Bolster

The all-in-one platform for contractors, from AI estimating to getting paid.

Paid Canada

Bolster aims to be the ultimate operating system for contractors, bringing estimating, bidding, contracts, scheduling, and invoicing into a single place. Its AI estimating is backed by the AutoCost database, featuring over 100 million real construction items so you no longer have to rely on guesswork or gut feelings for pricing.

Features and Use Cases

Estimating and Takeoffs: The AI estimator emphasizes generating accurate estimates in minutes, complete with digital measurement tools, automated takeoffs, and pre-built assemblies to speed up quoting. It goes above and beyond standard competitors on the sales front with interactive proposals and a point-of-sale experience that lets clients self-select upgrades—turning add-ons into a seamless part of the workflow with built-in digital signatures and contracts. The project management suite automatically generates schedules, budgets, and material lists straight from the estimate, while tracking change orders and revisions to prevent scope creep. On the financial side, it supports progress invoicing to maintain healthy cash flow, automated invoicing and receipts, and QuickBooks integration (with corporate accounts and company cards labeled as coming soon). It is ideal for remodelers, custom home builders, general contractors, carpenters, landscapers, roofers, painters, fencing specialists, flooring professionals, and independent tradespeople.

Best suited for small-to-medium-sized construction and remodeling businesses. Compared to similar tools, Bolster's standout differentiator is embedding the 'sales' experience directly into the system—allowing clients to interactively choose upgrades like premium countertops or additional features on their proposals. Turning add-ons into a self-service, trackable digital record minimizes post-project disputes and benefits both parties.

Key Features

AI estimating with digital measurement and automated takeoffs
AutoCost database featuring over 100M real construction items
Interactive proposals and client-facing self-service upgrades
Automatic generation of schedules, budgets, and material lists from estimates
Change order and revision tracking
Progress invoicing, automated billing, and QuickBooks integration

Common Use Cases

Estimating and bidding for remodeling and new construction projects
Client-facing upgrade selection and upselling
Construction scheduling and material list management
Progress billing and cash flow management

Key Features

AI estimating with digital measurement and automated takeoffs
AutoCost database featuring over 100M real construction items
Interactive proposals and client-facing self-service upgrades
Automatic generation of schedules, budgets, and material lists from estimates
Change order and revision tracking
Progress invoicing, automated billing, and QuickBooks integration

Pros

Thoughtfully designed upgrade experience helps boost average ticket sizes
Seamless one-click conversion from estimates to schedules without data re-entry
Wide range of supported trades, from general contractors to specialized crews

Cons

AutoCost database is optimized for the North American market
Transparent pricing tiers are not publicly listed on the website
Feature-rich platform might be overly robust for very small crews

Use Cases

Estimating and bidding for remodeling and new construction projects
Client-facing upgrade selection and upselling
Construction scheduling and material list management
Progress billing and cash flow management

Editor's Note

Turning 'add-ons' into a button clients click themselves rather than relying on a verbal sales pitch—this small UX shift can have a bigger impact on average order value than the AI estimating itself.

FAQ

How does it compare to Handoff?

The two tools have high feature overlap. Bolster shines in sales-driven interactive proposals and upgrade selections, whereas Handoff focuses on estimating speed and SKU price connections. If your biggest pain point is clients hesitating to buy add-ons, choose Bolster. If you struggle with slow estimating holding back your bids, Handoff is a better fit.

Is the AutoCost database usable outside of North America?

No. AutoCost is built on North American construction pricing data, so regional cost structures will differ. International users will need to input their own custom price lists, which represents the primary onboarding effort.