How to make the most out of your contractor estimating software

TLDR

Using contractor estimating software is only the first step. To get real value in 2026, contractors need to fully use visual estimates, interactive options, assemblies, automatic markups, and CRM features. When used properly, tools like Bolster help win more jobs, protect margins, and save significant time.

How to get the most value from your contractor estimating software in 2026

The construction industry continues to lag behind many other sectors when it comes to adopting digital tools. If you are already using contractor estimating software, you are ahead of the curve. However, simply having remodeling or renovation estimating software is not enough. The real advantage comes from using it to its full potential.

Many contractors invest in powerful platforms like Bolster but only scratch the surface of what the software can do. By fully activating key features, you can improve close rates, protect profit margins, and deliver a better client experience.

Give clients a visual understanding of their finishes

One of the biggest weaknesses of traditional remodeling estimates and digital construction proposals is that they are hard for clients to visualize. Line items and totals do little to help homeowners imagine the finished project.

Visual estimates change that experience entirely. When images are included directly in the estimate, clients can clearly see finishes, materials, and how selections work together. This removes uncertainty and builds confidence.

Bolster estimates are designed to be highly visual, automatically displaying images for selections included in the estimate. To take full advantage of this, it is important to upload images when setting up products and finishes. Adding visuals may take extra time during setup, but it significantly increases estimate acceptance rates and helps your proposals stand out.

Put decision making power in homeowners’ hands with interactive estimates

Most construction estimates force clients to commit before they fully understand their options. After signing, homeowners are often sent back and forth between showrooms and meetings to finalize selections. This frequently leads to budget overruns before work even begins.

Interactive estimates solve this problem. Instead of static documents, clients can explore upgrades and alternatives directly within the estimate. When homeowners select different finishes or materials, pricing updates in real time.

Bolster allows contractors to preload multiple options for items such as tile, countertops, lighting, and fixtures. The more options you include upfront, the more control clients have over balancing budget and design. This transparency reduces stress, minimizes revisions, and leads to smoother project approvals.

Use automatic markup tools to protect profit margins

Many contractors underestimate projects because material costs rise faster than bids are updated. One of the most effective ways to prevent this is by using automated markup features.

Bolster allows you to set default markups across materials and retail items, ensuring margins are protected on every estimate. If discounts are applied, the platform alerts you when pricing drops below your minimum profit threshold. This is especially useful for sales teams working in the field.

You can also adjust profit margins on a per project basis. When margins change, the entire estimate updates automatically, saving time and reducing pricing errors.

Take time to build and refine assemblies

Assemblies are one of the most powerful features in renovation estimating software. They allow you to group labor, materials, and processes into repeatable building blocks.

Once assemblies are created, estimating becomes much faster. Instead of building each quote from scratch, you simply select the relevant assembly and input measurements. This ensures consistency across estimates and dramatically reduces manual work.

To fully benefit from assemblies, contractors must invest time upfront to build and refine them. Bolster’s onboarding and customer success teams help guide this process so assemblies reflect real world construction methods.

Take advantage of built in CRM features

Estimating is closely tied to sales and follow up. Contractor estimating software with integrated CRM tools helps ensure no lead is lost.

Bolster includes CRM functionality that allows contractors to capture leads, track communication, and manage opportunities in one place. Website leads can be automatically added to the platform, reducing manual data entry and preventing missed opportunities.

Using CRM features effectively saves time, improves response speed, and creates a more professional experience for potential clients.

Choosing the right contractor estimating software

Getting the most out of contractor estimating software requires both full feature adoption and choosing the right platform. Many tools focus only on pricing, while Bolster is designed to improve the entire customer experience.

By offering visual, interactive, and transparent estimates, Bolster delivers an Amazon like buying experience for construction clients. This approach builds trust, increases close rates, and saves contractors significant time.

For contractors looking to improve estimating accuracy, profitability, and client satisfaction in 2026, using your software to its full potential makes all the difference.