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Creating Estimates

Learn how to start a new estimate and set it up for success.

Accessing Estimates​

Estimates are created within projects:

  1. Open the project you're working on
  2. Navigate to the Estimates tab
  3. You'll see existing estimates (if any) and the option to create new ones

Starting a New Estimate​

Click New Estimate to begin. You have three starting options:

Blank Estimate​

Start with an empty estimate and build from scratch.

  1. Click New Estimate
  2. Select Blank
  3. Enter an estimate name
  4. Choose the estimate type (Production or Design)
  5. Click Create

Best for unique projects or when no template matches your needs.

From Template​

Use a pre-built template with areas and entries already configured.

  1. Click New Estimate
  2. Select From Template
  3. Browse or search for a template
  4. Select the template that matches your project type
  5. Enter an estimate name
  6. Click Create

The template's areas, categories, and entries are copied to your new estimate. You can then adjust quantities and pricing for this specific project.

Best for standardized project types where you have common starting points.

Copy Existing​

Duplicate an existing estimate from the same or a different project.

  1. Click New Estimate
  2. Select Copy Existing
  3. Search for the estimate to copy
  4. Select it
  5. Enter a name for the new estimate
  6. Click Create

All areas, entries, and pricing are copied.

Why Duplicate Estimates?​

Create Alternate Options: Copy your base estimate and modify it to present different choices:

  • Duplicate "Kitchen Remodel" → create "Kitchen Remodel - Premium Upgrade"
  • Keep both to show customers price differences between options

Preserve History Before Changes: Before making significant revisions, duplicate the estimate:

  • Duplicate "Original Proposal" → create "Revised Proposal v2"
  • The original stays intact as a reference
  • Track how the scope evolved through negotiations

Phase Completed Work: After completing a phase, duplicate to start the next:

  • Duplicate "Phase 1 - Complete" → create "Phase 2 - Next Scope"
  • Maintains a record of what was included in each phase
  • Adjust the copy for the new phase's scope

Copy from Similar Projects: When starting a new project similar to past work:

  • Search for estimates from other projects
  • Duplicate as a starting point
  • Faster than building from scratch

Estimate Settings​

After creating an estimate, configure its settings:

Estimate Name​

Give your estimate a clear, descriptive name:

  • "Kitchen Remodel"
  • "Phase 1 - Demo and Rough-In"
  • "Premium Option"

Names help identify estimates when a project has multiple options.

Estimate Type​

TypeUse For
ProductionConstruction/installation work estimates
DesignDesign services (drafting, planning, consultation)

Design estimates are often signed first, followed by production estimates after designs are approved.

Default Markup​

Set the default markup percentage for this estimate:

  1. Open estimate settings
  2. Find Default Markup
  3. Enter the percentage (e.g., 35)

This markup applies to all entries unless overridden at the area or entry level.

Contingency​

Add a contingency buffer for unexpected costs:

  1. Open estimate settings
  2. Find Contingency %
  3. Enter the percentage (e.g., 5)

Contingency is calculated and displayed separately in totals.

Working with Multiple Estimates​

A single project can have multiple estimates. Common scenarios:

Option Estimates​

Create several estimates representing different options:

  • "Budget Option" - Lower cost choices
  • "Standard Option" - Mid-range choices
  • "Premium Option" - High-end choices

Present all options to the customer and let them choose.

Phased Estimates​

Break large projects into phases:

  • "Phase 1 - Foundation"
  • "Phase 2 - Framing"
  • "Phase 3 - Finish Work"

Each phase can become its own contract.

Revised Estimates​

When scope changes during negotiation:

  • "Original Estimate"
  • "Revised per Customer Feedback"
  • "Final Approved Scope"

Keep history of how the project evolved.

Primary Estimate​

Only one estimate can be Primary at a time. The primary estimate:

  • Represents the current working proposal
  • Is used for project totals and reporting
  • Becomes the sold estimate when the project is won

To set an estimate as primary:

  1. Open the estimate
  2. Click Set as Primary or toggle the primary setting

Using Templates Effectively​

Templates save time on common project types.

What Templates Include​

  • Pre-defined areas (Kitchen, Bathroom, etc.)
  • Categories within each area
  • Standard assemblies or components
  • Default quantities (often set to 0 for you to fill in)
  • Markup settings

Choosing the Right Template​

Match the template to your project:

  • Kitchen Remodel template for kitchen projects
  • Bathroom Renovation template for bathroom work
  • Whole Home template for large renovations
  • Addition template for room additions

After Using a Template​

Once you create an estimate from a template:

  1. Review areas - Add or remove areas as needed
  2. Adjust quantities - Fill in quantities based on your takeoff
  3. Check pricing - Verify costs are current
  4. Customize - Add components specific to this project
  5. Remove unused - Delete areas or entries that don't apply

Templates are starting points, not finished estimates.

Estimate Workflow Tips​

Plan Before You Start​

Before creating the estimate:

  • Complete your takeoff measurements
  • Identify the scope of work
  • Understand customer requirements
  • Know which areas are involved

Work Systematically​

Build the estimate area by area:

  1. Add all areas first
  2. Work through one area at a time
  3. Complete all entries for an area before moving on
  4. Review each area before continuing

Save Frequently​

Estimates auto-save, but good practice includes:

  • Reviewing your work after each area
  • Checking totals periodically
  • Using notes to track assumptions

Get Input Early​

For complex estimates:

  • Consult with production team on labor hours
  • Verify material costs with suppliers
  • Review subcontractor quotes
  • Discuss scope with the customer before finalizing

Next Steps​

After creating your estimate: