May 7, 2026 — "Show me an example" is the most common request from contractors writing their first real proposal. The trouble is that a generic proposal template doesn't reflect how an electrician, a plumber, a roofer, a concrete contractor, or an HVAC installer actually scopes and prices work. The bones are the same — the scope language, the line items, and the exclusions are not.
This guide gives you a realistic proposal example for each major trade, with the scope language and cost breakdown that fit how that trade bids. Use them as a starting point, then adjust to your numbers and your market.
Quick answer: Every construction proposal — regardless of trade — needs scope of work, an itemized cost breakdown, a timeline, payment terms, exclusions, and a signature block. What changes by trade is the content: an electrical proposal lists circuits and fixtures, a roofing proposal lists squares and tear-off, a concrete proposal lists cubic yards and finish type. Below is a worked example for each.
What stays the same across every trade
Before the examples, the constants. Every proposal — electrical, plumbing, roofing, concrete, HVAC, or general — should include:
- A clear scope of work in plain language
- An itemized cost breakdown with a bold total
- A timeline and payment schedule
- Exclusions and assumptions (permits, hidden conditions, owner-supplied items)
- Terms and a signature/acceptance block
What follows is how the scope and line items differ. The structure is identical.
Electrical proposal example
Project: Panel upgrade and kitchen circuit additions — 142 Oak St
Scope of work:
- Furnish and install one 200-amp main service panel, replacing existing 100-amp panel
- Run three new 20-amp circuits for kitchen countertop receptacles (GFCI protected)
- Install one dedicated 20-amp circuit for dishwasher and one for microwave
- Replace six recessed fixtures with LED units (owner-supplied)
- Permit and inspection coordination
Cost breakdown:
| Item | Qty | Unit | Unit Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200A service panel + install | 1 | ea | $1,850 | $1,850 |
| 20A kitchen circuits | 3 | ea | $280 | $840 |
| Dedicated appliance circuits | 2 | ea | $260 | $520 |
| LED fixture install (owner-supplied) | 6 | ea | $45 | $270 |
| Permit + inspection | 1 | ls | $350 | $350 |
| Total | $3,830 |
Exclusions: Drywall patching and paint after panel relocation; fixtures (owner-supplied); any code corrections to existing wiring discovered during work.
Plumbing proposal example
Project: Bathroom rough-in and fixture set — new construction
Scope of work:
- Rough-in supply and DWV for one full bathroom (tub/shower, toilet, vanity)
- Set and connect owner-supplied tub/shower valve, toilet, and vanity faucet
- Install shut-off valves at all fixtures
- Pressure-test and coordinate inspection
Cost breakdown:
| Item | Qty | Unit | Unit Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bathroom rough-in (supply + DWV) | 1 | ls | $2,400 | $2,400 |
| Fixture set (3 fixtures) | 1 | ls | $650 | $650 |
| Shut-off valves | 3 | ea | $40 | $120 |
| Permit + inspection | 1 | ls | $300 | $300 |
| Total | $3,470 |
Exclusions: Fixtures and trim (owner-supplied); tile and waterproofing; access cutting and patching of finished surfaces.
Roofing proposal example
Project: Asphalt shingle re-roof — 24 squares
Scope of work:
- Tear off existing single layer of asphalt shingles down to deck
- Inspect and replace up to 3 sheets of damaged decking (additional sheets billed at unit rate)
- Install synthetic underlayment, ice-and-water shield at eaves and valleys
- Install architectural shingles (30-year), new pipe boots, and ridge vent
- Clean up and haul away all debris; magnetic nail sweep
Cost breakdown:
| Item | Qty | Unit | Unit Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tear-off and disposal | 24 | sq | $95 | $2,280 |
| Underlayment + ice/water | 24 | sq | $55 | $1,320 |
| Architectural shingles installed | 24 | sq | $385 | $9,240 |
| Ridge vent | 40 | lf | $9 | $360 |
| Decking replacement (allowance) | 3 | sheet | $75 | $225 |
| Total | $13,425 |
Exclusions: Decking beyond 3 sheets ($75/sheet); gutter replacement; structural repairs; permit if required by jurisdiction.
Concrete proposal example
Project: Driveway replacement — 600 sq ft
Scope of work:
- Demo and remove existing concrete driveway (600 sq ft)
- Grade and compact base, install 4-inch gravel sub-base
- Form, pour, and finish 4-inch reinforced concrete with broom finish
- Install control joints and cure
- Haul away all debris
Cost breakdown:
| Item | Qty | Unit | Unit Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demo + haul existing | 600 | sf | $3.50 | $2,100 |
| Base prep + gravel | 600 | sf | $2.25 | $1,350 |
| Concrete, reinforced, finished | 600 | sf | $9.50 | $5,700 |
| Control joints + cure | 1 | ls | $300 | $300 |
| Total | $9,450 |
Exclusions: Removal of unsuitable soils below sub-base; drainage modifications; sealing (available as add-on); permit fees.
HVAC proposal example
Project: Replace 3-ton split system
Scope of work:
- Remove existing 3-ton condenser and air handler
- Furnish and install new 16-SEER 3-ton split system
- Reconnect to existing ductwork and line set (inspect and flush)
- Install new thermostat and condensate safety switch
- Start up, charge, and verify operation; register manufacturer warranty
Cost breakdown:
| Item | Qty | Unit | Unit Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-ton 16-SEER system (equipment) | 1 | ea | $4,200 | $4,200 |
| Removal + installation labor | 1 | ls | $1,800 | $1,800 |
| Thermostat + safety switch | 1 | ls | $250 | $250 |
| Startup, charge, and test | 1 | ls | $300 | $300 |
| Total | $6,550 |
Exclusions: Ductwork modifications or replacement; electrical upgrades if existing disconnect is non-compliant; permit and inspection if required.
How to use these examples
These are starting points, not your prices. Labor rates, material costs, and market conditions vary widely by region and by job. The value here is the structure: the scope language patterns and the line-item categories that make a proposal read like it came from a pro who has done this a hundred times.
Adjust the quantities and unit prices to your real numbers, keep the exclusions honest, and always include a clear total and an easy way to sign.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a single proposal template that works for every trade?
The framework is universal — scope, costs, timeline, terms, exclusions, signature — but the content of the scope and line items must match your trade. A good tool lets you start from a common structure and fill in trade-specific work, rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all template.
How detailed should the line items be?
Detailed enough that the client understands what they're paying for, but grouped so it's readable. For a small job, a handful of line items is plenty; for a large one, group by phase (site prep, rough-in, finish) with subtotals.
Should I show unit prices or just totals?
Showing units (squares, cubic yards, linear feet, each) makes your pricing transparent and makes change orders easy to price later. It also signals competence — you measured, you didn't guess.
Can I reuse exclusions across proposals?
Yes, and you should. Most contractors keep a standard exclusions list for their trade and add job-specific ones. Reusing them is one of the biggest time-savers in proposal writing.
Generate a trade-specific proposal in about a minute
Takeoff Convert reads your takeoff or estimate and drafts trade-appropriate scope language and an itemized cost table automatically — electrical, plumbing, roofing, concrete, HVAC, or general. You review, adjust to your numbers, pick a design, and send a proposal your client can sign online.
Your first proposal is free, no credit card required. Start from your real numbers instead of a blank page.