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How to Create a New Estimate

Creating a new estimate in Bolster is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few simple steps. Follow the instructions below to efficiently generate an estimate for your client.

Starting a New Estimate

To begin building an estimate:

  1. Locate Bolton (AI Search) at the top of the application.

  2. Click the Create button directly beneath Bolton, then select Estimate.

  3. Choose to either:

    • Select an existing client, or

    • Create a new client.

  4. Once selected, you will be taken directly to the Build Estimate page.

Overview of the Build Estimate Page

The updated Build Estimate experience includes a estimating sidebar designed to improve navigation and keep the software consistent across projects.

When viewing an estimate, you will now see two menus on the left-hand side:

  • Project Menu – Project-specific pages and tools

  • Company Menu – Company-level navigation available anywhere in the platform

 

 

Choosing How to Start

You have multiple ways to begin building an estimate:

  • Start with a Template – Select one or more templates to jumpstart your estimate

  • Start from Scratch – Begin with a blank estimate

  • Tutorial Option – Ideal for users new to the software

Selecting Templates, Assemblies, and AutoCost Items

  1. Browse or search for the items you want to include.

  2. Click an item to select it.

    • A blue border indicates the item has been selected.

  3. You can select:

    • Multiple templates

    • Multiple assemblies

    • Multiple cost items

Once selected, these items will be added to your estimate.

Using Search to Find Items Faster

The Build Estimate page includes two search bars:

  • Company Search – Search your company’s templates and saved items

  • AutoCost Library Search – Search across all AutoCost templates

Type directly into either search bar to quickly locate exactly what you need in your library.

Creating the Estimate

  1. After selecting your templates and/or AutoCost items, navigate to the bottom-right corner of the page.

  2. Click the black Create with Template button.

This will generate your new estimate using the selected items.

Building Your Quote

Once the estimate is created:

  • Your selected templates and items are added to the estimate

  • You can immediately begin editing, pricing, and building out your quote

  • The updated flow reduces setup time and speeds up proposal creation

Estimating Sidebar

 

Project Menu (Project-Specific)

The Project Menu contains everything required within the active project or estimate. This includes pages and tools related directly to building and managing the estimate and project.

This menu mirrors how project navigation works elsewhere in the platform, helping maintain familiarity and consistency.

Company Menu (Company-Level Navigation)

Above the Project Menu is the Company Menu, which allows you to navigate to other areas of the software without leaving the estimate.

From the Company Menu, you can access:

  • Dashboards

  • Pipeline

  • Tasks

  • Messages

  • Settings

  • Other company-wide features

This structure keeps navigation consistent across the platform and makes it easy to move around the software while working inside an estimate.

Why This Matters

  • Keeps navigation consistent across the platform

  • Reduces friction when switching between estimates and other areas

  • Makes it easier for users to learn and remember where things live

Summary

The updated Build Estimate page introduces a streamlined estimating experience with faster setup, improved navigation, and a new dual-menu sidebar. With clear separation between project-specific tools and company-wide navigation, you can build estimates efficiently while still moving freely throughout the platform.