General contractor or construction firm
Free Construction Proposal Template
A free construction proposal template with phased pricing, a scope of work, payment milestones, and terms you can edit and send for signature.
Commercial Renovation Proposal
A full-scope commercial renovation covering pre-construction planning, structural work, interior build-out, and punch list closeout for a mid-size retail space.
Why now.
Meridian Properties is converting a vacant mid-size ground-floor unit into a tenant-ready retail space, requiring demolition of the existing layout, structural reinforcement, new mechanical and electrical rough-ins, and a complete interior build-out to shell-plus specification. Atlas Build Co. will deliver the renovation through a phased program covering pre-construction, structural work, build-out, and a formal punch list closeout, keeping the adjacent tenants operational throughout.
The problem & solution.
The ground-floor unit has sat vacant for fourteen months because its aging layout, outdated mechanical systems, and lack of modern code compliance make it unleasable to the retail tenants Meridian is targeting.
A phased renovation that demolishes the existing interior, reinforces the structure where needed, installs new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-ins, and delivers a finished shell-plus space ready for tenant fit-out.
Success Metrics
- Schedule adherence
- Current
- Vacant, no renovation underway
- Target
- Substantial completion within 16 weeks of notice to proceed
- Code compliance
- Current
- Multiple code deficiencies on record
- Target
- Full certificate of occupancy issued by the authority having jurisdiction
- Tenant disruption
- Current
- Adjacent tenants operating normally
- Target
- Zero unplanned closures or access interruptions to neighboring units
How we engage.
A phased renovation program with weekly owner updates, a shared construction schedule, and formal milestone sign-offs at each phase gate.
Client Dependencies
- Approved architectural and MEP drawings before notice to proceed
- Building access and coordination with property management for adjacent-tenant logistics
- Timely owner decisions on finish selections and change orders (5 business days)
- Permit application fees and any owner-furnished fixtures or equipment
What's in & out.
In Scope
- Selective demolition of existing interior partitions, ceiling grid, and flooring
- Structural reinforcement per the engineer's report, including header replacements and column wraps
- Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-in to shell-plus specification
- Interior build-out: drywall, ceiling, flooring, storefront glazing, ADA-compliant restrooms, and finishes
- Final inspections, punch list resolution, and certificate-of-occupancy coordination
Out of Scope
- Architectural and engineering design (owner-furnished drawings)
- Tenant-specific fit-out beyond shell-plus specification
- Exterior facade work, roofing, and site improvements
- Furniture, fixtures, and equipment procurement
- Hazardous material abatement (if discovered, handled as a change order)
Success Prerequisites
- Stamped construction drawings and permits in hand before mobilization
- Structural engineering report reviewed and accepted by both parties
- Adjacent-tenant notification and access schedule agreed with property management
What you'll receive.
- 01Pre-construction packageWeek 3
Permit filings, subcontractor awards, construction schedule, and a site logistics plan covering adjacent-tenant protection.
- 02Foundation and structural completionWeek 8
Demolition complete, structural reinforcement installed and inspected, and all rough-in work (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) passed inspection.
- 03Interior build-outWeek 14
Drywall, ceiling, flooring, storefront glazing, restrooms, and all interior finishes installed per the approved drawings.
- 04Punch list resolution and handoverWeek 16
Formal punch list walk, all items resolved, final inspections passed, certificate of occupancy obtained, and as-built drawings delivered.
Phases, deliverables, allocations & dates.
- ·Pre-construction package
- ·Foundation and structural completion
- ·Interior build-out
- ·Punch list resolution and handover
Fees & schedule.
Net 15
All materials and subcontractor costs are included as priced. Owner-requested changes or unforeseen conditions are documented as change orders, pre-approved in writing, and billed at cost plus the agreed markup.
Fees
Permit filings, subcontractor procurement, construction scheduling, and site logistics planning.
Selective demolition, structural reinforcement, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-in with inspections.
Framing, drywall, ceiling, flooring, storefront glazing, ADA-compliant restrooms, and all interior finishes.
Formal punch list resolution, final inspections, certificate of occupancy coordination, and as-built drawings.
Payment Schedule
Why this team.
Team Members
Owns the client relationship, schedule, and budget across all project phases.
Manages daily field operations, subcontractor coordination, and quality control on site.
Case Studies
Renovated three ground-floor retail units while the upper-floor office tenants remained operational.
Converted a 1960s office floor into modern retail shell space, including structural upgrades and a new storefront system.
Differentiators
- Phased construction approach that keeps adjacent tenants operational throughout
- In-house superintendent on site daily, not just at milestone inspections
- Transparent weekly cost and schedule reporting with no surprise change orders
What could go wrong.
The fine print.
This proposal may be incorporated into a separate construction agreement if the parties choose to execute one.
All architectural and engineering drawings remain the property of their respective designers. Atlas Build Co. will deliver as-built drawings upon project completion. Atlas Build Co. carries commercial general liability, workers' compensation, and builder's risk insurance, with certificates available on request.
Either party may terminate with 14 days written notice. In the event of termination, the owner pays for all work completed and materials procured through the termination date, plus reasonable demobilization costs. Retainage on completed phases is released within 30 days of termination.
What's inside this free construction proposal template
This construction proposal template is a complete, editable example for general contractors and construction firms scoping a commercial renovation or new build. It covers pre-construction planning, a phased build schedule, itemized pricing with milestone payments, and terms for change orders, insurance, and project closeout.
- Pre-construction scope: site assessment, permitting, and submittals
- Phased build timeline with milestone deliverables
- Itemized pricing broken down by construction phase
- Change order process and approval requirements
- Insurance, bonding, and warranty terms
How to use this construction proposal template
Preview the full example above, then open it in InkDraft to make it yours. Replace the sample project with your actual scope, adjust the phasing and pricing, and set the payment milestones. When the proposal reads the way you want it, send it for review and signature or export a PDF.
Template questions
What should a construction proposal include?
A strong construction proposal covers the project scope and specifications, a phased timeline (pre-construction, build, punch list), itemized pricing with payment milestones, insurance and bonding details, and terms for change orders and termination.
How do you price a construction proposal?
Break the total into phases tied to measurable milestones: site prep, structural, build-out, and handover. Fixed-price with progress payments is the most common model for commercial work because it makes cash flow predictable for both sides.
How do change orders work in a construction proposal?
A change order is a written amendment to the original scope and price. The proposal should require change orders to be approved in writing before the work begins, with a clear process for pricing the change and adjusting the schedule.
Should a construction proposal include insurance requirements?
Yes. Commercial general liability, workers' compensation, and builder's risk insurance are standard. The proposal should state who carries each policy and require certificates of insurance before work begins.