How long should an estimate or quote be valid?

Why estimates should not stay open forever

Supplier pricing changes, calendars fill, subcontractor availability moves and the assumptions behind an estimate can become stale. A clear validity period gives both sides a point at which the price should be reviewed again.

Choose the window based on your risk

• Material volatility: shorter windows can make sense when major inputs change quickly.
• Scheduling: accepting a price months later may not mean you still have the same opening.
• Subcontractors: outside quotes may have their own expiration dates.
• Scope: a delayed project may need a fresh site visit if conditions could have changed.

Separate price validity from scheduling

An accepted estimate does not automatically guarantee a particular start date unless your proposal says so. Keep price validity, deposit requirements and scheduling language clear and separate.

What happens after expiration?

Do not automatically reject the customer. Recheck costs, capacity and scope, then issue an updated estimate if the job still makes sense. The new price may be identical—or it may need to change.

Make the expiration visible

Put the valid-through date or validity period directly on the estimate rather than hiding it in a long block of terms.