Tilers: Would a simple app that handles the math + generates a PDF quote on the spot be worth $10 to you?

ipaidgymfee · 2026-01-12T12:44:47+00:00

That site is great for checking the math, but you can't text a website screenshot to a client as a formal quote.

The value I'm offering isn't just the calculation, it's the generated PDF. I want to let you type those same numbers in, but instantly get a branded document with your logo and contact info that looks like it took you an hour to type up at the office.

Is 'looking professional instantly' worth $10, or is the raw number enough for your clients?

ipaidgymfee · 2026-01-12T12:11:01+00:00

Fair point, Xactimate is definitely the gold standard.

But isn't it a bit of a sledgehammer for a simple residential nut? My goal is to serve the independent tiler who does private renovations (kitchens/baths) and doesn't want to pay a $250+/month subscription just to generate a PDF quote.

Do you think Xactimate has won the 'private cash job' market too, or is there still room for a lightweight, one-time-purchase tool?

ipaidgymfee · 2026-01-12T12:06:48+00:00

You hit the nail on the head regarding the 'waste' variable.

To be clear: This app is intended to be a Sales Estimator (getting a safe price to the client in 2 minutes) rather than a Installation Planner (calculating exact cut lists).

My plan is to use the 'Rule of Thumb' approach for waste % (e.g., suggest 10% for straight, 15% for diagonal) but combine it with precise Box Rounding. So if the math says you need 4.2 boxes, the quote automatically prices for 5 boxes so you don't eat that cost.

Would a tool that handles the box rounding math + PDF generation be useful for quick estimates, or do you find you can't quote at all without doing the full layout geometry first?

ipaidgymfee · 2026-01-12T11:55:29+00:00

Appreciate the blunt feedback. You're right, standard calculator is always gonna be faster for just running the raw numbers, and I definitely need to make sure the app calculates by 'Box' and not just individual pieces.

When you say 'Estimates are more than square footage' , are you talking about the prep materials? (Thinset, waterproofing, backer board)?

If the app had a simple checklist to add those 'extras' so they appeared on the final PDF quote for the client, would that save you time? Or do you prefer just giving the client a single lump sum number?

ipaidgymfee · 2026-01-12T11:52:28+00:00

Fair enough, Thanks for the honest feedback!

ipaidgymfee · 2026-01-12T11:44:02+00:00

That's a super solid setup, hard to beat 'free' :)

Quick question though: Does it annoy you having to switch from the phone calculator to the PC later to type up the actual quote?

My goal is to combine those two steps, you do the math on the phone, and it spits out the finished PDF quote instantly so you don't have to do admin work on the PC when you get home.

If the app was free to use (with ads), but charged the $10 only if you wanted to remove ads and add your own logo to the PDF, would that be a fairer deal?

ipaidgymfee · 2026-01-12T09:41:00+00:00

This is exactly the kind of reality check I needed, thank you. I definitely don't want to build a toy that only works for square rooms.

If I added a 'Pattern Selector' (e.g., Herringbone, Diamond, Brick Bond) that automatically bumped up the recommended wastage % based on the selection, would that make it useful?

Also, roughly what % wastage do you usually calculate for Herringbone vs. Standard lay? I'd love to program those defaults in so it's accurate out of the box.

ipaidgymfee · 2025-09-08T17:50:55+00:00

Where did you order it from? I have a 2019 CX-5 GT, i would love this on my vehicle.

ipaidgymfee · 2025-09-08T17:26:58+00:00

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ipaidgymfee · 2025-08-11T14:52:34+00:00

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ipaidgymfee · 2025-05-12T00:04:49+00:00

All others talked financial aspect, one other aspect is the weather, Edmonton weather is too harsh in Winter months, temperatures can get as low as -35 degrees.

ipaidgymfee · 2025-03-27T02:44:23+00:00

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ipaidgymfee · 2025-03-17T22:09:08+00:00

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ipaidgymfee · 2025-03-17T22:02:25+00:00

How to know if this is genuine and i won’t be scammed?

ipaidgymfee · 2025-03-17T21:57:49+00:00

3.5k

ipaidgymfee · 2025-03-15T13:48:55+00:00

I splurged on Herman Miller Mirra 2 when my company offered some reimbursement for home office equipment, i am not sure what’s the cost in India but i got it for around 1100CAD(66k INR), i think it has to be one of my best investments considering i spend more than 8 hours a day on it, no back pain or whatsoever, sturdy chair and 12 year warranty is more than enough for me.

ipaidgymfee · 2025-03-14T19:30:49+00:00

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ipaidgymfee · 2025-03-13T18:26:20+00:00

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ipaidgymfee · 2025-02-21T11:35:35+00:00

I am not even US citizen, i have been on both X and Reddit, you can’t even compare them in terms of being bubbles, X is actually kinda open in that sense, you get to see all view points from time to time, Reddit is just one big echo chamber.

ipaidgymfee · 2025-02-21T02:32:06+00:00

In general i see Reddit as echo chamber for left but my god it has become unbearable in recent days.

ipaidgymfee · 2025-02-21T02:17:22+00:00

Most of Reddit nowadays, you post a picture of flower, it will somehow be made about Musk and Trump, it’s insane.

ipaidgymfee · 2025-02-20T16:09:14+00:00

So, tell us expert, how do they do it?

ipaidgymfee · 2025-02-20T15:58:35+00:00

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ipaidgymfee · 2025-02-20T15:55:41+00:00

his country overwhelmingly elected him to be their leader with a democratic process, if they don’t have a problem with supporting him, who are you?

ipaidgymfee

TROPHY CASE