A construction proposal pack for bathroom remodelers
Use this reusable pack to turn a measured bathroom scope into a customer proposal. It includes a proposal cover, phase-by-phase scope, allowance and selection schedule, exclusions, scheduling assumptions, payment-planning fields, change-order record and issue checklist. Download the text or edit it on this page without an account.
The filled teaching example, dated October 15, 2026, matches the bathroom estimate worksheet: $10,700 in direct costs plus a $535 internal risk reserve and 30% markup produces $14,605.50 before applicable tax. Purchase taxes and tile freight still need verification. These are invented inputs, not a current market quote. Remove the teaching example before sending your own proposal.
Define the edges of the job
“Remodel the bathroom” describes an intention. It does not tell the crew which walls get tile, whether the vanity moves, or who buys the mirror. Start with the room boundaries and the plan revision. Then break the work into phases that can be priced and checked.
A scope is most useful when it matches the estimate. Use the same phase names in both documents. If demolition appears in the price, the scope should say what is removed and how debris is handled. If an item is supplied by the owner, that responsibility should be visible before the order deadline.
Replace vague lines with work someone can check
The examples below illustrate the level of detail to aim for. Adjust the measurements, product specifications, and responsibilities to the actual job; do not copy them as a universal installation specification.
| Vague wording | More useful wording |
|---|---|
| Demo bathroom | Remove existing vanity, toilet, floor tile, and shower finishes within the marked bathroom. Protect the hall access path and include debris disposal. |
| Paint room | Prepare and paint the listed walls and ceiling. Include patching the identified small holes, primer where specified, and two finish coats in client-selected colors. |
| Install tile | Install selected 12 × 24-inch floor tile over the specified prepared substrate in the measured 60 sq ft area. Include agreed layout, grout, perimeter details, and doorway transition. |
| Install trim | Supply and install 40 linear feet of specified paint-grade baseboard. Include cut returns, fastening, filling, caulking, and the agreed paint finish. |
Separate allowances, assumptions, and exclusions
An allowance is a dollar amount for an item that is not fully selected. An assumption is a condition your price relies on. An exclusion is work the price does not cover. Mixing all three into “subject to change” leaves the client with little to evaluate.
Allowance: $1,200 for selected faucet, shower trim, and toilet supply, including delivery; installation priced separately. Assumption: Existing fixture locations remain. Exclusion: Repair of concealed damaged framing is not included. If found, document the condition and price the proposed repair before proceeding with that repair.
Name the handoffs
Selections, deliveries, access, and inspections can stop a crew just as easily as missing materials. Record who buys each product, who verifies compatibility, when it must be on site, and who arranges the relevant inspections.
Avoid promising a finish date that depends on an unconfirmed delivery. State the start conditions and expected duration, then describe how a changed condition will be reviewed. Keep the language specific to this project rather than stacking generic exclusions nobody reads.
Use editable dates and specific start conditions
Set a valid-until date using actual supplier and trade quote expirations. If that date passes before acceptance, reconfirm pricing and availability. An expired proposal is not permission to raise a signed contract price; changes follow the agreement and applicable requirements.
The example assumes 15 working days after permits, selections, deliveries and trade availability are confirmed. Replace that assumption with your own sequence, inspection windows and assembly drying/testing time. Record who communicates delays and how revised dates are agreed. A seasonal work window is an editable customer field, not a reason to publish a new annual pack.
| Decision | Owner | Editable deadline or condition |
|---|---|---|
| Tile, vanity and fixture selection | Client; contractor checks compatibility | Select by [date], order by [date] |
| Permits and inspections | Named contractor or designated party | Authorization before affected work; inspection dates confirmed |
| Access and working hours | Client and contractor | [days / hours / route / storage] |
| Start and completion | Contractor with trade confirmation | [start date], [duration], [completion date] after listed conditions |
A filled change order: upgraded wall tile
The base allowance buys 110 sq ft of wall tile at $5 per sq ft ($550 direct cost). A selection at $7 costs $770. With the same quantity and installation scope, the difference is $220; an agreed 30% markup adds $66. The sample change is +$286 before tax, bringing $14,605.50 to $14,891.50 before tax when there are no earlier changes.
Record the tile model and reason for the change, any different freight or tax, the revised total and affected payment milestone. The example assumes two additional working days for delivery; confirm that impact and enter a revised completion date. Obtain the required written approvals before ordering the changed selection. The pack has a blank record for additions and credits.
Complete the agreement for the actual jurisdiction
This pack organizes a proposal; it does not supply every term or notice needed for a home improvement contract. For example, California CSLB guidance calls for detailed written scope, permit responsibility, a payment schedule and signed written changes. Use the appropriate local agreement and required notices before seeking acceptance. Do not copy a universal deposit percentage.
Confirm applicable building codes and local amendments with the permitting authority. Product specifications, fees, taxes and contractual requirements are checked for each project. The free editor does not collect electronic signatures, take payments or send the proposal to a customer.
Give changes a clear path
When a client asks for more work, compare the request with the written scope. Record the addition or removal, the price difference, and the schedule impact together. A quick verbal yes can leave both sides remembering a different deal.
Attach the agreed scope, selections, and plan revision to the estimate. Keep revisions dated. A clear scope reduces ambiguity; the full agreement still needs to fit the project and its requirements.
Put it to work on your next job.
Use the template as a starting point. Replace the prompts with your project details before you send it.
Replace bracketed fields and remove the teaching example before customer issue. Totals in this text editor do not recalculate. Entries stay in this tab and are lost on reload; save before leaving. Your text is not sent to GreenlitBid.
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Sources and maintenance
Reviewed October 15, 2026. Sample rates are invented teaching inputs, not a live price feed. Verify project costs and local requirements before each use. This reusable template needs updates when guidance or tool behavior changes; new monthly or seasonal editions are optional.