How to make a professional construction quote
A quote that wins the contract comes down to seven lines: a takeoff from the plan, the materials at your prices, explicit labour, your country's VAT, a clear deposit, a polished presentation (logo, contact, validity) and a fast send. All in your currency — FCFA, Naira, Cedi or Shilling.
The quote is not a formality: it is the tool that decides whether the client trusts you. Here is how to produce one no one wants to haggle down.
1. Start from a real takeoff
A serious quote starts from real quantities: m² of slab, lm of walls, number of doors and windows, electrical points. Costing "by feel" is the first cause of losses. SangoImmo computes the takeoff automatically from your plan.
2. Cost materials at your prices
Apply your local unit prices — cement, steel, blocks, tiling — to each quantity. The app starts from a catalogue you adjust to your suppliers: the final quote uses your prices.
3. Never forget the labour
Labour is commonly 30 to 40% of materials cost. It must be priced line by line, by trade. See how to set your labour rates.
4. Apply the right VAT
Every country has its rate. Show it clearly and state whether the total is ex-VAT or incl. tax — the client must know what they will actually pay.
5. Set the deposit
A deposit protects your cash flow and commits the client. State the percentage and terms — see getting paid via Mobile Money.
6. Polish the presentation
Logo, contact details, quote number, validity date: a clean document is a sales argument. SangoImmo exports a professional, branded PDF.
7. Send the same day
Speed wins contracts. Export and send by WhatsApp or email without delay.
Sources and references
- Method and tooling: the SangoImmo costing engine and editable quote — see the methodology.
- Business registration: each country's one-stop shop (CEPICI in Côte d'Ivoire, APIX in Senegal, CFCE/GUCE-type centres elsewhere). Procedures and fees are set nationally.
- Trade norms checked by the app: NF DTU codes of practice, SANS 10400, CEMAC/UEMOA-region practice. Verify local building permits with your council.
Frequently asked questions
- What should a professional construction quote contain?
- A takeoff (real quantities), materials at your unit prices, labour by trade, the VAT in force, a clear deposit, and a polished presentation (logo, contact, validity). All in your currency.
- How do I make a quote quickly?
- By starting from a tool that computes the takeoff from the plan and applies your prices automatically. SangoImmo produces a detailed quote in minutes, exportable as a PDF, free and offline.
- Should labour be quoted separately?
- Yes. Labour (often 30 to 40% of materials) should be visible line by line: a quote showing only materials underestimates the real cost and gets eroded in negotiation.
Cost your next job for free
SangoImmo turns your plan into a takeoff, quote and invoice — in your currency, with your logo. Public profile, buy list and payment tracking included. 100% offline.
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