EXAMPLE AT A GLANCE
A subsurface garden drain installation example for one wet garden run contains 7 itemized lines totaling $4,660.00 before tax or markup. The actual app PDF, measurement basis, project boundaries and a matching how-to guide are available here; every rate is fictional.
What this example covers
Install a shallow subsurface drain across an accessible garden run and connect it to a confirmed lawful discharge point.
Use this example to see a complete document for one wet garden run. The brief is tied to Minneapolis, Minnesota for a plausible project setting; the amounts are fictional input values and do not represent local market prices. The estimating guide explains the decisions behind these lines.
- Prepared by
- Cedar & Beam Builders · fictional business
- Prepared for
- Jordan Taylor · fictional customer
- Example project
- One wet garden run
- Issued / valid through
- September 25, 2026 / October 25, 2026
Itemized subsurface garden drain installation example
These are the same quantities and unit prices used by the downloadable app PDF. A cost line can represent measured work, a selected product allowance or a distinct site task. Check which interpretation applies before replacing any amount.
| Work item | Quantity | Unit price | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drain route survey | 1 job | $210.00 | $210.00 |
| Service check and protection | 1 job | $160.00 | $160.00 |
| Trench excavation | 90 linear ft. | $15.00 | $1,350.00 |
| Perforated pipe allowance | 90 linear ft. | $8.00 | $720.00 |
| Stone and fabric allowance | 1 job | $620.00 | $620.00 |
| Pipe bedding and connection | 90 linear ft. | $12.00 | $1,080.00 |
| Backfill and turf reinstatement | 1 job | $520.00 | $520.00 |
| Subtotal / example total | $4,660.00 | ||
How the subtotal is calculated
The example line for trench excavation is 90 linear ft. × $15.00 = $1,350.00. This line is one part of the complete 7-item estimate and uses a fictional unit rate.
The document sums the rounded line amounts to $4,660.00. Tax and markup are not included; a zero tax field in a sample document does not mean a real project is tax-exempt. Confirm the actual treatment for the job you are quoting.
Measurement to verify: Record run length, trench depth, fall, soil conditions and discharge location. Selection to verify: Separate perforated pipe, aggregate and geotextile quantities from digging and reinstatement.
Assumptions and exclusions
Trace buried services and confirm discharge before excavation.
Outside the stated scope: No basement waterproofing, drainage approval or major landscape reconstruction.
Unexpected utilities or no feasible outlet can stop the base design. If the scope changes after a client reviews the estimate, update the relevant quantities, allowances and written exclusions before sharing a revised PDF.
Download the actual app PDF
The downloadable document was exported from Estimates using the fictional business, client, scope and cost lines shown above. The preview is its first page. Review the full PDF before using its layout or wording as a reference for your own estimate.
Build your own version
- Write the actual job boundary and measured quantities. Measurement basis to check: Record run length, trench depth, fall, soil conditions and discharge location.
- Confirm products, access and handoff responsibilities. Selection decision to record: Separate perforated pipe, aggregate and geotextile quantities from digging and reinstatement.
- Replace every fictional rate with your own supplier, labor and subcontractor inputs.
- Add business and client details, set the appropriate tax and markup, then preview all PDF pages.
- Share the estimate with its exclusions and a clear validity date.
- Record run length, trench depth, fall, soil conditions and discharge location.
- Separate perforated pipe, aggregate and geotextile quantities from digging and reinstatement.
- Trace buried services and confirm discharge before excavation.
- Unexpected utilities or no feasible outlet can stop the base design.
Questions about this estimate
Which quantity controls this subsurface garden drain installation estimate?
Record run length, trench depth, fall, soil conditions and discharge location.
When should this subsurface garden drain installation quote be revised?
Unexpected utilities or no feasible outlet can stop the base design. No basement waterproofing, drainage approval or major landscape reconstruction.
TURN THIS EXAMPLE INTO YOUR OWN ESTIMATE
Build a subsurface garden drain installation estimate for your project
Use Estimates on iPhone or Android to draft a scope with AI assistance or enter each line yourself. Review quantities, rates, exclusions, and client details before exporting a PDF. The example is free to inspect; some app features may require an in-app purchase.
