What’s Included in a General Contractor’s Estimate?
Planning a remodel, home addition, or new build in Franklin or Middle Tennessee? One of the first steps in working with a general contractor is getting a project estimate—but what exactly does that include?
At Vision Construction, we believe in complete transparency. Here’s a breakdown of what you can typically expect in a contractor’s estimate, what it covers, and what to watch for before you sign.
✅ 1. Project Scope
A solid estimate starts with a clear, detailed description of the work to be done.
We include:
Specific areas of the home (e.g., kitchen, master bath, screened porch)
Notes on demolition, framing, or foundational work
Any custom details you’ve requested
Overall size or square footage of the addition or remodel
💡 The more specific the scope, the more accurate your estimate will be.
💵 2. Labor Costs
Labor is one of the biggest line items. This includes:
Our in-house crew
Trusted subcontractors (plumbing, electrical, HVAC)
Project management and daily oversight
We take pride in working with reliable, local professionals across Williamson and Davidson Counties.
🪚 3. Materials
We’ll list out expected materials based on your scope, including:
Framing, insulation, drywall
Roofing, siding, or concrete
Doors, windows, trim packages
Countertops, cabinetry, tile, and flooring (when specified)
If selections haven’t been finalized yet, see “Allowances” below.
💰 4. Allowances
If you haven’t picked out all your finishes, your estimate may include allowances for things like:
Lighting fixtures
Cabinetry or vanities
Flooring options
✅ You can always upgrade or downgrade—but we’ll walk you through the cost difference before ordering.
🏛️ 5. Permits & Inspections
We handle all permitting and inspection coordination so you don’t have to.
Your estimate includes:
Building and trade permit fees (based on local codes)
Time spent coordinating with Franklin or Williamson County inspectors
Any required engineering reports (when applicable)
🧹 6. Equipment & Jobsite Prep
To keep your project safe and clean, we include:
Dumpster rental and debris removal
Temporary barriers or protective coverings
Equipment rental, scaffolding, and portable restrooms (for larger jobs)
📅 7. Timeline & Scheduling
We’ll include a project timeline with expected start and completion windows. While weather and permitting can affect the schedule, we’ll keep you updated throughout the process.
🔁 8. Change Order Policy
Sometimes you want to make a change mid-project—and that’s okay!
We’ll walk you through:
A written change order for all added work
Updated pricing and timeline adjustments
Approval and sign-off before any extra work begins
❌ 9. What’s Not Included (But You Can Ask About!)
We’ll always be upfront about what isn’t included, such as:
Painting (unless specified)
Furniture, appliances, or landscaping
Unforeseen structural issues (if discovered mid-build)
🤝 Ready for a Clear, Detailed Estimate?
At Vision Construction, we don’t believe in guesswork. We’ll walk through your property, talk through your vision, and build a custom estimate that outlines exactly what to expect—no surprises, no pressure.
📍 Based in Franklin, TN and proudly serving homeowners across Middle Tennessee.
➡️ Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
