EXAMPLE AT A GLANCE
This fictional Kingston, Ontario low garden retaining wall installation example contains 7 itemized costs totaling C$10,766.00 before tax or markup. The app-exported PDF uses the exact quantities and CAD rates shown in the table, with scope limits explained below.
Project scope: One short garden level change
Build a low garden retaining wall to an agreed design on accessible ground, with base, units, drainage aggregate and backfill.
The fictional project is set in Kingston, Ontario. Cedar & Beam Builders and Jordan Taylor are example names, not a contractor and client case study. The matching guide explains how measurement, product selection and site conditions affect the estimate.
- Location
- Kingston, Ontario
- Prepared by
- Cedar & Beam Builders · fictional business
- Prepared for
- Jordan Taylor · fictional client
- Issued / valid through
- September 25 / October 25, 2026
The 7 CAD cost lines
The table uses the exact items, quantities and unit rates in the app-exported PDF. Multiply each quantity by its rate to check the amount. These chosen figures demonstrate the document; they are not surveyed prices or suggested rates for Kingston, Ontario.
| Work item | Quantity | Unit rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Layout and design review allowance | 1 job | C$365.00 | C$365.00 |
| Footing excavation | 42 linear ft. | C$49.00 | C$2,058.00 |
| Base material allowance | 1 job | C$965.00 | C$965.00 |
| Wall units allowance | 84 sq. ft. | C$34.00 | C$2,856.00 |
| Wall construction | 84 sq. ft. | C$38.00 | C$3,192.00 |
| Drainage stone and outlet allowance | 1 job | C$715.00 | C$715.00 |
| Backfill and site cleanup | 1 job | C$615.00 | C$615.00 |
| Illustrative subtotal | C$10,766.00 | ||
Check the arithmetic
- Footing excavation: 42 linear ft. × C$49.00 = C$2,058.00.
- Wall units allowance: 84 sq. ft. × C$34.00 = C$2,856.00.
The rounded line amounts add to C$10,766.00. The PDF's tax field is 0%, so its illustrated total stays C$10,766.00 before any markup. The sample shows 0% tax only to make the arithmetic visible. Determine any applicable GST, HST or PST and markup for the actual work before sharing a quote.
Measurement to verify: Measure wall length, visible height, footing line and retained ground; design requirements must be checked for the site. Product decision: Separate wall units, base and drainage materials from excavation and setting labour.
The wall units allowance line uses 84 sq. ft., approximately 7.8 m². Keep the actual site measurement and the supplier’s selling unit together when you replace this quantity.
Assumptions and exclusions
Confirm levels and water route before digging; do not substitute a generic unit count for an approved design.
Outside this example: No engineering design, boundary dispute resolution or major tree-root removal.
Higher retained loads or poor foundation soil require a redesigned structure. Review access, grades, drainage and seasonal conditions at the property. Check utility locations, product availability and any local design or municipal requirements that apply to the real scope. Confirm a change and update the estimate before adding work that was not in the base scope.
Download the actual app PDF
The PDF was exported from Estimates for this fictional Canadian job. It carries a concise version of the project scope, plus the same customer, cost lines, CAD amounts and total used here. Its note covers the fictional tax setting and the brief's full exclusion sentence; the article records additional assumptions that do not fit in that PDF note.
Build the next estimate from your own inputs
- Measure the actual site and describe the work boundary in plain language.
- Confirm the selected products, access and handoff responsibilities with the client.
- Replace every fictional rate with your own labour, supplier and subcontractor figures.
- Check the relevant GST, HST or PST treatment and markup for the job without copying this sample's zero entry.
- Preview each PDF page, total and exclusion note before sharing.
- Measure wall length, visible height, footing line and retained ground; design requirements must be checked for the site.
- Separate wall units, base and drainage materials from excavation and setting labour.
- Confirm levels and water route before digging; do not substitute a generic unit count for an approved design.
- Higher retained loads or poor foundation soil require a redesigned structure.
Questions about this estimate
Which quantity controls this low garden retaining wall installation estimate?
Measure wall length, visible height, footing line and retained ground; design requirements must be checked for the site.
When should this low garden retaining wall installation quote be revised?
Higher retained loads or poor foundation soil require a redesigned structure. No engineering design, boundary dispute resolution or major tree-root removal.
MAKE THE NEXT ESTIMATE YOUR OWN
Build a low garden retaining wall installation estimate.
Enter the job scope in Estimates on iPhone or Android or start from an AI-assisted draft. Check every quantity, rate, allowance, client detail and note before exporting the PDF. Some app features may require an in-app purchase.
