EXAMPLE AT A GLANCE
This fictional Halifax, Nova Scotia light fixture installation example has 6 itemized costs and a C$1,632.00 total before tax or markup. The PDF, quantities, unit rates and scope assumptions match the table below.
Use this completed light fixture installation document to see how a specific job becomes a client-facing estimate. The project, business, customer and amounts are fictional. For the four owner-supplied ceiling fixtures in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the example uses the measured trade units shown in its PDF. Residential jobs may mix square feet, linear feet, counts and supplier units; keep each line’s measurement basis visible. Confirm the existing wiring, mounting and access with the person doing the work. Check which approvals or inspections apply at the project address before the estimate is treated as final. The figures are fictional CAD inputs, not a local price survey.
Project scope: Four owner-supplied ceiling fixtures
Install four owner-supplied ceiling light fixtures at existing suitable electrical boxes. Include removal of four old fixtures, a standard mounting-parts allowance, licensed labour, basic operation check and packaging cleanup. Fixture purchase, new switch legs, wiring and ceiling repair are excluded.
- Example location
- Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Prepared by
- Cedar & Beam Builders · fictional business
- Prepared for
- Jordan Taylor · fictional client
- Issued / valid through
- September 25 / October 25, 2026
Measure this work on the actual property before using any quantity. The illustration separates supplied products or materials from installation where the selection could change. A client should be able to compare each line with the agreed work, the selected products and the limits recorded in the notes.
The 6 itemized costs in Canadian dollars
Every row below is taken from the corresponding app-exported PDF fixture. Multiply the quantity by the unit rate to check the amount. These rates were chosen for this fictional example; they are not advertised prices or current averages for Halifax, Nova Scotia.
| Work item | Quantity | Unit rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work-area setup and protection | 1 job | C$130.00 | C$130.00 |
| Existing fixture removal | 4 each | C$71.00 | C$284.00 |
| Mounting parts allowance | 4 each | C$45.00 | C$180.00 |
| New fixture installation labour | 4 each | C$200.00 | C$800.00 |
| Basic operation check | 4 each | C$32.00 | C$128.00 |
| Packaging and cleanup | 1 job | C$110.00 | C$110.00 |
| Subtotal / example total | C$1,632.00 | ||
Two calculation checks:
- Existing fixture removal: 4 each × C$71.00 = C$284.00.
- Mounting parts allowance: 4 each × C$45.00 = C$180.00.
The PDF shows a 0% tax entry, so the illustrated tax is C$0.00 and the total remains C$1,632.00. This only describes the example. Confirm the applicable tax treatment and any markup for the real job before issuing your estimate.
Assumptions that change the price
Record selected model, ceiling height and mounting detail. A pendant, flush mount and heavy specialty fixture should not be silently treated as the same work.
The sample assumes suitable existing boxes and controls. Any box reinforcement, circuit change or wall/ceiling finish work requires separate review.
Owner-supplied fixtures still require receipt, inspection for missing parts and assembly time. Assign those tasks clearly to avoid ambiguity at installation.
Outside this example: No fixture purchase, new wiring, switch relocation, box reinforcement, ceiling refinishing or specialty lift access.
Confirm the existing wiring, mounting and access with the person doing the work. Check which approvals or inspections apply at the project address before the estimate is treated as final. An allowance is a stated placeholder, not a promise to cover all work discovered later. If a selected product, quantity or hidden condition changes, update the affected line and explain the revision before proceeding.
Download the actual app PDF
The linked PDF was exported from Estimates for this fictional Canadian project. It carries the project scope, customer, work items, quantities, CAD rates and subtotal used in this table, plus a short note on tax, markup and one key exclusion. The detailed exclusions above remain important when adapting the example. Preview every PDF page, including the final totals and note.
Use the structure for a real job
- Replace Halifax, Nova Scotia and the example scope with the actual site and customer details.
- Measure the work and confirm the product schedule with the client.
- Replace every fictional CAD rate with your own labour, supplier and subcontractor inputs.
- Check exclusions, approvals, tax, markup and the document’s validity period for the real project.
- Preview the final PDF and recheck the total before sharing.
- Record model and location for each fixture.
- Verify box and ceiling-height assumptions.
- Assign product and old-fixture handling.
- Confirm qualified-trade and approval requirements.
Common questions
Does a light installation estimate include the fixtures?
This example is for owner-selected fixtures; no fixture purchase is listed. Add a product allowance when the contractor supplies them.
Should old fixtures be removed in a separate line?
Yes when removal is part of the work. It makes handling and disposal responsibilities easier to see.
For the planning steps behind this document, read the light fixture installation estimating guide.
