How to Share High-Dollar Estimates with Confidence
For residential contractors bidding on jobs over $100,000, how you release your estimate can make or break the deal. A thoughtful, strategic presentation not only builds trust—it positions you as a true professional and gives your client confidence in your pricing, your process, and your partnership.
Here are several effective ways to release estimates for large jobs, along with tips to make your proposal stand out and win the work.
In-Person Walkthrough
Best for: Complex projects with lots of moving parts or when relationship-building is key.
When possible, delivering your estimate during an in-person meeting lets you walk through the numbers together, address concerns in real time, and align on expectations. Bring a printed proposal or a tablet with your digital estimate ready to present. You can also enhance the professionalism of your proposals with JobTread's customizable cover pages.
Pro Tips: Use this time to guide your client through the budget—not just the total cost, but also the line items that represent major decision points. It positions you as a transparent, trustworthy expert.
Virtual Estimate Review via Zoom
Best for: Busy or remote clients, or when the job requires multiple decision-makers.
Don’t just email the estimate—schedule a video call to review it together. Share your screen, talk through the details, and answer questions as they come up. This creates a more engaging, interactive experience than simply sending a PDF, and it prevents sticker shock by letting you explain the why behind the what.
Pro Tips: Highlight value—not just price. Walk your clients through the quality of materials, subcontractor rates, timeline, and how you reduce risk for them.
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Tiered Pricing or Option-Based Estimates
Best for: Clients who want flexibility or control over scope and budget.
Rather than releasing one lump sum, offer selection packages: Good, Better, Best. Or include optional line items your client can toggle on and off. This gives them the ability to shape the final scope based on their budget and priorities, and it reduces objections by making the pricing feel more tailored.
Pro Tips: In JobTread, use item groupings to create clear, easy-to-navigate estimates with optional selections.
Client Portal Access
Best for: Ongoing communication and project transparency.
With JobTread, you can give your client portal access where they can review their estimate alongside other important job documents—contracts, photos, schedules, and more. This central hub of communication keeps everyone on the same page and positions your company as highly organized and professional.
Pro Tips: Educate the client on how to use the portal upfront to build confidence and reduce back-and-forth.
Set the Stage for Success
No matter which delivery method you choose, don’t treat the estimate as just a document. It’s your chance to:
- Reinforce the value you bring
- Differentiate yourself from competitors
- Set expectations for how you work
When you release an estimate for a six-figure job, you’re not just sharing numbers—you’re building a partnership. Do it right, and your clients will feel confident moving forward with you.
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With JobTread, you can create professional proposals, share them with a click, track client activity, and convert estimates to jobs in seconds. Try JobTread today and win more of the jobs you want.
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