> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.visuary.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.visuary.com/guide-visuary-en/your-first-projects-on-visuary/create-a-cost-estimate-before-work.md).

# Create a Cost estimate before work

On Visuary, the Existing floor plan represents the existing state ("before"), while the Renovation floor plan lets you create your renovation proposals ("after").\
\
This distinction is essential, because the Cost estimate is generated from the differences between the two plans. In other words, every change made to the Renovation floor plan automatically creates lines in the Cost estimate, which you then only need to price, adjust, and Export.

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/BY7k03rFRFQ>" %}

***

### Distinguish between the existing floor plan and the renovation floor plan

{% embed url="<https://files.gitbook.com/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZFcDkdPcFkKsLAju8DW3%2Fuploads%2FoLs3YJvaBBvPLWpPr9s9%2FPlanActuel_vs_PlanRenove.mp4?alt=media&token=166e11ba-4195-44a3-8c8c-34bd92dfff32>" %}

On Visuary **the Existing floor plan** represents the existing state. It should be as close to reality as possible:

* Add all useful elements: electrical outlets, switches, cupboards, etc.
* Enter the wall type.

Once the existing floor plan is filled in properly, go to the **Renovation floor plan**.

**The Renovation floor plan** **is the only place where you make your renovation proposals**. All changes made will appear in the Cost estimate. This before/after concept is what the Cost estimate is built on, so it is essential to take it into account for the Cost estimate.

* Check that the renovation floor plan matches the same version of the existing floor plan: if not, click the icon at the top right, just next to the save disk, to **update the renovation floor plan**.

***

### Understanding the lines in the Cost estimate <a href="#etape-2-comprendre-comment-lestimatif-se-remplit" id="etape-2-comprendre-comment-lestimatif-se-remplit"></a>

Every action taken on the renovation floor plan automatically adds lines to the Cost estimate. You cannot change this behavior: an action on the plan always generates the same lines.

#### Identify an element in the Cost estimate from the plan

<figure><img src="https://4038224095-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZFcDkdPcFkKsLAju8DW3%2Fuploads%2FU2Atwyqeqg3jZrg8Dtdr%2FCapture%20d%E2%80%99e%CC%81cran%202026-09-24%20a%CC%80%2016.06.03.png?alt=media&amp;token=931af47d-21f3-4b34-a86b-1c8097afe5a5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

To identify the plan element linked to a line in the Cost estimate:&#x20;

1. Hover over a line in the Cost estimate: the corresponding element will then appear in blue on the 2D view.

***

### Price each line <a href="#etape-3-chiffrer-les-lignes" id="etape-3-chiffrer-les-lignes"></a>

#### Change a price for all your projects

{% embed url="<https://files.gitbook.com/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZFcDkdPcFkKsLAju8DW3%2Fuploads%2FsLppkexKtKuzXMvgqt27%2FModif_Prix_Tous_Projet.mp4?alt=media&token=d23d15a7-b045-42d5-b1ce-e81474cc597c>" %}

To change prices across all your projects

1. In the Cost estimate, click on **"To be priced"** for the line of your choice
2. **Enter the new price** for the product in the dedicated field
3. To confirm, click the **"Change the line for all my projects"**

The price is automatically added to the Price grid and will now apply to all your projects, whether old or future ones.

{% hint style="success" icon="lightbulb" %}
All prices saved for "all my projects" are grouped in the Cost estimate settings.\
To learn more, [**click here**](/guide-visuary-en/visuary-interface/cost-estimate-setup.md).
{% endhint %}

#### Change the price of a product for all your projects

**Method 1: Enter the sale price and the Installation price**

{% embed url="<https://files.gitbook.com/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZFcDkdPcFkKsLAju8DW3%2Fuploads%2Fslkrl7poFOTaNBTkykNs%2Fprix_receveur.mp4?alt=media&token=becac75d-90e5-4390-b3e7-91989b74af17>" %}

To set a product price from the sale price and the installation price (for all your projects):

1. In the Cost estimate, click **"To quote"** for the line of your choice
2. Enter the **"Sale price"** and the **"Installation price"**
3. To confirm, click the button **"Change the product for all my projects"**

{% hint style="warning" %}
**For the price to appear correctly, you need to fill in the** "**Sale price**" **and the** "**Installation price**" : if one of the two is not entered, the supply will remain as "**To be priced**" in the cost estimate.
{% endhint %}

**Method 2: Enter the purchase price and desired margin**

{% embed url="<https://files.gitbook.com/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZFcDkdPcFkKsLAju8DW3%2Fuploads%2FdtZpg7ZxW74pripJDYeC%2Fprix_WC.mp4?alt=media&token=b47f2fcc-ff6f-49e8-9e97-4541269c4fdf>" %}

To set the price of a supply item from the purchase price and margin (for all your projects):

1. In the Cost estimate, click on **"To be priced"** for the line of your choice
2. Enter the **"Purchase price"** and the **"Margin": the sale price will be calculated automatically from this information**
3. **Enter the "Installation price"**
4. To confirm, click the **"Change the product for all my projects"**

{% hint style="warning" %}
**For the price to appear correctly, you need to fill in the** "**Sale price**" **and the** "**Installation price**": if one of the two is not filled in, the supply item will remain as "**To be priced**" in the Cost estimate.
{% endhint %}

#### Change a price (this quote only)

{% embed url="<https://files.gitbook.com/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZFcDkdPcFkKsLAju8DW3%2Fuploads%2FwrcQqmUiiCrHd6UNihSh%2Fmodif_unique_prix.mp4?alt=media&token=18b36acf-4f55-4433-96f8-e5b4b4e9e5b3>" %}

To change prices on a single quote:

1. In the Cost estimate, click **"To quote"** for the line of your choice
2. **Enter the new price** for the product in the dedicated field
3. To confirm, click the button **"Change only this line in this quote"**

{% hint style="warning" %}
**A price changed only for the quote of a Scenario is not carried over to the others**. If you use the same products in Scenario A and Scenario B, but with a specific price entered for Scenario A, that price will not appear in Scenario B's quote.
{% endhint %}

#### Change an item's VAT&#x20;

{% embed url="<https://files.gitbook.com/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZFcDkdPcFkKsLAju8DW3%2Fuploads%2FTenr7txpOW26vZThvslF%2Fmodif_TVA.mp4?alt=media&token=5cb0dbe1-c2b4-484d-9f00-81284ba47d1b>" %}

To change the VAT of an item in the Cost estimate:

1. Click "**Cost estimate**" on the right side of the screen
2. Select the VAT
3. In the box that appears, **change the default rate** to **enter the information you want, either for all your projects or only for this quote**.
4. Confirm the change by clicking the confirmation button for the desired scope:
   1. **"Change the line for all my projects"** : the change will now apply to all your projects, for both future and past projects.
   2. **"Change only this line in this quote"** : the change will apply only in this quote, for this plan Scenario.

#### Change the VAT used by default in the Cost estimate (all your projects)

{% embed url="<https://files.gitbook.com/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZFcDkdPcFkKsLAju8DW3%2Fuploads%2FBAUdJwkbELilJz9GMn9M%2FTVA-par-defaut.mp4?alt=media&token=8fe7a1ca-5096-426a-a7e6-a495ce9cc336>" %}

To change the VAT used by default in your cost estimates:&#x20;

1. From the home page, click the three lines at the top left to open the main menu
2. Click on **"Configure the cost estimate"**
3. Select the tab **"Settings"**
4. In the section **"VAT rate"**, enter the new rate you want.
5. To confirm the change, click the button **"Save"**

***

### Adjust the labels for each line

#### Change the text of a line (this quote only) <a href="#modifier-le-texte-dune-ligne-ce-devis-uniquement" id="modifier-le-texte-dune-ligne-ce-devis-uniquement"></a>

{% embed url="<https://files.gitbook.com/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZFcDkdPcFkKsLAju8DW3%2Fuploads%2FClU7MYUaT8At32AUA33b%2Fnom_ligne_induite.mp4?alt=media&token=0f2beccf-209a-4f19-90c9-914548af6831>" %}

To edit the label of an induced line:&#x20;

1. Click "**Cost estimate**" on the right side of the screen
2. Click the induced line of your choice
3. In the box that appears, **edit the text label** to **enter the desired information, either for all your projects or only for this quote**.
4. Confirm the change by clicking the confirmation button corresponding to the desired scope:
   1. **"Change the line for all my projects"** : the change will now apply to all your projects, for all your future and past projects.
   2. **"Change only this line in this quote"** : the change will apply only in this quote, for this plan scenario.

{% hint style="info" %}
If some induced lines seem of limited use for your trade or if you want to delete them, you can do so from the Cost estimate settings.\
To learn more [**click here**](/guide-visuary-en/visuary-interface/cost-estimate-setup.md).
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
**A text changed only for the quote of a Scenario is not carried over to the others**. If you use the same products in Scenario A and Scenario B, but with a specific price entered for Scenario A, that price will not appear in Scenario B's quote.
{% endhint %}

#### Rename a product (all your projects) <a href="#renommer-un-produit-tous-vos-projets" id="renommer-un-produit-tous-vos-projets"></a>

{% embed url="<https://files.gitbook.com/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZFcDkdPcFkKsLAju8DW3%2Fuploads%2FlynvZwIsH7XMfDPbu1fC%2FModif_nom_produit.mp4?alt=media&token=edc12baf-d8dc-4e04-97f7-a02f5dffcdc3>" %}

To rename a product (for all your projects):

1. Select the line associated with the product in the Cost estimate.
2. Change its name in the dedicated box.
3. The new name applies to all your projects.

***

### Delete or add lines

The way the Cost estimate works and the automatic addition of lines based on changes made to the plan cannot be modified. However, you can customize the Cost estimate by adding, changing, or deleting lines.

{% embed url="<https://files.gitbook.com/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZFcDkdPcFkKsLAju8DW3%2Fuploads%2FtbsuJE9v8FdDFv2ziAy6%2FSuppression_Ajout_lignes.mp4?alt=media&token=5f40b8e4-e2c4-4ac5-bebf-ebdaf6efc507>" %}

* **Delete a line** : hover over it, then click the trash icon on its right.
* **Bring back a deleted line** : hover over it, then click the small arrow, still on the right side of the Cost estimate.
* **Add a sub-item** (for example a commercial discount): hover over the bottom of a section, then click the icon **+**.
* **Add an item in an existing section** : click on **"Add an item"** at the bottom of the section.
* **Add a complete section** : scroll all the way to the bottom of the Cost estimate and click on **"Add a section"**.

***

### Select the professions to display in the Cost estimate:&#x20;

{% embed url="<https://files.gitbook.com/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZFcDkdPcFkKsLAju8DW3%2Fuploads%2Fqvf2gKBXbhKueUXuh3y8%2Festimatif_profession.mp4?alt=media&token=2b70191b-f4d5-4145-9a0b-ca0679031d21>" %}

To select the professions you want to see appear in the Cost estimate:&#x20;

1. From the home page, click the three small lines at the top left to open the main menu
2. Click **"Configure the Cost estimate"**
3. Select the tab **"Settings"**
4. In the section **"profession"**, select the professions you want to see appear in the Cost estimate.
5. To confirm the change, click the button **"Save"**

{% hint style="info" %}
Selecting one or more professions lets you display only the related lines associated with those professions in your Cost estimates.
{% endhint %}

***

### Check that no line is "To be priced"

Once your plan is complete:

* Go through the Cost estimate and make sure no line is marked **To be priced**.
* If you have worked on several scenarios of the renovation floor plan, **do this check on each one**.

> **Why check each scenario?** **A price changed only for the quote of a Scenario is not carried over to the others**. If you use the same products in Scenario A and Scenario B, but with a specific price entered for Scenario A, that price will not appear in Scenario B's quote.

***

### Export your Cost estimate

#### From the PDF report&#x20;

{% embed url="<https://files.gitbook.com/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZFcDkdPcFkKsLAju8DW3%2Fuploads%2FRhOGwGCh6ZJC7i8GOHLe%2FExport_DossierPDF_estimatif.mp4?alt=media&token=6b459cd2-88c0-4314-af9c-51fa198d5b1d>" %}

To export the Cost estimate from the [PDF report](/guide-visuary-en/sharing-and-export/pdf-report.md) :

1. In the PDF Export, add a page "**Budget envelope**".
2. Choose its format: **simplified**, or **full** (in the "full" format, all lines appear).
3. Add the customer's name and address.
4. Enter your legal notice at the bottom of the page.

#### Export to invoicing software&#x20;

{% embed url="<https://files.gitbook.com/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZFcDkdPcFkKsLAju8DW3%2Fuploads%2FKjeJbV1lJnYuzYosh6Vh%2FExport_Logiciel_Facturation.mp4?alt=media&token=0f9c4f84-c7da-475b-80ea-02fd3a0d1091>" %}

To export the Cost estimate to invoicing software:&#x20;

* Download the Export by clicking the **3 dots** at the top right
* Select **"Exports"** then **"Export Cost estimate (invoicing software)"**
* Then import the file into your invoicing software


---

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