How to Make Assemblies Optional

Overview
This article explains how to set assemblies as optional within a construction estimate. By making assemblies optional, estimators can provide clients with flexible proposals that show base costs as well as add-on options.

Before You Begin

• Identify the assembly you want to make optional. Assemblies in Bolster are denoted by an icon with three stacking boxes.
  
  

1. Click on the assembly icon (the Trifecta of Cubes icon) to open its back-end tools. This opens the details panel where you can adjust assembly settings.

2. In the details panel, go into the Sales section.

3. Click Make this Assembly Optional for your customer to make the assembly optional. This gives the client the ability to choose if they want this group of items or work scopes in their project.

4. Similar to items, choose whether the selection is visible to the customer or not.

5. Choose whether the assembly is included by default or excluded by default.

6. Click the X in the top corner to exit the panel.

7. Look for the small arrow in the top right corner of the assembly, which indicates it has been made optional.

Tips & Best Practices

• Set Visibility Intentionally: Decide whether the client should see the optional selection, and set visibility accordingly.
• Choose the Right Default: Set the assembly to be included or excluded by default based on whether it's part of your standard scope or an add-on.

Why This Matters

• Lets clients choose whether to include an entire group of items or work scopes in their project.

• Gives estimators a way to present base costs alongside optional add-ons in the same proposal.

Summary

Making an assembly optional lets clients choose whether to include that group of items or work scopes in their project. From the assembly's Sales settings, you can mark it optional, control whether the option is visible to the customer, and set whether it's included or excluded by default.