Pressure Washing Estimate vs Quote
Use estimates for internal math and quotes for customer-ready scope, terms, packages, and acceptance.
Quick answer
A pressure washing estimate is the contractor's internal pricing work: labor, materials, travel, overhead, minimum fee, margin, and assumptions. A quote is the customer-facing document: scope, line items, package options, exclusions, terms, expiration date, and total price.
What belongs where
| Field | Internal estimate | Customer quote |
|---|---|---|
| Labor cost | Yes | No |
| Profit and margin | Yes | No |
| Scope of work | Draft | Yes |
| Package options | Optional | Yes |
| Terms and exclusions | Draft | Yes |
When you move from estimate to quote, decide how much detail the customer should see. The pressure washing quote line item guide shows when to use one total, service line items, or package options while keeping internal cost and margin private.
If the approved scope changes after the quote is sent, treat the new work as a revised customer quote instead of mixing it into the internal estimate. The quote change guide shows how to write the added scope, revised total, and approval step.