7 Key uses for renovation estimating software

According to reports, 2020 saw average household home spending increase by $4,000.

If you're a contractor, you're likely getting more estimate requests than ever.

However, to get those estimates approved, you need to ensure they're optimized for the customer.

This is where renovation estimating software comes in. It can streamline estimate generation, improve accuracy, and save you time.

What's more, if you pick the right type of construction estimating software, you'll be able to reduce back-and-forths with your clients. You'll also give them greater transparency over project costs and details.

Estimates are a highly pivotal point in the customer journey. Without great estimates, you're losing clients and revenue all the time.

Ready to see how renovation estimating software could revolutionize your bottom line? Keep reading.

1. Better Accuracy

One of the advantages of renovation estimating software is that it can increase estimate accuracy.

Generating an accurate estimate that is as close as possible to the final project cost is essential. Reports state that 1 in 3 homeowners go over budget on their home improvement projects. 

If you can ensure that your clients have the most accurate estimates possible, this will give them a better chance of sticking to their budget.

2. Quicker Estimate Creation

Renovation estimating software also allows you to generate estimates in less time.

Instead of manually entering materials costs, you can import costs from online sources.

Normally, an estimate might take you around 2 hours to complete. With the right remodeling estimating software you can create a beautiful estimate in around 10 minutes.

3. A Better Customer Experience

One of the biggest reasons to invest in renovation estimating software is it gives clients a superior experience. 

Providing you choose the right software, you'll be able to send customers clear, more comprehensive estimates.

If you choose to go with Bolster, you'll even be able to supply clients with interactive estimates that update in real-time based on their finish selections.

As a contractor, you can upload various finish options directly into your estimate with Bolster. When a client changes a selection, the estimate total will change immediately to reflect their new choice.

Instead of being presented with a static estimate, the client can interact with it until they have adjusted all the finish selections to their liking.

What's more, this feature also gives clients a visual of their renovation project. Instead of starting at a list of line items and cost totals, they'll be presented with images of their finish selections.

Once they pick the individual finishes, this will give them a clear vision of what their completed project will look like.

4. Less Back and Forth With Your Clients

One of the biggest benefits of a renovation estimating software solution like Bolster is it reduces back and forth interactions.

By presenting clients with visually rich, interactive estimates, you can spend less time convening over finishes.

Let's take a look at how this pans out in a real-life example. Say you have a client wanting to remodel their bathroom, and they need an estimate.

You can quickly generate a comprehensive estimate that includes multiple finish choices. They can then select their options without having to consult with you.

If you were to do this without bathroom estimating software like Bolster, you'd have to engage in multiple back and forths with the client over their finish choices. Each time, you may also have to adjust the estimate.

In some cases, you might even end up driving out to clients' homes, armed with things like tile and counter slab samples. Or driving to suppliers and outlets with your customers to make sure you're both on the same page when it comes to finishes.

Needless to say, all of this takes a lot of time and effort and can eat into billable hours and profit margins.

5. Fewer Estimate Approval Hurdles

Did you know that estimation software can play a major role in growing a remodeling business? This is because it removes many of the hurdles that exist between the client and their approval of your estimate.

In sales terminology, these hurdles are called "friction" points.

If a potential client receives an estimate that is just line items and numbers, they won't have much of an idea of what they're paying for. What will the end product look like, and what is the price difference between one set of finishes and another?

This kind of uncertainty can be a big point of friction. Instead of your estimate making them excited to get started with the project, it can fill them with feelings of doubt.

With traditional estimates, clients get the feeling they don't know what they going to get.

By giving your potential clients a visual on things like fittings, faucets, tiles, vanities, and countertops, you'll be triggering a picture in their minds of the finished product.

You'll also be giving them full control and transparency. Instead of worrying about what they're committing to, they'll feel like they are in the driver's seat, both of their budget and of their finishes choices.

6. Easily Add Markups

If you choose to use Bolster Built, another advantage you'll enjoy is being able to conveniently add product markups.

These markups will integrate seamlessly into your estimate. Allowing you to effortlessly expand your catalog and make more on retail.

7. Track Field Costs

Besides streamlining estimate generation, renovation estimating software can also allow you to track field costs and work hours.

With Bolster App you can track expenses, hours, and total project costs. This can be very helpful for staying on budget and alerting clients the moment a project starts looking like it might cost more.

Bring Your Business Into the 21st Century With the Right Renovation Estimating Software

As you can see, there are numerous benefits to investing in renovation estimating software. Remodeling estimating software saves you time. It also improves the customer experience and increases the chances of your estimates being accepted.

Are you ready to bring your business into the 21st century? If so, it's time to invest in remodeling estimating software.

However, it's essential that you pick the right solution.

Bolster is the only construction estimating software option that provides your clients with interactive estimates.

This is a gamechanger for streamlining estimates and giving clients control over their finish selections and budget. Stop scaring clients away with vague, static estimates.

Instead, start crushing the competition and try Bolster today