Garage Door OS Docs
Estimates & Quotes

Estimate Builder

Multi-option estimates with price book lines, tax, and deposits.
7 min read

Estimate Builder

Build multi-option proposals (Good / Better / Best), pull price book lines, apply tax and discounts, and optionally require a deposit — all from /estimates/new.

Overview

The Estimate Builder at /estimates/new is the primary create flow for new estimates. It supports multiple priced options the customer compares on the PDF, line items from your price book, templates, and deposit presets.

How to access

  • Estimates → New Estimate → /estimates/new
  • From a job or customer via query params (?customerId=, ?jobId=)
Requires estimates:create.

What you can do today

  • Select or create a customer and service address.
  • Enter job description; use @mentions for price book items when typing the description.
  • Manage multiple options (columns) with independent line items and subtotals.
  • Add lines from price book search, manual entry, or templates.
  • Set tax, discount, validity date, terms, and PDF-facing copy (materials included, exclusions, change-order policy).
  • Choose deposit: none, 25%, 50%, or custom amount tied to the active option subtotal.
  • Run stock check for inventory-backed components before save.
  • Save draft, preview totals, and send the estimate.
  • Open AI Assistant panel when OpenAI is configured (optional).

Prerequisites

  • estimates:create permission.
  • Price book populated for fast item search (optional but recommended).
  • Tax rates under Settings → Tax Rates when charging tax.
  • OpenAI under Settings → Integrations for AI Assistant line suggestions (optional).
  • Stripe + email/SMS for deposit collection after approval — see Estimate Deposits.

Step-by-step

Build a three-option estimate

  1. Go to /estimates/new.
  2. Pick the customer and verify the service address.
  3. Add an option (e.g. Good, Better, Best) — each option has its own line items.
  4. Search the price book or add manual lines per option.
  5. Set the default option the customer sees first on the PDF.
  6. Review totals — tax and discount modes follow business settings.
  7. Under estimate details, set Require deposit (none / 25% / 50% / custom).
  8. Save draft or Send when ready.

Apply a template

  1. In the builder, open Templates (when available on your layout).
  2. Select a saved estimate template.
  3. Adjust lines and options, then save.

Use AI Assistant (when configured)

  1. Ensure OpenAI is connected under Settings → Integrations.
  2. Open the AI Assistant panel on the builder.
  3. Describe the job; review suggested line items before accepting into an option.

Current limitations

  • AI Assistant requires OpenAI; without it the panel prompts for configuration.
  • Stock check reflects current inventory; it does not reserve parts.
  • Optional line-item checkboxes on the customer PDF follow estimate option design — distinct from price book optional components (see Price Book Components).
  • Garage door visual quote flows use a separate tool when your industry is garage door — see Garage Door Quote Builder.

Related features