EXAMPLE AT A GLANCE
This fictional Winnipeg, Manitoba recessed lighting installation example has 7 itemized costs and a C$3,830.00 total before tax or markup. The PDF, quantities, unit rates and scope assumptions match the table below.
Use this completed recessed lighting installation document to see how a specific job becomes a client-facing estimate. The project, business, customer and amounts are fictional. For the six new recessed light locations in Winnipeg, Manitoba, 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: Six new recessed light locations
Install six selected recessed fixtures in an accessible ceiling after a qualified site review. Include layout, fixture allowance, six openings, wiring labour allowance from a verified existing source, switching allowance, basic verification and cleanup. Ceiling patching and unknown circuit upgrades excluded.
- Example location
- Winnipeg, Manitoba
- 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 7 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 Winnipeg, Manitoba.
| Work item | Quantity | Unit rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Layout and site review | 1 job | C$290.00 | C$290.00 |
| Recessed fixture allowance | 6 each | C$115.00 | C$690.00 |
| Ceiling opening and fixture fitting | 6 each | C$165.00 | C$990.00 |
| Wiring labour allowance | 6 each | C$205.00 | C$1,230.00 |
| Switching allowance | 1 job | C$315.00 | C$315.00 |
| Basic verification and labeling | 1 job | C$200.00 | C$200.00 |
| Cleanup | 1 job | C$115.00 | C$115.00 |
| Subtotal / example total | C$3,830.00 | ||
Two calculation checks:
- Recessed fixture allowance: 6 each × C$115.00 = C$690.00.
- Ceiling opening and fixture fitting: 6 each × C$165.00 = C$990.00.
The PDF shows a 0% tax entry, so the illustrated tax is C$0.00 and the total remains C$3,830.00. 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
Agree fixture spacing and the surfaces to receive openings. Count every unit, switch and control location rather than using room area as a substitute.
A qualified installer must confirm ceiling access, wiring route and circuit suitability. The sample wiring amount is an illustrative allowance tied to six positions, not a promise about concealed conditions.
Record trim, lamp or integrated fixture selection, dimming requirements and who supplies them. A product change may affect both material and control compatibility.
Outside this example: No circuit or panel upgrade, unknown concealed repairs, ceiling painting, specialty access or unlisted permit fees.
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 Winnipeg, Manitoba 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.
- Approve the six-point layout.
- Verify access and circuit conditions.
- Select fixtures and controls.
- State patching and approval responsibilities.
Common questions
Can recessed lights be estimated by room size?
Room size informs layout, but fixture count, wiring path, access and controls establish the work items.
Is ceiling patching included?
Not in this example. Add a measured repair scope if openings or access work will need refinishing.
For the planning steps behind this document, read the recessed lighting installation estimating guide.
