How I stay organized with Flume's Estimates feature

By Dylan Scifo

As an estimator for a contracting company, I know that creating accurate and professional estimates is essential to winning new business. However, it can be time-consuming and difficult to create estimates by hand, especially when you need to include detailed measurements and photos. It’s so much easier to avoid mistakes due to poor handwriting and unclear instructions when you can create an estimate digitally with little to no errors. 

That's why I was so excited to try Flume, an app that makes it easy to create and share estimates. Here’s how Flume has helped me improve my estimating process and win more business.

The Challenge of handwritten estimates

One of the biggest challenges I faced when creating estimates by hand was making sure that all of the information was accurate. It's easy to make mistakes when you're writing everything down, and even a small error can cost you a job and a lot of money.

With Flume, I can enter all of the necessary information into a simple form right on my phone. I add in my detailed line items including my hourly wage, cost of goods and materials, and Flume automatically calculates the total and generates a professional-looking estimate. The result is a more efficient and effective estimation process that lays the foundation for a successful project.

Visuals speak louder than words

When it comes to custom projects like window installations, clear visuals are essential. Custom windows often come with unique measurements and specifications, making it crucial to eliminate any confusion during the estimation process. Integrating photos of the specific location and the window being replaced, along with typed measurements, can provide a comprehensive understanding for both homeowners and contractors. This visual aid ensures that everyone is on the same page, minimizing potential discrepancies and enhancing the accuracy of the estimate.

In the past, I would have to take photos of the windows and then send them to our customers separately via email, which would make it easy to get lost. 

With Flume, I can simply add photos of the windows to the estimate and have all the details of the project in one place. Once my estimate is complete on the app, equipped with accurate measurement descriptions, total project cost and breakdown, and photos, I can simply click a button to send the estimate via email to the homeowner. Flume gives the homeowner or client the option to approve or decline my estimate right from their email; and if the client approves, I can convert my estimate to an invoice in one click of a button! The Flume app has truly simplified my process as an estimator and has helped me close more deals.

Watch how I use Flume to create a window estimate

Step into the future of home improvement

In the fast-paced world of home improvement, embracing digital solutions - hand-crafted for contractors and estimators - like Flume can make a world of difference. By transitioning from handwritten estimates to typed, visual-enhanced digital estimates, contractors can eliminate errors, boost professionalism, and foster better communication with homeowners. The combination of accuracy, visuals, and streamlined sharing creates a comprehensive and efficient estimation process that lays the groundwork for successful projects and satisfied clients. It's time to leave behind the days of handwritten estimates and step into the future of home improvement with Flume!