Why pre-quote questions matter
Every installation quote involves a set of core variables — dimensions, materials, access constraints, scope — that determine the price. When customers don't provide this information upfront, your team has to chase it. When they chase it, they lose time, slow down response, and risk losing the job to a faster competitor.
The questions below are the ones that matter most for each trade — the ones that have the highest impact on your ability to give a useful, accurate quote quickly. Consider incorporating these into your enquiry form, your follow-up email template or your phone script.
Garage doors
Q: What is the opening width and height?
Why it matters: Width determines panel and track size. Height determines spring sizing and headroom requirements. Without these, any price is a guess.
Q: Is this a replacement or a new installation?
Why it matters: Replacement requires removal and disposal of the old door — a significant scope difference from a fresh install.
Q: Do you want a motorised door?
Why it matters: The single biggest pricing variable after size. Establishes which product tier the customer needs.
Q: What is the current door type?
Why it matters: Tilt, sectional, roller and panel lift all have different replacement requirements, track profiles and spring configurations.
Q: How much headroom is available inside the garage?
Why it matters: Low headroom situations require specialised hardware that affects both cost and installation time.
Q: Is the door for a residential or commercial property?
Why it matters: Commercial applications may require different duty cycles, materials and compliance requirements.
Outdoor blinds
Q: What is the approximate width and drop of the opening?
Why it matters: These two measurements define the blind model, fabric quantity and most of the price.
Q: What style of blind is required?
Why it matters: Ziptrak, café, wire-guided and pivot arm blinds are completely different products with different installation requirements.
Q: What is the ceiling or mounting structure?
Why it matters: The track or housing mounts into a structural member (beam, fascia, soffit) — different structures require different installation approaches and may not be compatible with all blind types.
Q: Are there any posts or columns at the sides?
Why it matters: Determines whether side tracks are required and how the blind will seal at the edges.
Q: Is there a preferred fabric opacity?
Why it matters: Full blockout vs light-filtering mesh affects price, available styles and customer expectation about privacy and light.
Roller shutters
Q: What is the width and height of each window or door?
Why it matters: Shutter curtain length (height) and barrel housing width (driven by opening width) are the core pricing variables.
Q: What is the wall type?
Why it matters: Brick, rendered, weatherboard and steel framing all require different fixing methods and may affect which housing styles are viable.
Q: Is 240V power available at each window?
Why it matters: Motorised shutters require a power source. If power isn't available, the customer needs to know about the additional electrical work before a price is given.
Q: Is the primary purpose security, privacy, heat reduction or noise control?
Why it matters: Different purposes may suggest different product specifications (heavy-duty aluminium vs standard extruded, perforated vs solid slat).
Q: Is this a residential or strata property?
Why it matters: Strata and strata-title properties may have body corporate approvals required for external modifications.
Plantation shutters
Q: What type of window is it?
Why it matters: Casement, double-hung, sliding, arched and louvre windows all require different shutter configurations — some require custom shaping.
Q: How deep is the window reveal?
Why it matters: The reveal depth determines whether shutters can be recess-mounted (inside the frame) or must be face-mounted (on the wall). This significantly affects the look and price.
Q: What blade (louvre) size is preferred?
Why it matters: 63mm, 89mm and 114mm blades look and price differently. Larger blades provide more light control but suit larger windows.
Q: Is a divider rail needed?
Why it matters: A divider rail allows the top and bottom halves to tilt independently — preferred in bedrooms where the lower section needs to remain closed for privacy. Adds cost.
Q: What material is preferred — PVC, timber or composite?
Why it matters: Material is the biggest pricing variable in plantation shutters. PVC is the most affordable; timber is premium. The answer shapes the entire quote.
Windows and doors
Q: Is this a replacement or a new installation?
Why it matters: Replacement involves removal of existing frames — a significant additional scope that affects both time and cost.
Q: What is the current frame material?
Why it matters: Replacing a timber frame with uPVC or aluminium may involve different reveal sizing, sill details and internal finish work.
Q: What glazing is required?
Why it matters: Single, double, laminated and acoustic glazing all have significantly different costs. The answer should be confirmed before a quote is prepared.
Q: Are there any arched, circular or shaped windows?
Why it matters: Irregular shapes require custom manufacturing — longer lead times and higher prices. Identifying these upfront prevents scope surprises.
Q: Is the property heritage-listed or subject to council approval?
Why it matters: Heritage overlay restrictions or HOA requirements may limit materials, frame profiles or glazing colours — and may require DA approval.
Want these questions in your intake form?
Use the Quote Intake Form Builder to get a full form structure for your specific trade — with all the right questions in the right order.