We use optional, cookieless analytics on public pages to understand traffic and improve InkDraft. There is no advertising or cross-site tracking. Read our Cookie Policy.

InkDraft

General contractor or construction firm

Free Construction Proposal Template

A free construction proposal template with phased pricing, a scope of work by trade, payment milestones, change order terms, and insurance requirements.

Direct answer

A free construction proposal template with phased pricing, a scope of work by trade, payment milestones, change order terms, and insurance requirements.

Best for

  • General contractor or construction firm creating a client-ready proposal
  • Service teams that need construction scope, pricing, timeline, and terms in one document
  • Visitors who want to fill a proposal template before creating an account
Talk to us about this template
Atlas Build Co.
Proposal / Jul 30, 2026
Prepared for Meridian Properties

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.

Goal
Substantial completion within 16 weeks of notice to proceed
16 weeks
Prepared for
Taylor Dunn
VP Development, Meridian Properties
Valid until
Aug 29, 2026
Summary

A vacant unit turned into tenant-ready retail space

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.

Your situation

Leasable space with a certificate of occupancy in 16 weeks

The Challenge

The ground-floor unit has sat vacant for fourteen months because its aging layout, outdated mechanical systems, and lack of modern code compliance make it unleasable to the retail tenants Meridian is targeting.

Solution Overview

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
Approach

Permits and bids locked before any demolition begins

Methodology
The project follows a design-bid-build sequence compressed into four phases. Pre-construction locks down permits, subcontractor bids, and a detailed construction schedule before any demolition begins. Structural and rough-in work runs next, followed by the interior build-out. A formal punch list walk and handover close the project with documented sign-off.
Description

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
Scope

Demolition through shell-plus build-out with tenant fit-out excluded

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
Plan

Substantial completion and handover within 16 weeks

Duration
16 weeks
Phases
4
Start
Aug 4, 2026
End
Nov 17, 2026
Deliverables by phase
Phase
Deliverables
01
Pre-construction
Wk 1-3 · 3 wks
  • ·
    Pre-construction package
02
Foundation and structural
Wk 4-8 · 5 wks
  • ·
    Foundation and structural completion
03
Build-out
Wk 9-14 · 6 wks
  • ·
    Interior build-out
04
Punch list and handover
Wk 15-16 · 2 wks
  • ·
    Punch list resolution and handover
Why us

Three retail units renovated with zero tenant complaints

Team Members

Jordan Hale
Project Director

Owns the client relationship, schedule, and budget across all project phases.

Priya Sandoval
Site Superintendent

Manages daily field operations, subcontractor coordination, and quality control on site.

Case Studies

Mixed-use retail center

Renovated three ground-floor retail units while the upper-floor office tenants remained operational.

Delivered on schedule with zero tenant complaints and full code compliance on first inspection.
Historic downtown commercial building

Converted a 1960s office floor into modern retail shell space, including structural upgrades and a new storefront system.

Completed within budget and two weeks ahead of the lease-commencement deadline.

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
Investment

Fixed price with materials and subcontractors included

Total investment
$85,000
Pricing model
Fixed
Engagement term
Aug 4, 2026 to Nov 17, 2026 (16 weeks)
Payment terms

Net 15

Expense policy

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

01
Pre-construction planning and permitting

Permit filings, subcontractor procurement, construction scheduling, and site logistics planning.

One-Time
$12,000
02
Foundation and structural work

Selective demolition, structural reinforcement, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-in with inspections.

One-Time
$30,000
03
Interior build-out and finishing

Framing, drywall, ceiling, flooring, storefront glazing, ADA-compliant restrooms, and all interior finishes.

One-Time
$35,000
04
Punch list, inspection, and handover

Formal punch list resolution, final inspections, certificate of occupancy coordination, and as-built drawings.

One-Time
$8,000

Payment schedule

01
Proposal acceptance
25
$21,250
02
Foundation and structural complete
30
$25,500
03
Build-out substantially complete
30
$25,500
04
Final handover and certificate of occupancy
15
$12,750
Next steps

Permit applications filed in the first week

  1. 1
    Accept the proposal and issue notice to proceed
    Meridian Properties
  2. 2
    Provide stamped drawings and the structural engineering report
    Meridian Properties
  3. 3
    File permit applications and request expedited review
    Atlas Build Co.

Source ledger

ScopeSelective 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
DeliverablesPre-construction package Foundation and structural completion Interior build-out
Pricing$85,000 across 4 priced line items.
TimelinePre-construction: 3 weeks Foundation and structural: 5 weeks Build-out: 6 weeks
TermsEither 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.