Handyman estimate apps vs. a free template
Updated November 2, 2026 · QuoteCubby
What Joist, Jobber, Housecall Pro and Square’s free plan cost in November 2026, where an estimate app is worth paying for, and when a free template does the job.
Disclosure: QuoteCubby makes the free calculators and templates mentioned here and sells optional one-time spreadsheet kits. We’ve tried to keep this fair, and we say where the paid apps do more.
What handyman estimate tools cost (Nov 2, 2026)
| Tool | Billed monthly | Billed yearly (per month) | Limit / notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joist Basics | $10 | $8.34 | 5 documents a month | Joist |
| Joist Pro | $17 | $14.17 | Unlimited documents | Joist |
| Jobber Core | $49 | $29 | 1 user, quotes + scheduling + invoices | Jobber |
| Housecall Pro Basic | $79 | $59 | 1 user, price book + job costing | Housecall Pro |
| Square Free | $0 | $0 | Estimates + invoices; card fees per payment | Square |
| QuoteCubby handyman template | $0 | $0 | Spreadsheet + PDF | QuoteCubby |
Joist lists a 14-day trial and higher Elite and Run plans; its pricing page no longer lists a free plan. Card processing fees are extra on all of these.
Where an estimate app wins
- Speed on site: build an estimate on your phone from saved items, send it, and get an e-signature or approval.
- Estimate → invoice → payment in one flow, with card payments.
- Records: every estimate and invoice is saved and searchable without managing files.
- Bigger jobs: deposits, progress invoices and (on some plans) financing. Square lists deposits and payment schedules; Housecall Pro lists consumer financing (Square, Housecall Pro).
Where a free template is enough
- You do a few estimates a week and already know your hourly rate and material markup.
- You want labor, materials, supply runs and disposal laid out line by line, then printed or saved as a PDF.
- You want help setting the rate first: the free handyman calculator works out a price from your hours, materials and drive.
A low-cost combination
Price the job with the handyman calculator, write it up on the free handyman quote template, and if the client wants to pay by card, send the invoice from a $0 invoicing plan such as Square Free (3.3% + 30¢ per online card payment on that plan, per Square). Move to Joist, Jobber or Housecall Pro when the volume makes the monthly fee worth it.
Sources
Prices and features were read on each company’s public pricing page on November 2, 2026, in US dollars, before sales tax. Prices change often and intro offers come and go, so check the page before you decide. Names are trademarks of their owners; QuoteCubby is not affiliated with any of these companies.
- Joist – Pricing (checked Nov 2, 2026)
- Jobber – Pricing (checked Nov 2, 2026)
- Housecall Pro – Pricing & Plans (checked Nov 2, 2026)
- Square – Invoices Pricing & Plans (checked Nov 2, 2026)
FAQ
Is Joist still free?
No. As of November 2, 2026, Joist’s pricing page lists paid plans starting with Basics at $10 a month (5 documents a month) and a 14-day trial, and no free plan.
What should a handyman estimate include?
A task-by-task description, labor hours and rate (or a flat price per task), materials at cost plus any handling charge, supply runs, disposal, and what happens if hidden problems show up.
Can I take card payments without a monthly fee?
Yes. Square’s free plan lists invoices with no monthly fee; you pay a fee only on each card payment (3.3% + 30¢ online or by invoice on that plan).
QuoteCubby’s free calculators and quote templates stay free. If you later want a spreadsheet that keeps your price list and client log too, the kits are a one-time $19–$39 with no subscription.
Related guides
- Free quote template vs. paid quoting apps
- Housecall Pro vs. a spreadsheet
- Free handyman quote template