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Getting StartedYour First Estimate

Creating Your First Estimate

Ready to win some work? This guide walks you through creating your first estimate in Tallie. You can build estimates using AI assistance or create them manually - both methods give you a professional proposal to send to clients.

What You’ll Learn

  • Two ways to create estimates: AI and manual
  • How to chat with Tallie for instant estimates
  • How to build an estimate manually
  • Sending your estimate to a client

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Start a New Estimate

From anywhere in Tallie, you can create a new estimate:

From the Dashboard:

  • Click the New Estimate button in the Quick Actions section

From the Estimates Page:

  • Navigate to Estimates in the sidebar
  • Click the New Estimate button in the top right

A dialog appears asking how you want to create your estimate.

Step 2: Choose Your Method

Click Use AI to start a conversation with Tallie. This opens the chat interface where you can describe the work in plain English.

Example prompts to try:

For painters:

“I need an estimate for painting a 2,000 sq ft house exterior, two stories, currently beige, going to white”

For electricians:

“Quote for adding 6 recessed lights in a living room with an existing switch”

For plumbers:

“Estimate to replace a 40-gallon water heater with a tankless unit”

For general contractors:

“Kitchen remodel estimate - new cabinets, counters, backsplash, and flooring for a 12x15 kitchen”

Tallie will:

  1. Ask clarifying questions if needed
  2. Generate a complete estimate with line items
  3. Apply your default markup
  4. Show you the total

You can then adjust any line items, add more details, or approve and save.

Option B: Create Manually

Click Create Manually to build an estimate from scratch. This opens a blank estimate where you can:

  • Add a job description
  • Create line items one by one
  • Set quantities and prices
  • Apply your markup

This method gives you complete control and works well when you have specific pricing or are using your own rate sheet.

Step 3: Review Your Estimate

Whether you used AI or built manually, review your estimate before sending:

Check these details:

  • Job description is clear and accurate
  • All line items are included
  • Quantities are correct
  • Pricing reflects current market rates
  • Markup is applied correctly
  • Final total looks right

On the estimate detail page, you can:

  • Edit line items individually
  • Adjust the markup percentage
  • Add or remove items
  • Add photos or attachments
  • Request a deposit from the client

Step 4: Send to Your Client

When your estimate is ready:

  1. Click the Send button (or select “Send to Client” from the menu)
  2. Enter your client’s email address
  3. Add a personal message (optional)
  4. Click Send Estimate

Your client receives an email with a link to view and approve the estimate online. They can:

  • Review all line items and pricing
  • Accept and e-sign the estimate
  • Request changes by replying

Step 5: Track Approval

After sending, your estimate status changes from Draft to Sent. You can track:

  • When the client opens the estimate
  • When they approve it
  • Any responses or questions

When approved, the status changes to Approved and you’re ready to create a job and start work.

Step 6: Create a Job

Once your estimate is approved, the next step is to create a job:

  1. Open the approved estimate
  2. Click Create Job to turn it into a job
  3. Set the scheduled dates for the work
  4. Assign crew members if applicable
  5. The job is now ready to track

You can also collect a deposit before starting work if you included one on the estimate.

Step 7: Complete the Job & Invoice

As you work through the job:

  1. Update progress and add notes or photos
  2. If the scope changes, create a change order to document adjustments
  3. When the work is done, mark the job as Complete
  4. Click Create Invoice from the completed job
  5. Send the invoice to your client and collect payment

Tips

  • Start with AI, refine manually - Let Tallie generate the baseline, then adjust specific items
  • Be descriptive in chat - The more details you give Tallie, the more accurate the estimate
  • Request deposits - Collect a deposit on the estimate before starting work to improve cash flow
  • Save time with templates - Common jobs? Save estimates as starting points for similar work
  • Add photos - Including job site photos makes estimates more professional and reduces questions

Estimate-to-Payment Workflow

Estimate (Draft → Sent → Approved) → Job (Scheduled → In Progress → Complete) → Invoice (Sent → Paid)
  1. Estimate - Create, review, and send to your client for approval
  2. Job - Schedule the work, assign crew, and track progress
  3. Invoice - Bill your client and collect payment when the job is done
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