Read real stories of the impact Bolster has had on contractors, with reviews from Capterra, a leading software review site.
"If you're willing to invest in your business and work with Bolster, you're going to exceed your expectations of what you can achieve. If you put in the work, you'll see a return on investment quickly."
Save time, win more jobs, increase profit, and get paid faster with Bolster.
Get startedIf you’re a contractor searching for Bolster reviews on platforms like Capterra, chances are you want to know if this construction estimating software lives up to the hype. The good news is that Bolster has been garnering positive feedback from many in the construction and remodeling industry. In this article, we’ll break down what Bolster is, highlight real user testimonials, and see why so many contractors are raving about this tool.
Bolster is an all-in-one construction estimating software designed to help contractors save time, win more jobs, increase profitability and get paid faster. In other words, it’s more than just a digital calculator for bids – it’s a platform that streamlines your entire pre-construction process and serves as comprehensive project management software. Bolster can handle estimating, proposals, and even aspects of project management like scheduling, invoicing, and client communication.
A key feature of Bolster is its interactive estimating tool. It transforms the traditional quoting process by delivering fast, customized estimates and turning them into formal proposals at the click of a button. With Bolster, contractors can send clients interactive proposals where homeowners can review options and even select upgrades or finishes as they desire. The software’s built-in AutoCost feature pulls live pricing from vendor databases, ensuring your estimates are always accurate and up-to-date. This means no more double-checking material prices or manually updating spreadsheets – Bolster does the heavy lifting for you, making it ideal for managing construction projects.
Bolster is a comprehensive construction management software that offers a suite of features designed to help construction teams manage their projects efficiently. One of the standout aspects of Bolster is the detailed reviews and ratings from real users, which provide invaluable insights for construction teams looking to make informed decisions.
The software excels in project planning, organization, and control, offering tools that streamline every phase of a construction project, making it a standout construction software. From scheduling resources and delegating tasks to monitoring progress, Bolster covers all bases. Its collaboration tools ensure that team members can communicate effectively, while the robust reporting and analytics features provide the data needed to make informed decisions.
Bolster’s user-friendly interface makes it accessible to construction teams of all sizes. Even those who are not particularly tech-savvy will find the software easy to navigate. The features are designed to address the unique needs of construction projects, ensuring that everything from resource scheduling to task delegation is handled smoothly.
Integration with other tools and software is another strong point. Bolster offers a range of integration options, ensuring seamless data flow and improved productivity. Whether you need to connect with accounting software, or other project management software like CompanyCam, Bolster has you covered.
Security is also a priority. The software includes features that help verify you are human by completing specific actions, ensuring the security of your connection and data. This adds an extra layer of protection, giving you peace of mind as you manage your projects.
Bolster has quickly become a favorite among builders and remodelers, especially those seeking to modernize their estimating process with advanced construction estimating software. Here are some key benefits and themes that come up often in Bolster reviews:
Fast & Efficient Estimating: Many users highlight significant time savings. Tasks that once took hours in Excel or by hand now take only minutes with Bolster. One veteran contractor said the difference after switching from paper estimates was “night and day”, noting that hours of work were reduced to minutes. This speed not only frees up your time but also lets you get bids to clients faster (which can be the difference in winning the job).
More Jobs Won: A common thread in reviews is that Bolster helps contractors win more projects. The software produces professional, polished proposals that impress clients. As one user put it, *“Good estimating software, great presentations, nice selection tools. Easy to use when set up and have won more jobs as a result.”* Another reviewer mentioned that during the sales process they saw a Bolster-generated estimate with a real “WOW factor” that wowed their customer. Simply put, a Bolster proposal can make your bid stand out from the competition.
Great Customer Support: Another big plus is Bolster’s support team. Many Bolster reviews praise the company’s customer service and onboarding help. For example, a CEO of a construction firm said, “My rep has been exceptional… he will call on his own personal time to sort out issues – amazing customer support.” Bolster offers comprehensive onboarding, and users frequently mention that the support staff goes “above and beyond” to configure accounts and answer questions. Knowing you have backup when you need it gives contractors confidence as they adopt new software.
Professional, Transparent Proposals: Bolster’s proposal presentations are a hit with clients. The app turns estimates into a sleek, interactive web page or PDF that clients can easily understand. Instead of a confusing spreadsheet, homeowners get a clear breakdown of options, images, and prices. Contractors love that it makes them look professional and transparent. One user shared that his clients often remark on how organized and transparent his quotes are now. Another reviewer, who switched from a competitor, noted that Bolster’s proposals are friendlier to customers – “not raw data but a pleasant way to read your estimate.” This great presentation not only builds trust with clients but also helps manage their expectations from the get-go. Contractors can also review the security of their connection, ensuring that all data is protected.
Upselling Opportunities: Because Bolster allows you to present multiple options (good/better/best finishes, upgrades, add-ons) within the estimate, it naturally opens the door for upselling. In fact, contractors report that when clients can see and select higher-end options themselves, they often splurge a bit. One long-time user noted an “unexpected advantage” of Bolster was his ability to upsell to customers with greater confidence, thanks to the software’s interactive layout. Homeowners appreciate the transparency and choice, and contractors appreciate the increased revenue from those upgrades. It’s a win-win.
Bolster offers a range of pricing plans tailored to meet the needs of construction businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re a small contractor or a large construction firm, there’s a plan that fits your requirements. One of the most appealing aspects is the flexible pricing plan, which includes a free trial or demo. This allows construction teams to test the software’s features and functionality before committing.
The pricing plan is based on the number of users and the features required, making it a cost-effective option for construction software. Bolster also prides itself on a clear and transparent pricing policy, with no hidden fees or charges. This transparency helps construction teams verify that they are getting the right software for their needs.
Payment options are varied, including subscription-based pricing and per-user pricing. This flexibility allows construction teams to choose the plan that best suits their needs and budget. Additionally, upgrading or downgrading plans is straightforward, ensuring that you can adapt as your business grows or changes.
Bolster provides a detailed review of its pricing plan, including a breakdown of the costs and features included. This helps construction teams make an informed decision, ensuring they get the best value for their investment.
Bolster shines when it comes to integration and compatibility, offering a range of options to ensure seamless data flow and improved productivity. The software is compatible with a variety of tools and software, including accounting software and other project management software such as CompanyCam.
One of the key features is API webhooks, which allows construction teams to customize their integration options, and connect to services like Zapier. Bolster also offers a range of pre-built integrations, making it easy to get started without extensive setup.
The integration capabilities are designed to help construction teams verify that their data is accurate and up-to-date. Bolster provides a detailed review of its integration options, including a breakdown of the tools and software supported. This ensures that you can choose the integration options that best suit your needs and can easily add or remove integrations as required.
Bolster’s integration options are also designed to help construction teams respond quickly to changes in their projects. Whether it’s updating schedules, adjusting resources, or modifying tasks, the seamless integration ensures that all data is synchronized and accurate.
Bolster offers a range of customer support options to help construction teams get the most out of the construction software. The comprehensive training program includes online tutorials and webinars, ensuring that users can quickly get up to speed with the software’s features.
The customer support team is available to answer questions and provide assistance through various channels, including phone, email, and live chat. Bolster also offers a detailed review of its customer support options, including a breakdown of the support channels available. This ensures that construction teams can choose the support options that best suit their needs.
Support resources are easily accessible online, including user guides and FAQs. Bolster’s customer support team is dedicated to helping construction teams verify that they are getting the most out of the software. The range of training resources available ensures that users can proceed with confidence, knowing they have the support they need.
In summary, Bolster’s customer support options are designed to provide construction teams with the assistance they need to succeed. Whether it’s through training resources or direct support, Bolster ensures that users can make the most of the software and achieve their project goals.
Nothing speaks louder than real results from using construction software. Here are a few snippets from actual Bolster users describing their experience:
“I grew my business from $1 million to $12 million a year since using Bolster.” – Mathew Ashley, Basement Builders. This home renovation contractor credits Bolster for helping dramatically scale up his revenue, by enabling him to close more deals and expand his operations.
“Bolster’s professional proposals have helped me land more jobs. The support team went above and beyond to set up my account with top-notch items.” – [Verified Contractor Review]. Many users echo this sentiment: the combination of impressive client-facing quotes and strong back-end support helps their business grow.
“Ever since we transitioned from paper and Excel to Bolster, the difference is night and day. What used to take hours now takes minutes.” – [Bolster User, 5-star review]. Speed is a recurring theme in Bolster reviews. This user also mentioned that clients love the new quote format and it even helped him upsell more options on jobs.
“The fact that our customers choose their own finishes is amazing. Huge time saver!” – Chris, Profile Cabinetry. Bolster turns the quote into an interactive shopping experience for the client. As this cabinetry business owner points out, letting customers pick and choose their preferred options not only delights them but saves the contractor tons of time on change orders and quote revisions.
These testimonials barely scratch the surface, but they showcase the generally positive reviews Bolster is receiving. Contractors from different trades (remodeling, custom homes, landscaping, etc.) have reported success with implementing Bolster into their workflow.
Of course, like any software, Bolster is continually evolving. A few reviews mention wanting certain features or improvements (and the Bolster team seems to listen and update accordingly). Overall, the sentiment is that Bolster delivers on its promise to make construction estimating easier and more profitable.
In the construction industry, effective document management is critical for keeping projects on track. Bolster’s construction management software offers a centralized location for storing and managing all project-related documents, making it easy for teams to access the information they need.
Bolster’s user-friendly interface simplifies document management, allowing users to upload, organize, and retrieve documents with ease. The software also tracks document revisions and updates, ensuring that everyone is working with the most current information. This feature is particularly valuable in construction projects, where changes and updates are common.
By offering comprehensive document management features, Bolster helps construction teams stay organized and efficient, ultimately leading to more successful projects.
Security and compliance are top priorities for any construction management software, and Bolster takes these concerns seriously. Bolster implements robust security measures to protect user data, ensuring that all information is secure and compliant with industry regulations.
Bolster’s security features include protocols that verify you are human by completing specific actions, adding an extra layer of protection. This helps prevent unauthorized access and ensures the security of your connection and data.
The software’s clear and transparent security and compliance policy further demonstrates Bolster’s commitment to protecting user data. By prioritizing security and compliance, Bolster ensures that construction teams can focus on their projects without worrying about data breaches or regulatory issues.
As construction businesses grow and evolve, their software needs to scale and adapt accordingly. Bolster’s construction management software is designed with scalability and flexibility in mind, making it an ideal choice for companies of all sizes.
Bolster allows construction teams to scale their software as their business expands, ensuring that they always have the tools they need to manage their projects effectively. The software’s flexibility also means that it can adapt to changing business needs, providing the functionality required to respond to new challenges and opportunities.
Integration with other tools and software is another key feature of Bolster, enabling seamless data flow and improving overall productivity. Whether you need to connect with accounting software, email, CAD tools, or other project management software, Bolster’s integration capabilities ensure that all your data is synchronized and accessible.
With a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, Bolster ensures that construction teams can quickly get up to speed and make the most of the software’s features. By offering scalable and flexible solutions, Bolster helps construction businesses stay competitive and efficient in a rapidly changing industry.
If you’re still on the fence about which construction software to choose, ask yourself a few questions: Do you spend too much time creating quotes? Have you lost jobs because a competitor delivered a more professional proposal or a bid faster than you did? Are you looking to streamline your estimating and maybe even sell more upgrades on jobs?
If the answer is “yes,” then Bolster might be a game-changer for your business. The software is built for contractors by people who understand contracting (in fact, many note it feels like a tool designed by a custom builder for real-world needs). Bolster is designed to cater to companies of all sizes, from small contractors to large construction firms. Its growing user base attests that it can help you estimate faster, impress clients, and win more work – all while being backed by a responsive support team.
Reading through Bolster reviews, one thing is clear: Bolster provides a casual yet powerful solution to a serious contractor pain point with its construction software. It takes the headache out of estimating and client proposals. As one enthusiastic user put it, *“Investing in Bolster exceeded my expectations, and gave me a quick ROI.”*With efficient estimating, polished presentations, and happy customers, Bolster is earning its positive reputation.
Bolster’s features are designed to meet the needs of companies and vendors alike, ensuring a seamless and efficient estimating process.
If you’re looking for construction estimating software that can help you close deals and maybe even transform your business, Bolster is definitely worth a closer look. The contractors have spoken – and their reviews show that Bolster is delivering results.
