Quoting software for plumbers

What a good plumbing quote includes

Customers are rarely plumbers, so the quote has to answer their questions before they ask them. A strong plumbing quote usually covers:

• A plain-English description of the problem and the fix, for example "replace the leaking isolation valve under the kitchen sink and test for leaks".
• The callout or attendance charge, and whether it's taken off the job price if they go ahead.
• Parts and materials as their own lines, so the customer can see what they're paying for.
• Labour, either as a fixed price for the job or an hourly rate with an estimate of the time.
• What isn't included, such as making good tiles, boxing in pipework or replacing corroded pipe you find once the floor is up.
• How long the price is valid for, and when you'd want paying.

How plumbers usually price work

Most plumbers use a mix of fixed prices and time-based pricing. Small, predictable jobs such as changing a tap or fitting a new toilet cistern suit a fixed price. Fault-finding, leaks behind walls and older properties often suit an hourly or half-day rate with a clear estimate, because you can't see the problem until you open things up.

Emergency and out-of-hours work is normally charged at a higher rate. Whatever you charge, say it on the quote. A customer who's told up front that evening callouts cost more is far less likely to argue about the invoice.

Registrations and rules worth mentioning

Customers increasingly check who they're letting into their home, so it helps to show your credentials on every quote:

• Gas work, including boilers and gas hobs, must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If you're registered, put your number on the quote.
• Unvented hot water cylinders fall under Building Regulations (Part G in England), and installers are expected to hold the relevant unvented qualification.
• Water fittings must meet the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations. Membership of an approved contractor scheme such as WaterSafe lets you certify some work yourself.
• Bathroom electrics can be notifiable under Part P. If you're coordinating an electrician, say so on the quote.

Rules differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, so check the current guidance for where you work.

How TradeKwote helps plumbers

• Type or dictate the job on site, up to 2 minutes a recording, and TradeKwote writes a clear scope of work for the customer.
• You enter each line item and its price: callout, parts, labour. TradeKwote tidies the wording but never adds items or changes your prices.
• Add your Gas Safe or WaterSafe details in Settings once, and they appear on every quote.
• Add up to 5 job photos so the scope describes the actual installation. Photos stay private and are never shown to the customer.
• VAT is handled for you: not registered, standard 20%, or the domestic reverse charge.
• Ask for a deposit as a percentage or fixed amount, and choose payment terms such as full payment on completion or 14 days from invoice.
• On Pro, save templates for jobs you quote often, such as a boiler service or toilet replacement, and turn accepted quotes into invoices in one click.