Quote structures by trade

Lines (example figures)

• Call-out fee, 1 each, $120.00
• Tap set replacement, 1 each, $190.00
• Toilet inlet valve supply and fit, 1 each, $95.00

Total: $405.00

Note to the customer: Price includes GST. Parts are standard chrome from stock; a specific brand or finish is quoted separately. Work can be done Thursday morning between 8 and 10. Payment on completion by card or transfer.

Why this shape: The call-out fee is on its own line so it is never a surprise. The two repairs are separate so the customer can see what each costs if they want to drop one. The note covers the three things that cause arguments: tax, parts, and when.

Lines (example figures)

• Double power point supply and fit, 8 each, $165.00
• LED downlight supply and fit, 12 each, $95.00
• Ceiling fan install, fan supplied by builder, 2 each, $220.00
• Sub-circuit from switchboard, 1 each, $480.00
• Testing and certificate of electrical safety, 1 each, $90.00

Total: $3,470.00

Note to the customer: Price includes GST. Quoted for rough-in with one return visit for fit-off once plaster is complete. Fans supplied by the builder; fittings and downlights from our standard range. Switchboard has capacity for the new circuit as inspected.

Why this shape: Everything is a count. The builder can check the finished job against the quote. Testing is a line because it is work, not a favour.

Lines (example figures)

• Merbau deck supply and build, 24 square metre, $385.00
• Steps and handrail, 1 each, $1,900.00
• Skip bin, 1 each, $520.00
• Site set-up and clean, 1 each, $350.00

Total: $12,010.00

Note to the customer: Price includes GST. Deck at existing ground level on new stirrups and bearers; no demolition of existing structures. Any council approval is the owner's responsibility. Deposit of 10 per cent on acceptance, balance on completion. Price holds for 30 days. Decking left unoiled unless quoted separately.

Why this shape: The square-metre rate does the heavy lifting. Extras are named so the customer sees what is optional. The note is doing the work a contract would, in plain words.

Lines (example figures)

• Interior walls and ceilings, two coats, 310 square metre, $22.00
• Doors and frames, 6 each, $140.00
• Prep and minor filling, 8 hour, $75.00
• Low-sheen interior paint, 45 litre, $28.00

Total: $9,520.00

Note to the customer: Price includes GST. One colour per room from a standard range; dark colours over light may need a third coat, quoted separately. Furniture to be moved by the customer; floors and fixtures covered by us. Five working days, start date agreed on acceptance.

Why this shape: Prep is visible so it is paid for. Paint is a line so supply-and-apply is clear. The colour sentence saves a Saturday argument.

Lines (example figures)

• Call-out and roof inspection, 1 each, $160.00
• Tile replacement, matching second-hand where available, 11 each, $18.00
• Ridge capping re-bed and re-point, 12 metre, $65.00
• Edge protection, 1 day, $380.00

Total: $1,518.00

Note to the customer: Price includes GST. Work within seven days, weather permitting. Replacement tiles matched as closely as stock allows. Any rotten battens or perished sarking found during the work are quoted separately before proceeding.

Why this shape: The inspection is a line because you did it. Edge protection is named so the customer knows it is a legal requirement and not padding. The last sentence in the note is the whole variation policy.

Lines (example figures)

• 7 kW reverse cycle split system, supply, 1 each, $2,150.00
• Standard back-to-back install, 1 each, $650.00
• Additional pipe run, 5 metre, $85.00
• Wall bracket for outdoor unit, 1 each, $140.00
• Dedicated circuit and isolator, 1 each, $380.00
• Old unit removal and disposal, 1 each, $120.00

Total: $3,865.00

Note to the customer: Price includes GST. Unit as specified, or equivalent capacity from the same range if stock is short, confirmed with you before install. Install within ten working days of acceptance. Manufacturer warranty registered on your behalf.

Why this shape: The customer has seen the unit price online. Showing the install in parts explains the gap between the box and the total.

Lines (example figures)

• Remove existing floor tiles, 6 square metre, $38.00
• Screed and fall to waste, 6 square metre, $55.00
• Waterproofing to floor and wet area walls, 6 square metre, $48.00
• Floor tiles lay only, 6 square metre, $65.00
• Wall tiles lay only, 28 square metre, $75.00
• Mosaic feature lay only, 2 square metre, $140.00
• Grout, adhesive and silicone, 36 square metre, $14.00

Total: $4,120.00

Note to the customer: Price includes GST. Tiles supplied by the builder with 10 per cent wastage allowed. Two visits: waterproofing with cure time, then tiling. Silicone to all wet area junctions included. Niche or shelf detail quoted separately.

Why this shape: Every stage is paid for because every stage is on the quote. Mosaic has its own rate because it takes its own time.

Lines (example figures)

• Excavation and removal of existing driveway, 58 square metre, $35.00
• Exposed aggregate concrete, 100 millimetre, 58 square metre, $165.00
• Mesh and bar reinforcement, 58 square metre, $12.00
• Formwork, 24 metre, $22.00
• Saw cuts, 12 metre, $8.00

Total: $12,920.00

Note to the customer: Price includes GST. Pour date weather dependent and confirmed two days ahead. Council crossover permit, if required, is the owner's. No vehicles on the slab for seven days. Aggregate colour from the standard range; a sample is available on request.

Why this shape: The finish is the line that moves, so it is on its own. Reinforcement is visible so a cheaper quote without it can be compared properly. The seven-day sentence prevents the most common callback.