San Diego Outdoor Living Quote Template (2026): What a Real Line-Item Estimate Looks Like (and What to Demand)
Updated January 2026 – San Diego County
Most outdoor living bids in San Diego are not “estimates” — they’re marketing documents. They feel simple, but they hide the most important parts: drainage, utilities, base prep, permits, QA, documentation, and the real scope of work.
This page gives you a line-item quote template you can copy/paste and use with any contractor (including us). It also shows what a strong estimate looks like, what a weak estimate looks like, and how to compare bids objectively.
Educational only (not legal advice). For legal questions about contracts, lien releases, or disputes, consult a California construction attorney.
TL;DR — The 10 Items Every Real Outdoor Living Quote Must Include
- Scope map + quantities (SF/LF counts by area)
- Demo & export (what’s removed and how much)
- Base & compaction spec (depths + standards)
- Drainage (drain types + outlet plan)
- Utilities (gas/power/water/data routing + allowances)
- Hardscape & finishes (materials named, not vague)
- Structures (footings/anchors/engineering as needed)
- Permits & inspections (who pulls + what’s included)
- Project management + QA documentation (how quality is proved)
- Payment milestones + change order policy (CA-compliant deposits, written COs)
What a Good Quote Looks Like vs a Bad Quote
| Area | Bad Quote (Vague) | Good Quote (Transparent) |
|---|---|---|
| Drainage | “Drainage as needed” | Lists drain types/locations, pipe runs, discharge plan, and documentation expectations |
| Base | “Install pavers” | Base depth, compaction approach, edge restraint, and photo proof checkpoints |
| Utilities | “Electrical by others” | Defines electrical/gas scope, permit approach, and who owns coordination |
| Allowances | Tiny allowances that don’t match your expectations | Realistic allowances, clearly labeled, with how over/under is handled |
| QA & docs | No mention | Written QA checkpoints + subsurface photo documentation + portal/updates |
Copy/Paste Quote Template (Send This to Any Contractor)
Copy/paste the template below into an email or document and ask each contractor to fill it out. The quality of their response will tell you everything.
San Diego Outdoor Living Quote Template (2026)
1) Scope Map + Quantities
Areas included (front/side/rear): __________
Hardscape SF: ________ | Walls LF/SF: ________ | Steps: ________ | Turf SF: ________
Kitchen size/layout: ________ | Pergola/cover size: ________
2) Demo + Export
What is removed: __________
Export included? Yes/No | Allowance/limit: __________
3) Base + Compaction (Critical)
Base depth (pavers): ________ | Base depth (porcelain): ________ | Base depth (turf): ________
Compaction method/standard: __________
Edge restraint detail: __________
Will subsurface base depth be photo documented? Yes/No
4) Drainage
Drain types + locations: __________
Pipe sizes/material: __________
Where does water discharge? __________
Will drains/pipe runs be photo documented before backfill? Yes/No
5) Utilities (Gas / Power / Water / Data)
Gas scope + line sizing basis: __________
Electrical scope (circuits, trenching, controls): __________
Water scope: __________ | Data/low-voltage: __________
Sleeves for future phases: Yes/No (details: __________)
6) Hardscape + Finishes (Brands/Models)
Paver/porcelain brand + series: __________
Jointing/sand/grout/mortar system: __________
Wall materials (block/veneer): __________
7) Structures (Pergola / Pavilion / Walls / Stairs)
Footings/anchors detail: __________
Engineering required? Yes/No (who provides: __________)
Retaining wall permit trigger considered? Yes/No
8) Permits + Inspections
Permits included? Yes/No (list: __________)
Who pulls permits? __________
Inspection plan: __________
9) QA + Documentation + Communication
Written QA checklist used? Yes/No
Daily/weekly update cadence: __________
Portal or shared folder for photos/notes: Yes/No
10) Allowances + Exclusions (Must List)
Appliances allowance: $________ | Lighting allowance: $________ | Tile/stone allowance: $________
Exclusions/by-others: __________
11) Payment Schedule (CA Law)
Deposit amount (CA cap: $1,000 or 10% whichever is less): $________
Milestone payments (dollars and cents): __________
Lien releases with payments: Yes/No (process: __________)
12) Change Orders
Written CO required before work proceeds? Yes/No
CO includes scope + price + timeline impact? Yes/No
Example Quote Snapshots (What These Numbers Typically Represent)
These are not proposals — they’re reality-checked snapshots that help you sanity-check whether a bid is complete.
| Program | Typical Range | What’s Usually Included |
|---|---|---|
| Backyard Core | $75k–$125k | Patio + cover/pergola + compact kitchen + fire feature + basic lighting + drainage touch-ups |
| Full Backyard | $120k–$250k+ | Bigger patios/paths + upgraded cover + full kitchen + stronger drainage/utilities backbone + lighting zones |
| Front + Back | $175k–$350k+ | Arrival + driveway/motor court elements + walls/columns + lighting + backyard entertainer core |
For deeper cost realism, see: Cost vs. Value.
Allowance + Exclusion Traps (Why “Cheap” Quotes Blow Up)
If a contractor won’t fill out the allowance/exclusion section cleanly, assume the bid total is not real. This is the #1 reason “cheap” quotes become expensive.
See our full guide: Hidden Costs (Allowances & Exclusions).
Email Scripts (Copy/Paste)
Script #1: Send the quote template
Hi [Name],
To compare bids apples-to-apples, we’re asking each contractor to fill out a line-item quote template. Can you please complete the attached sections (base, drainage, utilities, permits, allowances, and payment milestones)?
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Script #2: Ask for the “missing” parts
Hi [Name],
Can you clarify base depth/compaction specs, drainage scope (including discharge location), utility routing and permit plan, and list all allowances/exclusions? We want to avoid surprises later.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Quote Checklist (Print-Friendly)
- Quote includes base depth/compaction and drainage outlet plan.
- Utilities (gas/electrical/water/data) are defined, not “by others” surprises.
- Permits/inspections are acknowledged and owned by the contractor.
- Allowances are realistic and clearly listed; exclusions are explicit.
- QA/documentation and photo proof are part of the process.
- Payment schedule is milestone-based and CA-compliant (deposit cap).
- Change orders are written, priced, and approved before work proceeds.
FAQs — Quotes and Line-Item Estimates
Why do some contractors refuse to provide line items?
Line items expose where money is going and remove the ability to hide costs behind vague allowances or exclusions. If a contractor resists clarity, assume the bid is not truly comparable.
Is a simple quote always bad?
Not always, but for projects involving drainage, utilities, structures, and permits, a simple one-page number with little detail usually means risk is being pushed onto the homeowner.
How do I compare bids fairly?
Use this template, compare allowances/exclusions, and score contractors with a structured system. See our Compare Bids and Contractor Scorecard.
Can INSTALL-IT-DIRECT review my bids?
Yes. We can review your bids to highlight where details are missing or where hidden costs are likely to show up later. For legal advice, consult an attorney.
Educational only. Always verify CA deposit cap rules and permit requirements for your jurisdiction. For legal advice, consult a California construction attorney.