Estimator Complete Reference

Master Fenceline's estimation tools to create accurate, professional estimates that win more projects and increase your profitability.

Complete Estimation Workflow

🖼️ IMAGE: Complete Estimator Interface

Specifications:
  • • Size: 1920x1080px
  • • Format: PNG with numbered annotations (1-8)
  • • Content: Full estimator with all tools visible
  • • Show: Partially completed estimate in progress
What to Show:
  • • Map view with property and fence lines drawn
  • • Left sidebar with drawing tools
  • • Right sidebar with materials and pricing
  • • Bottom panel with calculations and totals

1. Property Setup

Enter customer address, select project type, and load satellite map view of the property

2. Draw & Measure

Use drawing tools to create precise fence layouts with automatic measurements and calculations

3. Configure Materials

Select materials, apply your pricing, and customize for each fence segment

4. Review Pricing

Verify calculations, adjust pricing, add labor costs and additional services

5. Generate Estimate

Create professional, branded PDF estimate with all project details and your company information

6. Share & Track

Send estimate to customer, track responses, and convert approved estimates to projects

Drawing Tools & Measurement System

🖼️ IMAGE: Drawing Tools Interface

Specifications:
  • • Size: 1600x900px
  • • Format: PNG with tool callouts
  • • Content: Map with drawing tools sidebar visible
  • • Show: Fence being drawn with measurements
What to Show:
  • • Drawing tools sidebar (left side)
  • • Active fence line being drawn
  • • Real-time measurements displayed
  • • Corner markers and gate placements

Drawing Capabilities

Fence Line Drawing

  • Click-to-Draw: Simple point-and-click fence creation
  • Straight Lines: Automatic straight-line connections between points
  • Curved Sections: Draw curved fence lines for rounded corners
  • Elevation Changes: Account for slopes and terrain variations
  • Property Boundaries: Snap to property lines and setback requirements

Gate & Opening Management

  • Gate Placement: Add gates at any point along fence line
  • Custom Widths: Set specific gate widths (3ft, 4ft, 6ft, custom)
  • Gate Types: Single swing, double swing, sliding gates
  • Hardware Options: Hinges, latches, locks, automation
  • Access Control: Keypads, card readers, remote controls

Special Features

  • Corner Posts: Automatic corner detection and reinforcement
  • End Posts: Terminal posts for fence line endings
  • Obstacles: Mark trees, utilities, and existing structures
  • Grade Changes: Account for stepped fencing on slopes
  • Special Sections: Different heights or materials per segment

Measurement & Calculation

Automatic Calculations

  • Linear Footage: Real-time calculation as you draw
  • Post Count: Intelligent post calculation based on spacing
  • Panel Count: Automatic panel count for panel-style fences
  • Hardware Quantities: Brackets, screws, and fasteners
  • Concrete Needs: Post hole depth and concrete requirements

Measurement Accuracy

  • • GPS-accurate satellite imagery for precise measurements
  • • Automatic scaling based on known reference points
  • • Manual measurement override for field verification
  • • Measurement validation against property surveys
  • • Error checking for unrealistic measurements

Advanced Measurement Tools

  • • Area calculations for enclosed spaces
  • • Perimeter calculations for complex shapes
  • • Slope and grade calculations for stepped fencing
  • • Distance measurements between any two points
  • • Export measurements for field verification

🖼️ IMAGE: Measurement Display & Calculations

Specifications:
  • • Size: 1400x800px
  • • Format: PNG
  • • Content: Fence with visible measurements
  • • Show: Real-time calculation updates
What to Show:
  • • Fence segments with length labels
  • • Total linear footage calculation
  • • Post markers with spacing indicators
  • • Calculation panel showing totals

Material Selection & Pricing Configuration

🖼️ IMAGE: Material Selection Interface

Specifications:
  • • Size: 1600x1000px
  • • Format: PNG
  • • Content: Materials panel with options
  • • Show: Material categories and selection process
What to Show:
  • • Material categories (Wood, Vinyl, Metal, etc.)
  • • Material options with images and specs
  • • Pricing display with your markup
  • • Apply to fence segment button

Material Categories & Options

Fence Materials

Wood Fencing

Cedar, pine, pressure-treated, composite options

Vinyl/PVC Fencing

Privacy, picket, ranch rail, decorative styles

Metal Fencing

Aluminum, steel, wrought iron, ornamental

Chain Link

Galvanized, vinyl-coated, commercial grade

Gates & Hardware

  • Gate Frames: Matching fence material and style
  • Hinges: Heavy-duty, self-closing, adjustable
  • Latches: Gravity, magnetic, keyed, digital
  • Locks: Padlock, keyed, keypad, smart locks
  • Automation: Gate operators and access control

Pricing Configuration

Real-Time Pricing

  • • See pricing update instantly as you select materials
  • • Your custom markup automatically applied
  • • Labor costs calculated based on project complexity
  • • Tax calculations based on customer location
  • • Permit fees added automatically where required

Pricing Strategies

  • Standard Markup: Apply consistent markup percentages
  • Project-Based: Adjust pricing for complexity or rush jobs
  • Competitive: Price to match or beat local competition
  • Value-Based: Price based on total customer value
  • Tiered Pricing: Good/better/best options

Cost Breakdown

  • • Detailed line items for materials and quantities
  • • Labor costs broken down by installation phase
  • • Equipment and tool costs where applicable
  • • Permit fees and regulatory costs
  • • Optional services and add-ons

🖼️ IMAGE: Pricing Configuration Panel

Specifications:
  • • Size: 800x1000px (tall format)
  • • Format: PNG
  • • Content: Right sidebar pricing panel
  • • Show: Materials list with pricing
What to Show:
  • • Selected materials with quantities
  • • Unit prices and extended totals
  • • Labor cost calculations
  • • Tax and fee additions
  • • Grand total with markup applied

Professional Estimate Generation

🖼️ IMAGE: Generated Estimate PDF Example

Specifications:
  • • Size: 800x1100px (PDF page format)
  • • Format: PNG
  • • Content: Complete estimate with branding
  • • Show: Professional layout with all sections
What to Show:
  • • Company logo and contact information
  • • Customer details and project address
  • • Fence layout diagram/map
  • • Detailed line items and pricing
  • • Terms, conditions, and next steps

Estimate Components

Header Section

  • Company Branding: Logo, name, contact information
  • Estimate Number: Unique tracking number
  • Date: Estimate creation date and validity period
  • Customer Info: Name, address, phone, email

Project Details

  • Scope Description: Clear project overview
  • Site Layout: Map or diagram of fence layout
  • Measurements: Total linear footage and dimensions
  • Special Requirements: Site conditions and constraints

Pricing Breakdown

  • Materials: Itemized list with quantities and prices
  • Labor: Installation costs and time estimates
  • Additional Services: Permits, removal, cleanup
  • Taxes & Fees: All applicable charges
  • Total Investment: Final project cost

Customization Options

Branding Customization

  • • Upload your company logo and letterhead
  • • Customize colors to match your brand
  • • Add your license numbers and certifications
  • • Include insurance information and bonding details
  • • Add social media and website links

Content Customization

  • • Add custom terms and conditions
  • • Include warranty information and coverage
  • • Add payment terms and financing options
  • • Include project timeline and milestones
  • • Add photos of similar completed projects

Multiple Options

  • • Create good/better/best pricing tiers
  • • Offer different material options
  • • Include optional add-ons and upgrades
  • • Show financing and payment alternatives
  • • Provide maintenance and service packages

Estimate Sharing & Customer Communication

Delivery Methods

Email Delivery

Professional email template with estimate attached and next steps

  • • Branded email template with your company information
  • • PDF estimate attached with security features
  • • Clear call-to-action for customer response
  • • Automatic delivery confirmation and tracking

PDF Download

High-quality PDF for printing, sharing, or offline presentation

  • • Professional formatting optimized for printing
  • • Embedded fonts and graphics for consistency
  • • Password protection option for sensitive estimates
  • • Watermarking to prevent unauthorized copying

Online Viewing

Secure online portal where customers can view and approve estimates

  • • Mobile-responsive design for any device
  • • Interactive map showing fence layout
  • • Online approval and scheduling tools
  • • Direct communication with contractor

Customer Experience Features

Interactive Elements

  • • Clickable map to explore fence layout in detail
  • • Material gallery with high-resolution images
  • • 3D visualization of fence appearance (coming soon)
  • • Before/after property visualization

Response Options

  • • One-click approval for accepted estimates
  • • Request modifications or alternative options
  • • Schedule consultation or site visit
  • • Ask questions or request clarification
  • • Download estimate for review with family

Follow-Up Automation

  • • Automatic reminder emails at 24h, 48h, 1 week
  • • Personalized follow-up messages
  • • Special offers for time-sensitive decisions
  • • Alternative contact methods if email bounces

🖼️ IMAGE: Customer Online Estimate Portal

Specifications:
  • • Size: 1200x800px
  • • Format: PNG
  • • Content: Customer's view of online estimate
  • • Show: Professional, easy-to-understand layout
What to Show:
  • • Estimate header with contractor branding
  • • Interactive map with fence layout
  • • Pricing breakdown with line items
  • • Approval and scheduling buttons

Advanced Features & Pro Tips

Efficiency Features

Estimate Templates

  • • Save common fence configurations as templates
  • • Quick-start templates for residential privacy fences
  • • Commercial chain link templates with standard specs
  • • Custom templates for your most common projects

Duplicate & Modify

  • • Copy existing estimates for similar projects
  • • Modify customer information and address
  • • Adjust measurements and materials as needed
  • • Maintain pricing consistency across projects

Batch Processing

  • • Create multiple estimates for subdivision projects
  • • Apply consistent specifications across properties
  • • Bulk pricing updates for material cost changes
  • • Export multiple estimates for presentation

Quality & Accuracy

Accuracy Best Practices

  • Verify Measurements: Double-check critical dimensions
  • Site Conditions: Account for slopes, obstacles, access
  • Material Waste: Include 5-10% waste factor
  • Permit Requirements: Research local building codes
  • Seasonal Factors: Consider weather and soil conditions

Professional Presentation

  • • Include high-quality photos of similar completed work
  • • Provide clear explanations of material choices
  • • Highlight warranty and service guarantees
  • • Include customer testimonials and references
  • • Offer multiple options when appropriate

Follow-Up Strategy

  • • Call customer within 24 hours of sending estimate
  • • Address questions and concerns promptly
  • • Offer site visit for complex or high-value projects
  • • Provide references and portfolio examples
  • • Follow up weekly until decision is made