Ahoy there! It's Jack, your friendly neighborhood contractor. When I first started out in this industry, estimating was one of those dreaded tasks. Remembering those days when I had to spend hours with Excel sheets and calculators makes me shudder. Thankfully, construction estimating software has come to our rescue. Let's dive into a comparison between two big players in this arena: Bolster and Clear Estimates.
The Basics of Construction Estimating Software
For those new to the game, estimating software helps contractors like us to determine the cost of a project before it starts. From material costs to labor expenses, these tools have got us covered. It's essential to choose a software that aligns with our business needs and makes our lives easier.
Bolster: A Deep Dive
I've been using Bolster for a while now and let me tell you, it's a game-changer. Here's what sets it apart:
- Real-Time Quote Changes and Upgrades
This feature alone is worth its weight in gold. Clients can adjust their selections in real-time, making the back-and-forth nearly obsolete.
- Speedy Estimates
With Bolster, you can send estimates in less than 10 minutes. Seriously, it's that quick. This was especially handy when I had a last-minute client meeting. Check out their tips on how to get a fair home remodeling estimate to get started.
- Massive Item Pricing Database
Bolster offers market-related pricing for over 25,000 live construction items. This vast database makes sure that our estimates are as accurate as possible.
- Cloud-Based
The future is in the cloud, folks. I can access my estimates from anywhere, anytime. The benefits of cloud-based estimating software are undeniable.
- E-commerce Experience
They've transformed the mundane task of sending estimates into a beautiful e-commerce buying experience. More on that here.
Clear Estimates: An Overview
Clear Estimates is another great tool, and many contractors swear by it. They offer a straightforward interface, and their database is also quite extensive.
However, in terms of speed and real-time quote adjustments, they lag a bit behind Bolster. I remember this one time I had to wait for quite a while to get my estimate approved because Clear Estimates doesn’t offer real-time changes.
Personal Anecdote
I recall this one project where my client, Mr. Thompson, kept changing his mind about the kitchen tiles. If I were still using the old methods or a less advanced software, I'd be pulling my hair out. But thanks to Bolster's interactive quotes, he made his choices with ease, and I updated the quote in real-time. The process was seamless!
Why Bolster Gets My Vote
Don't get me wrong; Clear Estimates is a robust software. But for the modern contractor who values speed, flexibility, and providing clients with an intuitive interface, Bolster is the way to go.
Plus, they continuously update their offerings. Like recently, they've ventured into offering flexible funding with Bolster Capital, which is excellent for businesses looking for growth opportunities.
The article on mastering the art of construction estimating by Bolster further helped me refine my skills.
In Conclusion
The world of construction is evolving rapidly. To stay ahead, we need tools that not only make our tasks simpler but also offer advanced features catering to the modern client's needs. After weighing in on both sides, for me, Bolster is the clear winner.
But as always, my fellow contractors, pick what's best for you. Until next time, keep building amazing stuff and happy estimating!
Hope that helps! This article should provide readers with a clear perspective on the two software and highlight the advantages of using Bolster over Clear Estimates. The internal links are seamlessly integrated to boost SEO and provide further reading for interested readers.
Construction Estimating Software