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Construction Proposal Template

A fully-written contractor bid you can copy, adjust, and send today. Scope, pricing, and payment terms already filled in.

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Proposal

Backyard Deck Construction · 320 Sq Ft, Composite Decking

Scope

Project overview

Construction of a new 320 sq ft pressure-treated frame deck with composite decking and aluminum railing, replacing the existing deteriorated deck in the same footprint.

Scope of work

Demo and haul away the existing deck, pour new footings to local frost-depth code, frame with pressure-treated lumber, and install composite decking boards with aluminum railing and a matching stair rail.

Timeline

Weather permitting: 2 days for demo and footings, 3 days for framing, 3 days for decking and railing. Roughly 8 working days start to finish.

Permits & inspections

We pull the building permit and schedule the footing and final inspections. You don't need to be present for either.

What's not included

Electrical work for deck lighting, a pergola or roof structure, and hot tub pad reinforcement are available as add-ons. Let us know and we'll bid them separately.

ItemPrice
Demolition & removal of existing deck$1,200.00
Framing & footings (320 sq ft, pressure-treated)$8,400.00
Composite decking & aluminum railing installation$11,600.00
Permit filing & inspection coordination$650.00
Site cleanup & haul-away$550.00
Total$22,400.00

Terms

A 30% deposit is due before we schedule the job; two progress payments (35% at framing complete, 35% at final walkthrough) follow. This bid is valid for 30 days from the date sent. Material costs are subject to change after that. Any change to the scope described above will be documented in a signed change order with updated pricing before work continues.

Pro adds your logo and accent color.

What’s included

What’s in this template

Scope

  • Project Overview
  • Scope Of Work
  • Timeline
  • Permits & Inspections
  • What's Not Included

Pricing

5 priced line items, $550–$11,600

  • Demolition & removal of existing deck$1,200
  • Framing & footings (320 sq ft, pressure-treated)$8,400
  • Composite decking & aluminum railing installation$11,600
  • Permit filing & inspection coordination$650
  • Site cleanup & haul-away$550

Terms

  • Deposit or payment schedule
  • Invoicing and balance terms
  • How long the pricing is valid

How to write a construction proposal

  1. 01

    Measure twice, bid once

    Take real site measurements before pricing, not a satellite estimate. A bid built on guessed dimensions either loses money or loses the job when a competitor's numbers are tighter.

  2. 02

    Break the bid into phases

    Demo, framing, and finish work each have their own labor and material costs. Listing them separately shows the client exactly where their money goes and makes the total easier to trust.

  3. 03

    Price materials at today's cost, not last job's

    Lumber and hardware prices move. Quote current supplier pricing and keep the bid's validity window short so you're never stuck honoring a stale number.

  4. 04

    Build in a change-order clause

    Rot behind siding, buried utility lines, out-of-level ground. Construction always turns up surprises. State upfront how you'll price and approve changes so it isn't a fight later.

  5. 05

    Attach a realistic timeline

    Give a working-day estimate tied to the phases in your scope, and flag that weather can shift it. Vague timelines ('a few weeks') read as unprepared next to a phased schedule.

  6. 06

    Send the bid before the competition does

    Homeowners collecting bids often go with whoever responds first with a complete, professional proposal. Speed is a competitive advantage, not just a courtesy.

Construction proposal FAQ

What should a construction bid include?

A clear project overview, a phased scope of work, itemized pricing, a timeline, permit responsibility, and payment terms including deposit and progress payments.

How long should a construction proposal be?

Long enough to cover scope, materials, and terms clearly, usually one to two pages. Homeowners want confidence you understand the job, not a wall of boilerplate.

How do I price a construction job?

Itemize by phase (demo, materials, labor, permits) rather than one lump sum. It's easier to defend against a lowball competitor and easier for the client to see where the cost comes from.

When should I follow up after sending a construction bid?

Within a week. Bigger construction decisions take longer than a quick service quote, but a check-in call shows you're still interested and gives you a chance to answer questions.

Should a bid include a contingency line for hidden problems?

Either a contingency line or a clear change-order clause, one of the two. Both protect you from eating the cost of rot, bad soil, or other surprises found once work starts.

Do I need to itemize labor and materials separately?

It helps. Splitting materials from labor makes your pricing easier to trust and easier to adjust if the client wants to value-engineer part of the job.

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