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Nola Fence Solutions is a New Orleans-based fencing contractor serving communities like Lakeview, Uptown, and Mid-City. Specializing in wood and chain-link fence installation and repair, they help homeowners upgrade their properties with durable, well-built fencing and outdoor projects, all while focusing on reliable service and quality craftsmanship.
Remodelling - Fence Contracting
1-10
Saving time, winning more jobs, increasing job size, proffesional proposals
Most homeowners are not fence experts. They don’t automatically understand why one board profile costs more, why one gate hardware set lasts longer, or what an upgrade looks like in real life. Mike Cappo built a sales flow where the estimate teaches visually, so the customer can choose upgrades without feeling pushed.
In his fencing business, the win wasn’t a new script—it was better estimates. With fence software and estimating software working together in one software solution, Mike turned fence estimates into a clear, clickable experience that customers can share.
For fencing professionals, the estimating solution is simple: make fence estimates visual, make the estimates interactive, and let the customer decide. That’s how a fencing business can close deals faster, earn repeat business, and raise the average job size without changing its values.
Nola Fence Solutions is a New Orleans area fence company led by owner Mike Cappo. Mike has been in the business for about five years and has been using estimating software for roughly three. Over that stretch, he focused on making every touchpoint feel professional, because professionalism is often what separates a “maybe” from a “yes.”
“Yeah, so I’ve been in this business now for going on 5 years.
…for probably the last 3 I’ve been involved with Bolster.
What it has allowed me to do… is… grow into something that… I see myself being able to…”
In a competitive business, that polish matters. When the estimate looks organized, the customer assumes the fence installation will be organized too, and the business gets more opportunities to bid on higher-value work.
A typical fence installation quote is full of unfamiliar terms: picket spacing, post depth, hardware grades, and finish options. Customers may want quality, but they don’t always know what “quality” means in a fencing job until they can see it.
So Mike noticed the same pattern again and again: verbal explanations were doing too much work. Every time he explained a cap style or a gate latch, he was essentially rebuilding the same presentation from scratch, which stretched the bid process, increased time spent on revisions, and led to lost bids when someone else looked “simpler.”
When customers can’t visualize options, they hesitate. They ask for “one more version,” then “one more comparison,” and the estimate becomes a loop instead of a decision.
Mike’s goal was simple: remove uncertainty without a hard sell. He wanted the scope clear enough that the buyer could say, “I chose this,” not “I was talked into this.” That approach improves customer satisfaction, protects profit margins, and still leaves room for personalized service.
Instead of relying on conversation alone, Mike rebuilt his estimates so the estimate could explain the choices. He started giving customers room to select materials and upgrades themselves—while still steering the experience through how the estimate was structured.
“I’m learning now, leave it up to them a little bit… on some of the materials to pick…
I can steer them… but I can also upsell something without having to sell it. I have pictures that show what that product looks like.
Ryan: Play with their budget.”
Mike didn’t just add a photo at the end. He built fence estimates that include clickable options, clear names, and visuals placed exactly where decisions happen. He uses fence software to place those visuals beside the choices, so the customer is comparing real examples, not imagining a description.
For fencing contractors, this matters because the estimate becomes a mini sales page. It reduces extra calls, it tightens the scope, and it makes the next steps obvious—one more reason fence software has become a competitive advantage for many fencing contractors.
When the estimate became interactive, upgrades stopped feeling like upsells. Customers could see what they were paying for and choose what felt right.
“Yeah, let them play with it. They can…
…click on that more expensive board and go, ‘I really want that.’”
For a fencing business owners mindset, that’s the core mechanism: fence software turns comparison into action, and action turns into higher-value estimates.
Clickable choices reduce ambiguity. When the customer selects what they want, the scope is explicit—and explicit scope leads to accurate estimates. Over time, that repeatable structure creates more accurate estimates because the team learns what customers choose most and standardizes around those patterns. It also reduces costly errors, because upgrades and exclusions are captured inside the estimates instead of living in memory.
Fence installation is a mix of parts and effort. Boards, posts, concrete, hardware, and gates drive material costs, while digging, setting, leveling, and bracing drive labor costs. If a customer sees only a number, they’ll push back; if they see the work behind it, they understand.
Mike’s estimates help him talk about material prices and labor rates without sounding defensive. He can show the option, show the photo, and connect it to material and labor costs.
Customers don’t like surprises, and labor rates can feel mysterious if the scope is vague. Mike uses visuals to show why certain options change labor costs—like heavier gates, more complex corners, or tricky access.
That clarity supports customer satisfaction. The customer can see what they’re buying, and the company can protect labor rates assumptions with fewer debates, which is one of the biggest pain points for fencing contractors trying to scale a business.
For plan-based or larger fencing job layouts, Mike wants the scope grounded. When he has project drawings, the goal is to extract quantities directly so the estimate reflects reality, not guesswork.
This is where construction estimating software can help, especially if the job includes clear project data and measurements. The faster the takeoff is, the faster the estimates are ready—and the less time spent on revisions, edits, and duplicate estimates.
Mike’s estimates don’t just calculate—they present. The completeness of professional proposals signals that the work will be organized, too, which is why professional proposals matter as much as the number. Mike hears directly from customers that thoroughness is why they choose him, even when the project costs more:
“The price of the job was pretty expensive… and his exact words to me were…
I’m going with you because of how thorough you were on our visit, and how thorough your estimate was.
Because my estimate… I mean, there’s…”
One of Mike’s strongest results is momentum. People refer him before they sign, because the estimate feels complete and safe to forward—like a ready bid package.
“Other people that I’ve been referred by before I’ve sold the job to the referral source.
Because… they just got everything… ‘Hey, I got your estimate… but hey, I referred you to my sister…’ This person hasn’t even signed up with me.
Because… yes, it’s easy… but it’s also… it’s just professional.”
Mike highlighted how fast education lands now. Instead of saying “I’ll text you some pictures,” his estimates arrive with examples built in.
“I’ve seen continual growth… I have opportunities at jobs that…
...I don’t think I would have had a chance at 3 years ago… I can put something out there that looks professional, looks clean, has everything buttoned up, and is also providing education…
…with photos… finished work… without… ‘yes, I’ll text you some pictures’… No, this is what’s showing up when they see the estimate.”
That speed boosts customer satisfaction and helps a fencing business earn trust early. That early sharing creates more jobs and more projects, and it often leads to repeat business because families want the same style of estimates.
For fencing business owners looking to grow, implementing construction estimating software isn’t just about adding another tool—it’s about transforming the way you run your business. Mike’s journey with estimating software is a blueprint for fencing contractors who want to create detailed estimates, manage material and labor costs, and deliver great service without getting bogged down by complexity.
1. Define Business NeedsMike began by pinpointing the pain points in his fencing business: tracking material and labor costs, creating accurate estimates, and improving customer satisfaction. He knew that the right estimating software needed to offer a user friendly interface and help his team stay organized, especially as the business took on more jobs.
2. Research and Compare OptionsInstead of jumping at the first solution, Mike compared the best construction estimating software available. He looked at features, pricing, and real customer reviews, focusing on platforms that offered a free trial. This allowed him to test the software’s ability to handle project data, document management, and automated follow ups before making a commitment.
3. Choose the Right SoftwareAfter careful research, Mike selected the estimating software that best fit his fencing business. Integration with other tools, like QuickBooks Online, was a must, as was the ability to create detailed estimates and manage projects from one platform.
4. Set Up and ConfigureMike took the time to set up the software to match his business’s workflow. He customized features, activated automated reminders, and ensured that the system would help reduce costly errors and keep every project on track.
5. Train the Entire TeamRecognizing that software is only as good as the people using it, Mike invested in training for his entire team. He made sure every team member understood how to use the estimating software to create estimates, manage project data, and communicate with customers.
6. Integrate with Existing SystemsTo avoid losing track of information, Mike integrated the new estimating software with his existing project management and document management tools. This centralized all project data, making it easy for the whole team to access what they needed, when they needed it.
7. Test and Refine the ProcessBefore rolling out the software across every project, Mike tested it on a smaller job. This allowed him to refine the process, address any pain points, and ensure the software was delivering more accurate estimates and saving valuable time.
8. Roll Out to the Whole TeamOnce confident, Mike rolled out the software to the entire team. Ongoing support and training ensured that everyone was using the software solution to its full potential, helping the business handle multiple projects smoothly.
9. Monitor, Evaluate, and AdjustMike didn’t stop at implementation. He continuously monitored key metrics like profit margins, customer satisfaction, and the number of jobs won. By evaluating the software’s performance, he could make adjustments and keep improving efficiency.
10. Stay Up-to-DateFinally, Mike made it a priority to stay current with software updates and new features. He attended webinars and training sessions, ensuring his fencing business always benefited from the latest tools and best practices.
By following this step-by-step process, Mike turned construction estimating software into a true competitive advantage. For fencing contractors, the lesson is clear: with the right software and a thoughtful implementation plan, you can streamline your operations, reduce costly errors, and deliver great service that wins more jobs. Whether you’re managing a small crew or a growing team, investing in the best construction estimating software helps you stay organized, save time, and build a fencing business that’s ready for the next level.
Once the customer approves, Mike carries the same scope into job management. The estimate becomes the source of truth for the crew and the office, so everyone knows what was sold. A robust project management feature within your fencing software ensures everyone stays on the same page, keeping all stakeholders aligned and informed throughout the project.
That handoff reduces the risk of losing track of details. It also helps the project stay clean, because the same selections and notes follow the job from sale to fence installation.
As volume grows, project management becomes part of sales. A consistent workflow helps the fencing business handle more jobs without chaos and keep each project moving.
It helps the whole team save time while improving efficiency across every project, because the estimates stay visible and the software keeps decisions from disappearing.
Even if a fence company is small, the work still involves coordination. Project managers need to see what was sold, what changed, and what the customer expects, especially when a project includes gates, corners, and custom hardware. Modern fence contractor software includes collaboration tools that enable real-time communication and sharing of updates, ensuring all team members stay informed. Real-time collaboration tools in fencing software enhance communication among team members.
This is what “managing projects” looks like in the real world: fewer surprises, fewer site visits for clarification, and fewer re-dos that eat labor costs. It also supports improving efficiency across the project, because decisions are already captured inside the estimates.
Customer management is where the deal either moves or stalls. When a customer can review options in the estimate, a simple check-in can move them forward without pressure.
That’s why automated follow ups matter. They protect valuable time, help stay organized, and improve customer satisfaction by keeping communication consistent throughout the project. With document management tied to customer management, the fence company can keep photos, approvals, and revisions attached to the right project and the right customer. That clean record also helps a second team member step in without losing the thread, which improves efficiency again when the business gets busy.
Fence installation requires coordination: ordering, pickup, staging, and returns. When inventory management is disconnected from estimates, teams risk over-ordering or missing parts.
By tying inventory management back to the estimates, Mike can build material lists, reduce waste, and keep inventory management from becoming a daily scramble when the business has multiple projects running. In practice, fence software helps keep those estimates and purchase needs connected in the same software workspace.
Many general contractors juggle separate apps for customer management, job management, and proposals. Fencing contractors can do that too, but it often means more logins and more copying across other tools.
Mike prefers software that reduces tool-hopping. The right software puts estimating tools, takeoff tools, pricing tools, and follow-up tools in one place, so the business isn’t chasing updates in five different tools. Mike’s lesson is practical: the best software is the software that keeps the business consistent. A user friendly interface matters, and so does management software that feels like an all in one solution rather than a pile of tools.
This is where fence contractor software helps: it ties the sales experience to the execution experience, so project management and estimates stay connected. It also gives fencing contractors practical tools for quoting, scheduling, and customer management without adding another layer of software.
If you’re evaluating estimating software, a free trial matters because it shows whether the workflow is truly usable. Some buyers also ask for a free version, but the real question is whether the software helps you avoid costly errors and win more jobs.
If your fence company already uses quickbooks online, look for software that can match your process without creating extra work. And if you’re comparing best construction estimating software options, look for the basics: can you create estimates quickly, can you create estimates consistently, and can you present options with fence software while keeping your project and estimates connected?
Mike’s job size grew because upgrades became obvious and comfortable. Customers can compare fence estimates, choose options, and feel confident about what they’re buying.
For fencing business owners, the pattern is clear: use estimating software to create detailed estimates, use fence software to present options, and keep project management tied to the estimates. With the right technology, Mike’s fencing business earned happier customers, great service reviews, and a steady stream of more jobs—without turning every sale into a long sales pitch.
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