Instant estimates for big home improvement jobs
Can you give an instant estimate for solar panels, pools, roofs or extensions? How big-ticket home improvement firms can show honest prices online.
RoughFigure2 min read
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Instant estimates for big home improvement jobs, such as solar panels, swimming pools, new roofs, driveways or garden rooms, might sound impossible. “Every project is different” is even more true when the price runs into thousands. But the customers for these projects want a rough idea first more than anyone, and the companies that give one get better enquiries.
Why customers want a price first
Big projects are planned over weeks or months. Before inviting anyone round, homeowners want to know:
- whether it’s a $6,500 project or a $65,000 one;
- what makes it cheaper or more expensive;
- what options they have.
If your website doesn’t answer, they find a company that does, or they keep putting the project off.
Why it helps your business
- Fewer wasted surveys and design meetings. People whose budget doesn’t fit find out before you visit.
- Better-qualified enquiries. You get the size, type and options they’re interested in up front.
- More enquiries out of hours, when people research big purchases.
- Trust. Being open about prices makes you look confident and honest.
Read how to stop wasting time quoting.
How to give an honest estimate for a big job
- Ask the questions that move the price most. For solar: house size, roof, battery. For pools: type, size, access. For roofs: type, size, access, problem.
- Show a range, not a figure, labelled clearly as a guide.
- List what’s included and what isn’t.
- Be honest about unknowns, such as ground conditions or roof timbers.
- Invite the next step: a survey or design consultation to confirm the price.
Our guide to giving a ballpark price covers how wide to make ranges.
How it works by trade
- Solar and batteries: system size by property, battery options, any tax clearly shown. See how to quote solar panel installations and how to quote home battery storage.
- Swimming pools: pool type, size, access and extras. See how swimming pool contractors can price pool installations.
- Roofing: repair or replacement, size, material, access. See how to price roofing jobs.
- Landscaping and driveways: area, materials, groundwork. See how to price landscaping jobs and how to price driveway and patio jobs.
Showing monthly costs
For big purchases, some customers think in monthly payments. If you offer finance through an authorised provider, you can show what a project might cost per month, as long as you follow the rules on advertising credit. If you don’t, keep to total prices.
Using an instant estimator
An instant estimator on your website asks customers the right questions, shows a ballpark range and sends you the enquiry with their answers and photos. RoughFigure lets you build one for any trade, from templates or a blank estimator, with rules for “site visit needed” when a project can’t be priced online. See all features or the trade templates.
Questions
Won’t a range scare off customers?
It puts off people whose budget is far from the real cost, which saves you time. Others find it reassuring.
How wide should the range be for big projects?
Wider than for small jobs, but narrow enough to be useful. Asking more questions narrows it.
Can I still charge for surveys or designs?
Yes. Many companies give a free online estimate and charge for detailed designs. See should tradesmen charge for quotes?
