Estimate Builder for Decorators
Build accurate estimates with room measurements, paint calculations and labour costs. Quick and easy.
An estimate is different from a quote — it is a rough price to help a client decide whether to go ahead. But even a rough estimate needs to be in the right ballpark, or you will waste time quoting jobs you cannot win.
The Trade Assist Estimate Builder helps you produce quick, accurate estimates with proper calculations — so your rough prices are actually realistic.
Deep Dive: Estimate Builder
There is a crucial difference between an estimate and a quote. An estimate is a rough price — enough to help a client decide whether to proceed, but not a formal offer. A quote is a fixed price with a scope of work, terms and conditions. Giving a full quote to someone who just wants a ballpark price wastes your time; giving a vague estimate to someone who is ready to buy loses you the job.
The Trade Assist Estimate Builder bridges this gap. It gives you a quick, structured way to produce ballpark figures that are actually based on real calculations — not guesswork. Enter the room sizes, choose your paint and labour method, and the builder gives you an instant estimated total. It is fast enough to use on the phone with a potential client, but accurate enough to be in the right ballpark.
The real value of the estimate builder is as a qualifying tool. When a potential client calls asking for a rough price, you can give them an informed estimate in minutes — based on their actual room sizes, not a generic square metre rate. If the estimate is in their budget, you convert it to a full quote. If it is not, you have saved yourself the time of quoting a job you were never going to win. This makes your quoting process far more efficient.
For decorators who price on the spot — at property visits or over the phone — the estimate builder is a competitive advantage. While other decorators say "let me go away and work out a price", you can give an informed estimate immediately. Clients appreciate the responsiveness, and you are more likely to be the decorator they ask for a full quote — because you were the one who gave them a clear, quick answer.
See Estimate Builder in Action
Watch a 2-minute demo of how estimate builder works in Trade Assist
Start Free TrialKey Benefits
Quick estimates
Produce a ballpark price in minutes without a full quote.
Realistic figures
Based on real room sizes and paint costs, not guesswork.
Win the right jobs
Give accurate estimates that win you the right work at the right price.
Features
Quick room entry
Add rooms and get instant area and paint calculations.
Labour estimates
Estimate labour based on room size and method.
Instant totals
See paint, labour and total costs instantly as you build the estimate.
How It Works
Enter room sizes
Quickly add the rooms and their dimensions.
Choose paint and labour
Select your paint product and labour method.
Get your estimate
See the estimated total instantly. Convert to a full quote if the client wants to proceed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert an estimate into a full quote?
Yes. When a client wants to proceed, convert your estimate into a full, branded quote with one click.
How is this different from the quoting tool?
The estimate builder is designed for quick, ballpark figures. The quoting tool produces full, branded proposals with scope details and terms.
How accurate is the estimate?
The estimate uses the same room dimensions, paint coverage and labour calculations as the full quoting tool, so it is as accurate as the information you enter. It is designed to be a realistic ballpark, not a binding price — but it will be in the right range if your inputs are correct.
Can I give an estimate over the phone?
Yes. The estimate builder is fast enough to use while on a call. Ask the client for room sizes, enter them into the builder and give them an estimated range in minutes. This is a powerful sales tool for qualifying leads.
Does the estimate include VAT?
You can choose whether to show the estimate with or without VAT. For residential clients, showing the total including VAT is usually clearer. For commercial clients, showing the net amount is often preferred.
Can I save estimates and convert them later?
Yes. Save the estimate and convert it to a full quote when the client is ready to proceed. All the room details and calculations carry over, so you do not need to re-enter anything.
Related Features
Quoting Software
Create professional, branded quotes in minutes with automatic paint calculations, room-by-room measurements and AI-assisted proposals.
Material Calculator
Calculate paint quantities, coverage and costs for any job. Accurate litres, coats and materials in seconds.
AI Quote Generator
Answer a few questions about the job. AI builds a complete quote with rooms, materials, labour and professional descriptions.