A cost estimator tool is a software application or online platform designed to calculate the estimated cost of a project, product, or service based on various input parameters. They typically require users to input details such as materials, labor costs, equipment expenses, overhead, and other relevant factors.

These tools can vary in complexity, ranging from simple calculators to sophisticated software programs that incorporate advanced algorithms and databases to provide more accurate estimates. The goal of using a cost estimator tool is to help businesses and individuals plan and budget effectively for their projects, ensuring that they have a realistic understanding of the financial resources required.

At a minimum, an estimate should contain the following elements:

• Your company’s contact information
• Your client’s contact information
• Date the estimate was prepared
• Item names, quantities, and price for each material required to execute a project (you can include labor in the price or as a separate line item)
• Subtotal, taxes, fees, and the total
• A place for both parties to sign and date the estimate once approved

If you want to add a competitive edge to your estimate, we recommend including:

• Your company’s logo to add an extra dose of professionalism
• Inspirational images to help clients visualize what they’re getting
• Dreamy descriptions of items to show how you plan to use them
• Terms and conditions that include any important information your client should be privy to before signing
• A payment schedule so your client knows when to expect an invoice

Sign up for a free trial of Houzz Pro’s estimate program to create an estimate that includes all of these elements and more!

When looking for an estimate tool that suits your needs, be sure to consider the following features:

• Cloud-based: A cloud-based estimate program will help keep your estimates organized in the cloud so any team member, contractor or client can access them when they need to. It also ensures you only ever have one version of an estimate floating around to create a single source of truth.
• Integrations: The estimation solution you choose should integrate with your other business tools so you don’t have to overhaul the way you work completely. Integrations with Gmail, Zoom and accounting software like QuickBooks Online are some important integrations to look for as you’ll commonly be using these tools to send and communicate your estimates, then align them with your business finances.
• All-In-One Tools: Estimation and costing software is most useful for busy Pros when it has other features that help optimize the entire project workflow. For example, if you use one tool to create your estimates and another to create invoices, you’ll be spending a lot of time entering the same data twice, which could hold you back from taking on more projects. Be sure to look for tools that can tackle takeoffs, estimates, invoices, change orders, and more so you can achieve maximum business efficiency.

P.S. Houzz Pro’s project cost estimation software checks all of the boxes on this wishlist. Try a demo to see for yourself.

With an Ultimate Houzz Pro membership of our estimation and costing software, you’ll also have access to these game-changing business tools:

• A premium profile on Houzz
• A complimentary business website
• Targeted local advertising
• Quality lead generation

But the perks don’t stop there. You’ll also get the following tools that help you win the projects you want:

• A CRM that helps you stay organized
• Simple email marketing tools
• Mood boards, a 3D floor planner, and  Life-sized Walkthrough features 
• Lightning-fast takeoff tech

We even help you manage projects with: 

• Project management and collaboration solutions
• Straightforward change orders
• A 24/7 client dashboard and portal
• Real-time approval tracking and e-signatures
• Project profitability analytics

When it’s time to get paid, you’ll enjoy the convenience of:

• Online payment & invoicing tools
• Time and expense tracking
• Financial reports
• Integrations with Gmail, Zoom, QuickBooks Online and more