Proposals & estimates
Proposal software for subcontractors who'd rather be building
Build a clean, professional proposal from line items, send it in minutes, and when you win, turn it into a project with one click. No retyping.
No credit card required. Then $25 per user per month (2-user minimum).
Win more bids with less office time
- Line-item proposals. Price by scope, area or system so the GC can compare apples to apples.
- Reusable templates. Start from your standard scope, terms and exclusions instead of a blank page.
- Send in minutes. From the office or the truck, on web, iOS or Android.
- One-click project. A won proposal becomes a project; change orders and billing build on it.
Proposal checklist
Before you hit send, make sure your proposal states:
- Drawings, specs and addenda you priced (with dates)
- Scope by line item with prices
- Inclusions and exclusions
- Qualifications and assumptions
- How long the price is valid
- Payment terms and retainage
- Acceptance signature block
Exclusions that protect your margin
These scope gaps most often turn into unpaid work for specialty contractors. If you didn't price them, say so. If they're added later, they become a change order.
| Common exclusion | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Permits and fees | Often assumed to be "by others" until the inspector shows up |
| Cutting, patching and painting | Falls between trades on renovation work |
| Firestopping at penetrations | Frequently specified under a separate section |
| Equipment pads, supports and access panels | Interface items between trades |
| Temporary power, heat and protection | Usually general conditions, not a trade cost |
| Overtime, after-hours or phased work | Occupied buildings and shutdown windows cost more |
| Bonds and special insurance | Price as a separate add if required |
Need submittals prepared after you win?
Our sister company SubmittalShop prepares construction submittals and MEP shop drawings for subcontractors in every CSI division.
Frequently asked questions
What should a subcontractor proposal include?
Your company and contact details, the project name and the bid documents you priced (drawings, specs and addenda), a line-item scope with prices, clear inclusions and exclusions, qualifications, schedule assumptions, payment terms and an acceptance signature.
Why list exclusions on a proposal?
Exclusions show exactly what you did not price, such as permits, cutting and patching, firestopping, temporary power or after-hours work. Clear exclusions prevent disputes and give you the basis for a change order if that work is added later.
What happens after a proposal is accepted?
In Sub-Office you convert the accepted proposal into a project in one click, without re-entering anything, so change orders and pay applications start from the same numbers.
How much does Sub-Office cost?
$25 per user per month with a 2-user minimum. Every plan includes proposals, change orders, pay applications, invoices, daily logs, timesheets and the mobile app. The first 30 days are free and no credit card is required.
Spend less time on paperwork and more time building.
Try Sub-Office free for 30 days. No credit card required, cancel anytime. Then $25 per user per month.