Estimate Templates

If you do the same type of work over and over — roof replacements, kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations — you already know what goes into those jobs. Estimate templates let you save that knowledge once and reuse it every time, so you spend minutes on setup instead of hours rebuilding the same line items from scratch.

This page covers how to create templates, use them on new estimates, keep your template library organized, and avoid common pitfalls.

What Is a Template?

A template is a saved estimate structure — including sections, line items, labor entries, and markup settings — that you can apply to any new estimate with a single click. Templates do not contain client information or job-specific measurements. Think of them as a blank form with all the right fields already filled in.

When you create an estimate from a template, ContractorScope AI copies the entire structure into a new estimate. You then adjust quantities, swap out specific materials, and add client details. The original template stays untouched.

How templates work with AI-generated estimates

When you use ContractorScope AI's built-in catalog-driven estimate generation (available for bathroom projects), the template works as a starting point — not a fixed list. The estimate includes the line items your project actually calls for based on what you described, what photos show, or what you said by voice. Specify only the fixtures you are replacing and the estimate covers only those. Describe a full gut-and-remodel and the estimate covers the full scope.

This means two bathroom estimates from the "Bathroom Renovation — Standard" template can look quite different depending on the job:

• "Replace the vanity and toilet" produces an estimate with vanity and toilet line items only.
• "Full bathroom remodel, new shower tile, vanity, toilet, and floor" produces a comprehensive estimate covering all four fixture areas.

The template defines the structure and default pricing. The scope you describe defines what gets built.

tip

Templates are ideal for your bread-and-butter job types. If you win 20 roof replacements a year, a well-built roof template can save you 30–60 minutes per estimate — that adds up to 10–20 hours a year back in your pocket.

Creating a Template from an Existing Estimate

The fastest way to build a template is from an estimate you have already completed and know is accurate. This captures real-world line items, pricing, and structure rather than building from scratch.

Step 1: Open the Estimate

1. From the Dashboard, click Estimates in the left sidebar.
2. Find the estimate you want to use as the basis for your template.
3. Click the estimate name to open it.

Step 2: Save as Template

1. Click the Actions menu (three dots) in the upper right corner of the estimate.
2. Select Save as Template.
3. Give the template a clear, descriptive name (for example, "Asphalt Shingle Roof Replacement — Standard" or "Full Kitchen Remodel — Mid-Range").
4. Add an optional description explaining when to use this template.
5. Assign it to a Category (Roofing, Interior Remodel, Bathroom, etc.) so it is easy to find later.
6. Click Save Template.

The template is now available in your template library.

info

Client-specific information — name, address, job site details — is automatically stripped when you save a template. Only the structural content (sections, items, quantities, and pricing) is saved.

What Gets Saved

When you save an estimate as a template, ContractorScope AI preserves:

• All sections and their order
• Line items with descriptions, units, unit costs, and quantities
• Labor entries with hours and rates
• Markup percentages (materials, labor, overhead)
• Notes and scope-of-work descriptions
• Custom fields your company uses

What is not saved:

• Client name, contact, and address
• Job site address
• Estimate number
• Issue date and expiration date
• Any photos or blueprints you uploaded to the estimate

Using a Template on a New Estimate

Option 1: Start from the Templates Library

1. Click Estimates in the sidebar, then click New Estimate.
2. On the new estimate screen, click Start from Template instead of Blank Estimate.
3. Browse or search the template library.
4. Click the template name to preview its sections and line items.
5. Click Use This Template to create a new estimate based on it.
6. Fill in the client information and adjust any quantities or items as needed.

Option 2: Apply a Template to a Draft Estimate

If you have already started a blank estimate and want to apply a template:

1. Open the draft estimate.
2. Click Actions → Apply Template.
3. Select the template to apply.
4. Choose whether to replace all current content or append the template sections to what you have already added.
5. Click Apply.

warning

Choosing Replace when applying a template to a draft will permanently remove any line items you have already entered. Use Append if you want to keep existing work and add the template sections below it.

Managing Your Template Library

Viewing All Templates

From the Estimates section, click the Templates tab at the top of the page. You will see all templates organized by category, with the most recently used shown first.

You can switch between:

• Grid view — Shows template name, category, and a preview of the first few line items.
• List view — Compact view with sort and filter controls.

Editing a Template

1. Open the Templates tab.
2. Find the template you want to update.
3. Click Edit (pencil icon).
4. Make your changes to sections, items, or pricing.
5. Click Save Changes.

Editing a template does not affect any estimates that were previously created from it. Only future estimates will use the updated structure.

Archiving and Deleting Templates

• Archive — Hides the template from the active library without deleting it. Useful for seasonal templates or job types you rarely take on. To archive, click Actions → Archive on the template card.
• Delete — Permanently removes the template. This cannot be undone. Existing estimates created from the template are not affected.

Template vs. Duplicate: Which Should You Use?

Both templates and duplicating estimates let you reuse past work, but they serve different purposes:

	Template	Duplicate
Purpose	Reusable starting point for a job type	Copy a specific completed estimate
Client info	Stripped out	Carried over (you must update it)
Best for	Standard job types you repeat often	A similar job for the same or a new client
Updates to source	Edit the template for future use	No ongoing relationship to original

Use a template when you want a clean, generic starting point. Use duplicate when a specific past estimate is very close to what you need for a current job.

Common Template Patterns

The following starting-point templates work well for most contractors in these trades. Build your own versions as you refine your standard pricing.

Asphalt Shingle Roof Replacement — Starter

Sections to include:

• Tear-off and Disposal — Remove existing shingles, underlayment, and damaged decking. Haul away debris.
• Deck Inspection and Repair — Inspect sheathing, replace damaged sections.
• Underlayment — Synthetic or felt, by square footage.
• Ice and Water Shield — Eaves and valleys.
• Shingles — Standard 3-tab or architectural, by square (100 sq ft).
• Flashing — Step flashing, counter flashing, chimney flashing.
• Ridge Cap — Ridge vent and cap shingles.
• Cleanup and Final Inspection — Magnet sweep, haul away, walkthrough.

Suggested markup: 20–30% materials, 15–25% labor overhead.

Full Kitchen Remodel — Mid-Range

Sections to include:

• Demolition — Remove cabinets, countertops, flooring, and appliances.
• Rough-In Work — Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC rough-in changes.
• Drywall and Prep — Patch, prime, paint.
• Cabinets — Base and upper, with installation.
• Countertops — Measurement, material, fabrication, install.
• Backsplash — Tile, grout, sealer.
• Flooring — Material, underlayment, installation.
• Appliances — Supply and installation (if in scope).
• Fixtures and Hardware — Faucets, pulls, lighting.
• Final Cleanup — Dust, haul, inspection.

Bathroom Renovation — Standard

Sections to include:

• Demolition — Tile, vanity, fixtures, flooring.
• Waterproofing — Cement board, membrane, pan liner.
• Rough-In — Plumbing and electrical rough-in.
• Tile Work — Floor, shower walls, accent.
• Vanity and Top — Supply and install.
• Fixtures — Toilet, faucets, shower valve, hardware.
• Accessories — Mirror, towel bars, paper holder.
• Paint — Ceiling and walls.
• Final Cleanup.

tip

Start simple. A template with 60% of the typical line items is better than no template. You can always add items to individual estimates. Over time, your templates become more precise as you use them on real jobs.

Next Steps

Now that you know how to use templates, here are some logical next steps:

• Getting Started — Setting up your account and navigating the dashboard.
• Understanding Your Estimate — How estimate sections, line items, and totals work.
• Change Orders — Handling scope changes after an estimate is accepted.