Why do need a cover letter?

A cover letter is a type of letter that explains and summarizes the information displayed in another document, such as one of your estimates. It can also be used on a resume, or a business plan you may have worked on. Cover letters are usually created in a word document and submitted to the client in a .pdf format.

In the construction industry, a cover letter is also known as a “lead letter”, it is used to identify to your client what scope of work your specific trade is responsible for and that it has been included in your quotation, this is known as your “inclusions”.

The cover letter will also indicate what is not included in your pricing, this is known as your “exclusions”. You will become familiar and use these terms in the estimating line of work.

Cover letters are documents that will ensure you and your team are on the “same page” as your client and will ensure full disclosure when providing pricing. This letter will also avoid, reduce, and mitigate disagreements that can occur on a jobsite or in the office as the construction project moves forward.

We’re long past the days of simply selling jobs by “calling in numbers” over the phone and sealing deals with handshakes and fancy lunches. Professionals, please remember you must always create a formal cover letter for every quote that you submit to your client!

Shane Rosenberg is the creator of the estimating & blueprint reading webinar series hosted by Orderline. He has been a professional estimator in the construction industry for more than 10 years. Shane holds an electrical estimating certificate, an associate membership with the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (CIQS), as well as a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree. He has worked on a variety of different projects ranging from small renovations to larger installations of upwards of $5,000,000. Working closely with contractors to grow and expand their businesses is his passion.