Here is some information you might find helpful when you go on your estimate gathering mission for your project.

When getting an estimate for collision repair.  Most shops can utilize software for labor times and therefore cost's.  Book time is the term most often used for estimating collision repair.  The word estimate can be misleading in itself, lets define the word Estimate for minute:

Merriam Webster's definition

2 a: to judge tentatively or approximately the value, worth, or significance of b: to determine roughly the size, extent, or nature of c: to produce a statement of the approximate cost of.

Please note it did not say exact cost.  Unfortunately when estimating time in any process, there are many variables that cant be accounted for. when was the last time you planned any project, estimated how long it would take you, and actually finished within the allotted amount of time you set aside.  Add the fact that we count on other people to accomplish our goals like, suppliers, employees and shipping companies.

Now consider the word custom for a minute:

Merriam Webster's opinion on Customize?

to build, fit, or alter according to individual specifications.

 Now building to your specifications or needs adds another variable into the estimating process.

So please try to understand what you are asking when you say "I need an Estimate for Custom work".

Using the above information and the problems that can come from it, we have tailored our price estimating, billing and our terms of service agreement to accommodate the needs of Estimating Custom work.

To the left of this article are links to best guess scenarios to help you get a better understanding of how much you could pay a body shop to do the work you need.

Always remember, its better to pay to much for a high quality job then to save money on a low quality job and have to do it over...

We hope this helps shed some light on the estimating process.