A plumbing bid template is the proposal shaped for a builder or a commercial buyer, who reads bids for a living and awards the one that leaves nothing to ask. Scope by system, the exclusions named rather than implied, the price with its basis, the schedule, the payment stages, the warranty, and the license and insurance details. The proposal template on this site prints that shape from your job's figures with no account, and the estimating tool prices the scope behind it.
Scope by system, exclusions by name
Rough-in, top-out and trim as separate scopes; water, drain, waste and vent, gas and fixtures as separate lines. Then what is excluded, named: the fixtures if the owner supplies them, the trenching, the permit fees. A bid that leaves an exclusion implied is the bid that pays for it later.
The price and its basis
A lump sum with the stages priced, or a schedule of rates, and either way the basis stated: the plans and revision the bid was priced from, the allowances for fixtures, and how variations are priced. The estimating tool on this site prices the scope; the flat rate pricing tool builds the rates.
Schedule and payment stages
When each scope starts and finishes against the builder's program, and the payment at each: deposit, rough-in, top-out, final. A bid with one payment at the end funds the builder's cash flow with the plumber's. The contract tool on this site holds the terms.
Warranty, license, insurance
The warranty term on labor and on materials, the license number, the insurance and its limits. Buyers check these first and exclude the bid that lacks them without reading the price. RoughInDesk Pro prints every bid with them in the block.
Questions people ask about plumbing bid template
How is a bid different from an estimate?
The estimate is for the homeowner; the bid is for someone comparing several against a program. Same price, more structure.
Should I bid a lump sum or rates?
Lump sum when the plans are complete; rates when the scope will move. State which and why on the bid.
Is the template free?
Yes: the proposal template and the estimating tool print without an account.