Estimate example
A construction estimate example, the way it should look
An estimate is more than a number, it is the roadmap for the whole job. Here is a real UK extension priced the way Builder Expert delivers every estimate: by phase, by task, ready for your client.
What is in it
Six things every estimate should give you
A good estimate wins the job, protects the margin and keeps the project on track. These are the parts that do the work.
A clear total cost
One headline figure, ex and inc VAT, so you and your client know the number from day one.
Phase-by-phase breakdown
Every stage priced on its own, from preliminaries to finishes, so nothing hides in a lump sum.
Built-in contingency
A costed allowance for the unknowns, so a surprise on site does not become a loss on paper.
Visual cost distribution
See at a glance where the money goes, phase by phase, before you commit to the job.
Itemised quantities and rates
Every task measured out with its own quantity and unit rate, so the price is transparent and easy to check.
Client-ready PDF
Your logo, your VAT number, an itemised document you can hand a client with confidence.
The worked example
Single-storey rear extension, priced phase by phase
Project summary
Single-storey rear extension · 5m × 5m · Surrey
- Preliminaries
- £6,092
- Demolition
- £2,440
- Foundations and Footings
- £10,868
- Underground Drainage
- £5,214
- Structural Flooring
- £6,587
- Structural and Steelwork
- £8,409
- External Walls
- £12,341
- Roofing
- £11,013
- Joinery
- £2,422
- Plumbing and Heating
- £6,838
- Electrics
- £5,782
- Plastering
- £3,557
- Decorating
- £1,672
- Finishes
- £2,789
- Fitting Out
- £5,234
- Provisional Sums
- £8,040
Payment schedule
Staged payments, tied to real milestones
Every estimate can carry a payment schedule, so cash flow follows progress on site instead of guesswork.
On start
Mobilisation
£11,916
Week 2
Foundations complete
£23,832
Week 5
Structure watertight
£35,748
Week 8
First fix complete
£23,832
Week 11
Second fix and finishes
£17,874
Week 12
Practical completion
£5,957
Bill of quantities
Every line, itemised by task
Under the totals sits the detail: each task, its quantity and its price. A sample of the full bill of quantities below.
| Phase | Task | Qty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preliminaries | Supply and install scaffolding (per storey of elevation) | 15 LM | £1,710.00 |
| Preliminaries | Disconnect and make safe gas, water and electrical services | 2 Day | £684.00 |
| Demolition | Demolish external walls and clear the rubbish away | 15 M2 | £1,887.90 |
| Foundations and Footings | Excavate and cast trench foundations, remove soil from site | 9 M3 | £6,215.94 |
| Foundations and Footings | Cast reinforced ground beams, including shuttering and beam formation | 5 LM | £2,199.20 |
| Underground Drainage | Excavate and install 110mm underground drainage pipework | 14 LM | £1,784.44 |
Illustrative sample. A full estimate itemises every phase of the job. All prices exclude VAT.
Want an estimate like this for your project?
Draft it yourself with BEX AI in minutes, or send us your drawings and we prepare it for you.
FAQ
Estimate example, answered
Is this a real estimate?
The figures shown are a real example from a UK single-storey rear extension. Your own estimate is priced against your drawings and specification, against live UK construction rates.
What does an estimate cost?
A Basic Estimate is a flat £90 and arrives the next working day. Detailed Estimates run £110 to £280 by project type. All prices exclude VAT.
Can I get one built for my project?
Yes. Send your drawings or project notes and our estimators prepare an itemised, branded PDF, or draft it yourself in minutes with BEX AI.