A well-written plumbing quote protects you legally, speeds up payment and reduces scope disputes. Here's exactly what yours needs to include, plus a worked example.
Why plumbing quotes need to be detailed
Plumbing disputes in Australia almost always come down to scope. "I thought that included the hot water system" or "I assumed you'd handle the drain relocation" — these conversations happen because the quote was vague. Your quote is a binding document. If it's detailed, you win disputes. If it's a single lump sum, you lose them. Provisional sums are your friend on any job where you can't see what's under the floor.
What every Australian plumbing quote must include
1. Business details (header)
✓Business name and trading name (if different)
✓Plumbing contractor licence number — required on all quotes in Australia
✓Gas fitting licence number (if quoting gas work)
✓ABN
✓Business address and contact details
2. Client and job details
✓Client name and address
✓Site address (if different)
✓Quote date and quote reference number
✓Quote validity period — 30 days is standard; copper and fixture prices move
3. Scope of works
✓Itemise every fixture, fitting, pipe run and connection
✓Specify supply and install vs install only for each item
✓List what brands/specs are included — or state 'equivalent or better'
✓Include provisional sums for any work not fully scoped (e.g. subfloor condition, slab condition)
✓Explicitly list exclusions — assume nothing is understood
4. Pricing — line items
✓Labour — fixed price per task or hours × rate
✓Materials — itemised or as a supply lump sum
✓Certificate of compliance fee (if charged separately)
✓Subtotal (ex-GST)
✓GST (10%)
✓Total (inc-GST)
5. Terms and conditions
✓Payment terms — 14 days from invoice for residential, 30 days commercial
✓Variation procedure — written approval required before any scope changes proceed
✓12-month workmanship warranty on all plumbing
✓Confirm certificate of compliance will be issued on completion
✓Drain and slab conditions — note any provisional allowances
Worked example: bathroom renovation plumbing quote
Standard 3m² bathroom renovation, Brisbane. Retaining existing waste locations. New toilet, vanity, shower and bath. Customer supplying all fixtures — plumber to supply all pipework, fittings and installation.
Terms: Payment due 14 days from invoice. Provisional sum for subfloor will only be charged if subfloor damage is found — client will be notified before proceeding. Variations require written approval. Certificate of compliance issued on completion. 12-month workmanship warranty. Fixtures supplied by client must be on-site before second fix commences.
Common plumbing quote mistakes
✗
No licence number
Your plumbing contractor licence number must be on every quote and invoice. This is a legal requirement across all Australian states. Missing it exposes you if a client disputes the contract.
✗
Not separating supply and install
State clearly what you're supplying and what the client is supplying. Ambiguity here causes expensive disputes. 'Install only' vs 'supply and install' changes the price significantly and someone will always claim the other was agreed.
✗
Ignoring provisional sums
Never price a bathroom reno without a provisional sum for subfloor condition. Writing it in means you've disclosed the risk — leaving it out means you absorb the cost when the floor opens up and there's rot or old cast iron.
✗
No note on fixtures being on site
If you're connecting customer-supplied fixtures, note that they must be on site before second fix begins. Turning up and discovering the vanity hasn't arrived yet costs you two hours and damages the relationship.
✗
Vague scope on gas work
If you're doing gas work, list the licence number separately and itemise every bayonet, regulator and appliance connection. Gas work has its own certification requirements — keep it clearly separated from plumbing scope on the quote.
Generate professional plumbing quotes in 2 minutes with FMN.
Itemised line items, correct GST treatment, licence number on every quote, PDF output — done before you leave the site.
Frequently asked questions
Does a plumbing quote need my licence number?
Yes. Your plumbing contractor licence number is a legal requirement on all quotes and invoices in Australia. In most states this is mandated under the relevant plumbing or building acts. It also provides the client confidence that they're engaging a licensed trade.
Should I quote fixed price or time and materials?
Fixed price is almost always better for the client and better for your cashflow. It requires more detailed scoping up front but eliminates disputes. Use time and materials for emergency work or for jobs where the full scope genuinely can't be determined without opening walls or floors. In that case, use a provisional sum in a fixed-price quote.
What's a provisional sum and when should I use it?
A provisional sum is an allowance in the quote for work that can't be fully priced until the job is underway. Always state it clearly as 'Provisional — only charged if required' and explain the trigger. Example: 'Provisional sum $600 for subfloor repair if water damage found on demolition.' This protects you and sets client expectations before you start.
How long should a plumbing quote be valid for?
30 days is standard for residential. Copper prices, fixture costs and hot water unit pricing can change. For large commercial jobs, 60 days is common with a price escalation clause if the project is delayed. Always state the validity period clearly on the quote.
Do I need to give the client a Certificate of Compliance?
Yes. A Certificate of Compliance (or equivalent — varies by state) is required for all licensed plumbing work. You must provide it to the property owner. Your quote should note that the certificate will be provided on completion — this is standard and clients should expect it. Failure to provide one creates problems for the homeowner when they sell.