The layout
| Section | What to put in it |
|---|---|
| Your details | Business name, address, phone, email, and your VAT number if you're registered |
| Customer and site | Customer's name and contact details, and the address of the job if it's different |
| Quote number and date | A unique reference, the date, and a valid-until date (30 days is common) |
| Scope of works | What you'll install, replace or repair, with the make and model of major parts such as boilers, cylinders and radiators |
| Registrations | Your Gas Safe registration number for any gas work, and any other scheme memberships |
| Warranties and certificates | Manufacturer warranties, your workmanship guarantee, and the certificates and notifications included, such as Building Regulations notification for a new boiler |
| Exclusions | What isn't included, so there are no arguments later |
| Price | Labour and materials, itemised as far as is sensible, total before VAT, VAT at 20% if you're registered, and the total |
| Payment terms | Deposit, stage payments and when the balance is due |
| Acceptance | How the customer accepts: a signature, or accepting online |
Example: combi boiler replacement
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Remove existing boiler and flue, and dispose of them | £180 |
| 2 | Supply and fit 28 kW combi boiler (make and model stated) with horizontal flue | £1,950 |
| 3 | Power flush system and fit magnetic filter | £420 |
| 4 | Commission, Benchmark checklist, and register the boiler for warranty and Building Regulations | Included |
| Total before VAT | £2,550 |
Figures are an example of the format, not a price guide.
Things to spell out
- What happens if you find corroded pipework or a hidden leak: a daily rate, or a provisional sum.
- Making good: who fills, plasters and decorates after pipe runs are moved.
- Access: lifting floorboards, moving furniture, parking.
- Which certificates and registrations are included in the price.
Do it in DripLess
Less paperwork, more paid work.
DripLess sends plumbing and heating quotes with your own references, lets customers accept online, and turns accepted quotes into jobs with the invoice ready to go.
Questions
What should a plumbing quote include?
Your details, the customer and site address, a quote number and date, a valid-until date, the scope with makes and models of major parts, your Gas Safe number for gas work, warranties and certificates included, exclusions, the price with VAT if registered, payment terms and acceptance.
Do I need to show my Gas Safe number on a quote?
It's good practice for any quote that includes gas work, because customers should check that the engineer is Gas Safe registered for the type of work.
How should I price unknowns on a plumbing job?
Use a provisional sum or a stated daily rate for anything you can't see until work starts, such as the condition of hidden pipework, and say so on the quote.
Should a plumbing quote include materials separately?
Itemising major parts helps the customer compare quotes and shows what they're paying for. Small fittings can be grouped.