Plumbing quote request template

1. Your project

2. What you'd like installed

Leave anything blank to let the contractor recommend it. Asking everyone for the same product makes prices comparable.

3. Items every quote must price

These are the items most often missing from plumbing quotes. Untick any that don't apply to your job.

• Water heater brand, model, size and efficiency (UEF)Exact model, tank size in gallons and efficiency rating (UEF).
• Removal of the old water heaterDraining, disconnecting and hauling away the old unit.
• Expansion tankOften required on closed water systems — ask if yours needs one.
• T&P relief valve and discharge pipeA new temperature and pressure relief valve piped to a safe location.
• Gas line and venting (gas units)Gas connection and venting brought up to current code, if gas.
• Shut-off valves and water connectorsNew shut-off valve and water connectors.
• Drain pan and seismic straps where requiredA drain pan where a leak could cause damage, and straps where local code requires them.
• Debris removal / haul-awayRemoval and disposal of all old materials and job debris.
• Permit and inspectionWho pulls the permit and books the inspection.
• Site cleanupDaily cleanup and a final clean when the job is done.
• Written warrantyWorkmanship warranty in years, in writing, separate from any manufacturer warranty.

4. What to get in writing

• An itemized price for each part of the job (labor, materials, disposal, permit)
• The brand and product line of the main materials or equipment
• Your license or registration number, and proof of liability insurance
• Workers' compensation coverage for your crew, or confirmation you don't need it
• Expected start date and how many working days the job will take
• A payment schedule tied to finished stages of the work
• A deposit of no more than the percentage below
• Your workmanship warranty, in years
• Extra work agreed in a signed change order before it starts
• How long the price is valid (ideally at least 30 days)
• Lien waivers with each payment, where my state uses them
• Anything not included, listed clearly

5. Anything else, and your details