Landscape Lighting Estimate Template (Free)

Essential line items on a landscape lighting estimate

A professional low-voltage landscape lighting estimate translates design vision into clear, itemized line items covering architectural fixtures, multi-tap transformers, direct-burial wire, and installation labor:

• Lighting Contractor Licensing Header: Business name, logo, physical address, phone, email, state low-voltage electrical contractor license number, and commercial general liability insurance details.
• Customer & Site Details: Property owner name, physical installation address, estimate date, and 30-day expiration notice.
• Itemized Architectural Fixtures by Type: Bullet spotlights, path lights, wash lights, in-grade well lights, step lights, and hardscape lip lights.
• Transformer & Smart Control Specifications: Stainless steel multi-tap low-voltage transformers (300W–600W), astronomical digital timers, or WiFi smart controllers (e.g. Lutron Caseta or FX Luminaire).
• Direct-Burial Wire & Waterproof Connectors: Heavy 12/2 or 10/2 direct-burial copper wire and heat-shrink gel-filled waterproof wire connectors.
• Trenching, Boring & Installation Labor: Lawn trenching, micro-trenching under paver walkways, fixture aiming, and nighttime adjustment visits.
• Deposit & Payment Terms: 50% material deposit at contract signing and balance due upon final night demonstration.

Free Landscape Lighting Text Template

Copy and paste the template below to build professional low-voltage lighting estimates:

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               LOW-VOLTAGE LANDSCAPE LIGHTING DESIGN ESTIMATE
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LIGHTING CONTRACTOR:                       ESTIMATE DETAILS:
[Your Landscape Lighting Business Name]    Estimate Number: LLE-2026-0518
[Low-Voltage Electrical License #]         Date: August 3, 2026
[Phone & Billing Email Address]            Estimate Validity: 30 Days

CLIENT & PROPERTY LOCATION:                SYSTEM DESIGN METADATA:
Client Name: [Homeowner Name]              Total Fixture Count: 14 Solid Brass LEDs
Property: [543 Architectural Way]          Transformer: 300W Stainless Steel Multi-Tap

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LINE ITEM DESCRIPTION & SPECIFICATIONS                          AMOUNT
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1. Solid Cast Brass Accent Spotlights (6 Units @ $210 ea)       $1,260.00
   - Spec: 5W LED (3000K Warm White, 38° Beam Spread)
2. Solid Brass Path & Garden Lights (6 Units @ $185 ea)         $1,110.00
3. In-Grade Well Lights for Specimen Trees (2 Units @ $240 ea)  $480.00
4. 300W Stainless Steel Multi-Tap Transformer (12V-15V Taps)    $450.00
5. Astronomical Digital Timer & Photocell Module                $95.00
6. 12/2 Direct Burial Copper Wire & Gel-Filled Heat-Shrink      $220.00
7. Trenching, Wire Burial, Fixture Mounting & Night Aiming      $950.00
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SUBTOTAL ESTIMATE:                                             $4,565.00
State & Local Material Sales Tax:                              $142.00
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TOTAL ESTIMATED SYSTEM COST:                                   $4,707.00
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PAYMENT & DEPOSIT TERMS:
- 50% Material & Ordering Deposit Required to Schedule:        $2,353.50
- 50% Remaining Balance Due Upon Night Aiming & Handover:       $2,353.50
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Per-fixture installed pricing math and component sizing

Itemizing low-voltage lighting by fixture type demonstrates design quality over cheap solar or plastic big-box store kits:

• Per-Fixture Installed Rates ($180–$350 per fixture installed): Includes solid cast brass or copper fixture housings, warm white (2700K–3000K) LED drop-in lamps, stakes, wire connections, and trenching labor.
• Transformer Sizing ($350–$750): Calculate total wattage load plus a 20% safety margin. A system with 15 fixtures consuming 5W each equals 75W load; install a 150W or 300W multi-tap transformer (12V to 15V taps) to prevent voltage drop over long wire runs.
• Voltage Drop Prevention: Measure voltage at each fixture during installation to ensure 11.5V to 12.5V AC is delivered to all LED bulbs.

Direct-burial wiring, trenching, and night-aiming visits

Itemizing infrastructure components protects your labor margins:

1. Direct-Burial Wire & Waterproof Connections ($0.45–$0.75 per foot): Use 12/2 or 10/2 UV-resistant direct-burial cable. Wire connections must use silicone-filled wire nuts or gel-filled heat-shrink tubing to prevent water intrusion and corrosion.
2. Nighttime Aiming & Adjustment Visit ($150 value): Include a complimentary post-installation evening visit to adjust beam angles, eliminate glare into windows, and fine-tune focal points with the homeowner.

Material deposit policies and warranty coverage

• 50% Material Deposit: Solid brass fixtures and stainless steel transformers are major upfront purchases. Require a 50% deposit upon contract signing to order materials and lock installation dates.
• Lifetime Fixture Warranty: Highlight manufacturer warranties (e.g., lifetime warranty on cast brass housings, 5-year LED lamp warranty) to justify your premium price point.

If you also handle high-voltage line work, check our free electrical invoice template.