Hi all I've been asked to put together a cost calculator for a Garage Conversion Company, in which the user can input things like the dimensions of their garage and how many power points they need etc and they then receive an automatic estimate.

 

Just wondered what would be the best way to set this up, PHP?

 

And also what people think I should charge.

Best thing to do would be to use Javascript. Then the estimate would be instant onscreen as the user changes values. The cost of course depends on how complex the calculator is and how how long it takes you to code and style it. Best guess £50 - 100

Cheers Jay, its not overly complicated just basically a few dimensions and any extra fittings.

 

Can you recommend any good examples/tutorials?

Not off the top of my head, but google is a good start

Ideally you'd want php, and then use ajax and js to make it more user friendly. That way you have a fail safe in place. (Javascript can be unavailable for a whole host of reasons, I.E work machine, old machine, Mobile phone etc).

 

However that can add up, given the choice most people will say go for php (maximum people can use it). But personally i'd go javascript like said above (easier to use).

 

Regardless depending on your knowledge of jquery, you could probably ajax it up in about 15-30 minutes.

 

For links have a look at:

 

 

jQuery Only

 

http://www.pengowork...tion.plugin.htm

 

http://www.issackell...age_Calculator/

 

PHP Calculator

 

http://www.webdesign.org/web-programming/php/php-calculator.10025.html

 

Making post requests with jQuery + AJAX (If you choose the PHP+jQuery Route)

 

http://net.tutsplus.com/javascript-ajax/submit-a-form-without-page-refresh-using-jquery/

 

If you have a Tuts+ subscription, theirs a good jQuery calculator tutorial on their.

Thanks for the tips Bocaj, i'll check out those links!