The verdict in three sentences
A 25-employee joinery firm producing 120 quotes a month in London spends 240 to 360 hours a month on pricing, the equivalent of two estimators. An AI quoting tool that reads drawings, take-offs and client emails (EUR 20,000 to 45,000, about GBP 17,000 to 39,000, over 3 to 4 months) brings a standard quote down to 30 minutes, for EUR 100 to 400 a month in model costs. The real gain shows in the conversion rate: replying within 48 hours instead of 8 to 10 days wins jobs that competitors take today.
Why a joinery quote takes 2 to 3 hours
The estimator receives an email with an architect's PDF drawing, a few photos and a list of needs: 14 windows, 3 French doors, a front door, sometimes a staircase or fitted wardrobes. They take measurements, choose product ranges (uPVC, aluminium, timber, composite), apply options (glazing, colours, shutters), price installation and supplier lead times, then format the quote. Each step is manual and prone to transcription errors.
| Pricing step (2026 estimate) | Manual time | Time with AI | Role of the AI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading the email and attachments | 15 min | 2 min | extracts needs and context |
| Measuring openings on the PDF drawing | 45 to 60 min | 5 min | detects openings and dimensions |
| Choosing ranges and options | 30 min | 8 min | suggests from catalogue and history |
| Pricing installation, removal and travel | 20 min | 3 min | applies company rules |
| Formatting and checking | 20 to 40 min | 12 min | quote generated, human check |
| Total per quote | 2 h 10 to 2 h 45 | about 30 min | estimator validates |
The AI does not replace the trade: it prepares a priced draft the estimator corrects. On hand-drawn plans or complex refurbishments, allow 60 to 90 minutes instead.
Market options in 2026
| Option | Initial cost | Monthly cost | Timeline | Fits when |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic joinery quoting software | EUR 2,000 to 6,000 | EUR 80 to 250 | 1 to 2 months | standard ranges, manual entry accepted |
| Trade software with vendor AI module | EUR 5,000 to 12,000 | EUR 200 to 500 | 1 to 3 months | supplier catalogue already integrated |
| Custom AI quoting tool (drawings and emails) | EUR 20,000 to 45,000 | EUR 100 to 400 in models + hosting | 3 to 4 months | own pricing rules, mix of new build and refurbishment |
| General AI assistant, no integration | EUR 20 to 30 per user | included | immediate | occasional help, no catalogue link |
| Hiring another estimator | none | EUR 4,500 to 5,500 loaded | 2 to 3 months to recruit | lasting surge in volume |
Custom build makes sense when your pricing rules (client discounts, installation factors by floor, refurbishment surcharges) are your competitive edge. The heart of the project is the rules base: catalogue, purchase prices, factors, supplier lead times.
At Kolonell, this type of tool is priced on our custom application grid: 4,000,000 to 7,000,000 FCFA (EUR 6,100 to 10,670) for AI pricing connected to the catalogue, 7,000,000 to 15,000,000 FCFA and above (EUR 10,670 to 22,870 and above) with drawing reading, ERP link and e-signature, then maintenance at 75,000 or 120,000 FCFA a month (EUR 110 or 180).
The effect on conversion rate
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| Indicator | Before | After (estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| Quotes produced per month | 120 | 120 to 150 |
| Average time to send a quote | 8 to 10 days | under 48 h |
| Conversion rate | 20 to 22% | 25 to 28% |
| Average job value | EUR 6,500 | EUR 6,500 |
| Measurement errors found after ordering | 3 to 4 a month | under 1 a month |
| Monthly pricing hours | 260 to 330 h | 60 to 80 h |
In London's retrofit and refurbishment market, homeowners typically ask 3 to 4 firms. The first clear and complete quote received has a strong edge, especially when it states lead time and installation dates.
Mini case study
Tom, managing director of a 25-employee joinery firm in London, produces 120 quotes a month at 2 h 30 on average, or 300 hours. With AI, the weighted average drops to 40 minutes, or 80 hours: 220 hours freed, worth EUR 45 loaded, giving EUR 9,900 a month. His conversion rate rises from 21% to 25%, or 4.8 more jobs a month at EUR 6,500 and 30% gross margin: EUR 9,360 of extra margin. The project costs EUR 32,000 plus EUR 250 a month. Even counting only the extra margin, it pays back in under four months.
FAQ
Can the AI really read architect drawings? It reads vector PDF drawings and clean take-offs well, with 90 to 95% of dimensions correct and to be checked. On scanned or hand-drawn plans, accuracy drops and review takes 20 to 30 minutes longer.
What do AI models cost day to day? For 120 to 150 quotes a month, allow EUR 100 to 400 depending on pages analysed and model chosen. Each quote costs under EUR 3.
Do our prices stay confidential? Yes if the tool uses APIs with no data reuse and UK or EU hosting. Catalogue and factors stay in your database, never in the model.
Do we need to change our management software? No. The tool connects to your current software or exports the quote in the expected format. Allow 2 to 3 weeks for integration.
How soon for a first generated quote? A prototype on your 3 main ranges is realistic in 5 to 6 weeks, the full tool in 3 to 4 months.
Let's scope your project. Send us three recent quotes, your product ranges and your management software, and we will price an AI quoting tool with an indicative budget and a 3 to 4 month timeline. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
