Use this template as a working structure, not a fixed price formula. The internal cost breakdown should be more detailed than the customer-facing quote, but both should point to the same scope and assumptions.
Internal estimate structure
| Section | Record |
|---|---|
| Job identity | Customer/job reference, date, preparer, quotation validity assumption |
| Scope and quantities | Work areas, units, drawings/project information and assumptions |
| Direct labour or delivery people | Hours/rates/basis and productivity assumption |
| Stock, materials and equipment | Quantity, supplier/date basis, delivery/waste/returns assumption |
| external suppliers | Defined package, quotation reference and scope alignment |
| Overhead/recovery basis | Chosen assumption, separate from direct costs |
| Risk/contingency decision | Identified uncertainty and treatment, not disguised profit |
| Scope-change process | How changes are recorded, priced and approved |
Customer-facing quote check
- Clear included work and exclusions.
- Assumptions about access, programme, client-supplied items and information.
- Price/tax treatment only after it is correctly established.
- Quote expiry/next step, where the business has chosen one.
- No promise that a change is included merely because it was discussed during delivery.
Who this is for
This resource is most useful if your business quotes and delivers individual jobs, projects or client assignments. Use the same approach for the work that is most material to your business.
Related FoxSums resources
- Job Costing: Track Project Profit
- Job Margin Calculator
- Scope Change and Additional Work Tracker
- How to Price Jobs and Projects Profitably
Next step
Use the internal estimate to check cost, contingency and profit before you share the customer-facing quote.
Important
General information only. Check the facts and current official guidance for the business’s circumstances.
Sources and review
- Evidence check date: 2 November 2026.
- FoxSums operational guidance. This resource does not make a tax, legal or regulatory determination.