How to write a contractor proposal that gets signed
July 7, 2026
A great proposal does two jobs: it removes doubt and it makes saying “yes” easy. The difference between a bid that sits and one that gets signed is usually clarity, not price. Here’s what a proposal that wins actually contains, and how to send it so the customer signs quickly.
What to include in a contractor proposal
- Cover page — your company, the customer, the project, and the date.
- Executive summary — a short, confident paragraph on what you’re proposing and why you’re the right choice.
- Understanding the project — show you understood their situation and goals (reference the photos and notes from the walkthrough).
- Detailed scope of work — the phases and tasks, in order, so there’s no ambiguity.
- Materials & specifications — the products and grades you’ll use, and where the customer selects finishes.
- Timeline & milestones — start conditions and a realistic schedule.
- Pricing breakdown — itemized, with allowances and optional upgrades so the number is transparent.
- Assumptions & exclusions — what’s not included, stated plainly, to prevent disputes.
- Warranty & guarantees — your workmanship warranty and any manufacturer coverage.
- Acceptance & signature — a clear place to approve.
Present pricing so it builds trust
Don’t hand over a single lump sum. Break the price into categories the customer can follow, use allowances for finish selections so overages are transparent, and offer a few optional upgrades. A transparent, itemized price closes more jobs than a mysterious round number — even when the total is the same.
Make it easy to say yes
Send the proposal as a link the customer can review on their phone and approve with an electronic signature. The faster you deliver it — ideally before you leave the driveway — the more likely you are to win the job, because you’re the first professional response they’ve seen.
The fastest way to do all of this
DoneDeal turns your walkthrough photos and notes into an itemized estimate and a complete, professional proposal with all of the sections above — then sends it as an e-signature link. You review and adjust; the software handles the formatting and the follow-up. Try it free with 3 proposals a month.