Work: 
    • Choose from pre-built scopes or customize them to suit your project needs — no more copying and pasting from old quotes.
  • Automatic Calculations: 
    • The engine handles all the math, from square footage to total price, including discounts.
  • Mapping Measure Tool: 
    • Use the integrated satellite mapping tool to measure properties virtually, for pinpoint accuracy in minutes, not hours.

 

 

3. Proposal Images Section

Why It's Important

Imagine trying to explain the extent of a cracked pavement or the exact areas needing sealcoating with words alone. It’s not easy, and it leaves a lot of room for crossed wires. Proposal images bridge that gap, giving your clients a clear, visual reference of the work that needs to be done.

What to Include

  • Satellite Images: 
    • Provide an overview of the entire project area.
    • Use high-resolution images to ensure every detail is visible.
  • Site-Specific Photos: 
    • Include close-up images of specific sites within the project.
    • Highlight areas of current damage or focus points for the project.

Example from the Field

Let’s look again at The King Boss Demo’s sample proposal:

SampleProposal_page-0001 (1)-2

SampleProposal_page-5

SampleProposal_page-0001 (1)-3

Their proposal includes satellite images for an overall view of the project and specific photos of current damaged areas. This level of detail helps the client visualize the work needed and understand exactly what they are paying for.

How AK Dash Makes This Easier

  • Built-In Satellite Imagery: 
    • AK Dash offers integrated satellite imagery, letting you click and drag to pinpoint the exact project area down to the last square foot. This feature saves you hours, making it a matter of minutes to get the accurate square footage needed for your proposal. Oh, and the satellite photos are pretty, too!
  • Automatic Photo Uploads: 
    • Our proposal generator engine allows you to take photos of the site, which are then automatically uploaded to the proposal generator. No more hunting for photos or dealing with disorganized image files.

4. Project Summary Section

Why It's Important

Your clients are busy people. A well-presented project summary gives them a quick snapshot of the entire project, helping them understand the scope, costs, and key components at a glance. Think of it as the highlight reel of your proposal — quick, straightforward, and packed with the key points.

What to Include

  • Spreadsheet of Services and Costs: 
    • List each individual project or service.
    • Include the cost for each service.

Example from the Field

Here’s the King Boss Demo’s sample:

SampleProposal_page-8 (1)

The summary includes a clear, itemized list of services and their costs. This helps the client quickly understand the scope and financial aspects of the project without getting bogged down in all the specifics.

How AK Dash Makes This Easier

Creating a project summary is a breeze with AK Dash. Here’s how we make it simple:

  • Automatic Calculations: 
    • AK Dash automatically calculates and compiles the project summary. No more messing around with extra spreadsheets or formulas. This feature makes sure everything is accurate and saves you time.

5. Contract Section

Why It's Important

Getting the details right is crucial, but so is making sure everything is legally buttoned up. The contract section of your proposal is where you lay down the terms and conditions of the project. This isn’t just about protecting yourself legally — it’s also about showing your clients that you’re professional and reliable.

What to Include

  • Agreement Terms: 
    • Clearly state the terms of the agreement between you and the client.
  • Payment Terms: 
    • Outline the payment schedule and terms.
  • Authorized Signature: 
    • Provide space for both parties to sign, indicating their agreement to the terms.
  • Date: 
    • Include a space for the date of the agreement

Example from the Field

Here’s the King Boss Demo’s sample:

SampleProposal_page-10

The King Boss Demo’s sample proposal includes a straightforward contract section. It clearly states the agreement terms, provides space for signatures, and outlines the payment terms. This makes sure that both parties are clear on the expectations and legal parts of the project.

How AK Dash Makes This Easier

Creating a detailed contract section is simple with AK Dash. Here’s how we streamline the process:

  • Automatic Contract Generation: 
    • AK Dash’s Proposal Generator Engine automatically includes a standard contract section. This means you don’t have to worry about doing this from scratch for each project.

6. Proposal Terms Section

Why It's Important

Having clear proposal terms is crucial for avoiding misunderstandings, not to mention legal disputes. It makes absolutely certain that both you and your client are on the same page regarding every detail of the project. This section helps to build trust and shows that you are a thorough professional who has all of your legal ducks in a row.

What to Include

  • General Terms: 
    • State the terms and conditions that apply to the proposal.
  • Price Validity: 
    • Specify how long the quoted prices are valid.
  • Scope of Work: 
    • Clarify that the proposal only includes the tasks and items specifically listed.
  • Work Schedule: 
    • Detail the expected work hours and any conditions that might affect the schedule.
  • Liabilities: 
    • Outline any liabilities or responsibilities of the client.
  • Dispute Resolution: 
    • Include terms for handling disputes.
  • Permit and Fees: 
    • Address the responsibility for permits and associated fees.
  • Change Orders: 
    • Explain how changes to the project scope will be handled.
  • Payment Terms: 
    • Recap the payment terms and conditions.
  • Warranty: 
    • State any warranties provided.

Example from the Field

Here’s the King Boss Demo’s sample:

SampleProposal_page-11

Their proposal terms cover everything from price validity to work schedule, liabilities, and change orders. This thorough approach makes sure that all potential issues are addressed upfront, giving both the contractor and the client a clear understanding of the project's framework.

How AK Dash Makes This Easier

While that section looks like a nightmare, setting up detailed proposal terms is actually super-easy with AK Dash. Here’s how our platform simplifies this process:

  • Standard Terms Template: 
    • AK Dash includes a standard set of terms and conditions that can be easily customized to fit your specific project needs. This makes sure that you cover all the necessary bases without starting from scratch each time.
  • Automatic Integration: 
    • Our proposal generator automatically integrates these terms into your proposals. This means you won’t miss any important details and can be confident that your proposals are comprehensive and legally sound.

PLEASE NOTE: While AK Dash can provide templates for your proposal terms, your legal needs will be completely specific to you. You must run your proposal terms past your legal professional to be absolutely certain they are legally sound and aligned with your specific circumstances.

7. Thank You Section

Well, this one is pretty obvious — didn’t your mother teach you anything?

All you need is something like this at the end of your proposal:

“Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.”

Easy!

Where to Next With AK Dash

If you're an asphalt or pavement contracting business, using a solid contractor quote template can truly help you make your processes smoother, make you look more professional, and reduce expensive mistakes. If you can do that, you’ll gain traction on more revenue, and even better, higher profits.

So why not try out AK Dash’s Proposal Generator Engine now for free? Find out for yourself how it can transform your business — sign up today and see how easy it is to create professional proposals that win contracts and boost your revenue sky-high. From there, you’ve got all the tools to build a real legacy your family will be proud of — you can do it, and we can help.

Want to find out more about AK Dash’s Features?

DRIVE CUSTOMERS

  • Lead Generation Form
  • Pavement Assessments
  • Proposal Generator Engine
  • Task Environment
  • Workflow Email Automations

DRIVE PROJECTS

  • Scheduling App
  • Pipeline
  • Lead Generation Form
  • Customer Domain Portal Feature Page

DRIVE FINANCES

  • Revenue Roadmap
  • Quickbooks Integration
  • Invoicing
  • Forecasting
  • Job Cost Calculators

FAQs

1. What should be included in a contractor quote template in contractor software?

A contractor quote template should include a cover page, detailed scope of work, proposal images, project summary, contract, proposal terms, and a thank you section. Each component makes sure you take care of clarity and professionalism.

2. How can a clear scope of work help my contractor proposals?

A detailed scope of work helps avoid misunderstandings and sets clear expectations. It outlines specific tasks and materials, making sure both you and your client are on the same page.

3. Why are proposal images important in contractor quotes?

Proposal images provide a visual reference for the work needed, helping clients understand the project scope better. They also show professionalism and thoroughness.

4. How does AK Dash simplify the creation of contractor proposals?

AK Dash offers ready-made templates, automatic calculations, built-in satellite imagery, and seamless integration of contract terms. These features save time and ensure accuracy in your proposals.

5. What are the benefits of using AK Dash's automatic contract generation?

AK Dash’s automatic contract generation includes standard contract sections and customization options, making it easy to create detailed, accurate contracts without starting from scratch.