# Construction Estimating Software

## Win more bids. Build the estimate once. Use it for everything.

Ressio estimates flow directly into your proposals, budget, change orders, and invoices. No re-entering data. No version confusion. Just one number that travels through the whole job.

[Book a demo](/content/book-a-demo/index.html) [See how it works ↓](/content/features/estimating#feature-deep-dive/index.html)

### Estimate · Baumann Family Kitchen

| Item                     | Qty | Unit cost     | Cost         | Markup | Client price   |
|--------------------------|-----|---------------|--------------|--------|-----------------|
| Sitework & Excavation    | 1   | $29,250.00    | $29,250.00   | 15%    | $33,637.50      |
| Foundation labor         | 1   | $30,000.00    | $30,000.00   | 15%    | $34,500.00      |
| Framing labor            | 1   | $45,000.00    | $45,000.00   | 18%    | $53,100.00      |
| Framing material         | 1   | $38,400.00    | $38,400.00   | 12%    | $43,008.00      |
| Flatwork labor           | 1   | $51,401.40    | $51,401.40   | 15%    | $59,111.61      |
| Cabinetry & millwork     | 1   | $42,800.00    | $42,800.00   | 20%    | $51,360.00      |

**Cost $236,851** **Markup $40,366** **Client total: $277,217**

### Categories, cost items, and cost details — structured your way

Build estimates with the structure that fits how you work. Use NAHB, CSI, NARI, or your own custom divisions. Add cost items under each category, and optionally break them into a third tier of cost details for complex line items. Every project you build automatically becomes a reusable template.

- Two-tier (categories + cost items) or three-tier (add cost details) — your choice
- Pull from your cost catalog — start typing to auto-populate templated items with pricing
- Assign vendors and cost codes to individual line items
- Customize columns — show or hide fields based on what you need

### Markups that calculate themselves

Set your markup once — Ressio calculates builder cost, markup, and client pricing automatically as you enter quantities and unit costs. Adjust markups at the item level or across the whole project. No more manual math or formula errors in spreadsheets.

- Quantity × unit cost auto-calculates builder cost, markup, and customer price
- Customize cost types — Labor / Materials / Other
- Apply builder fee markups at any level — item or project-wide
- Lock the estimate once approved to freeze the original budget

## From estimate to proposal — in one click

When your estimate is ready, create a polished client proposal directly from it. Auto-populates with your line items, descriptions, and totals. Customize what the client sees, add your terms and conditions, and release via magic link for e-signature — all without leaving Ressio.

- Customize client visibility — show or hide quantities, costs, and markups
- Add terms and conditions and signature lines
- Release via email magic link — client signs without needing a login
- Approve on behalf of clients who've signed outside Ressio

### The estimate IS the budget — no reconciliation needed

Once your proposal is approved and the estimate locked, it becomes your live budget. Change orders, selections, and actuals all flow back to the same number. There's no separate budget to maintain, no spreadsheet to reconcile at month-end.

- Locked estimate becomes the original budget baseline
- Change orders created directly from estimate line items
- Selections and allowances tracked against the same structure
- Budget vs. actuals visible in real time — no manual reconciliation

## Common Questions

### How does estimating work in Ressio?
Ressio estimates are built in a two- or three-tier structure: categories (divisions), cost items, and optional cost details. You enter quantities and unit costs, set markups, and Ressio calculates builder cost and client pricing automatically.

### Does Ressio estimating integrate with QuickBooks Online?
Yes. Cost codes in Ressio connect directly to QuickBooks Online Products & Services, mapping your estimate line items to the correct QBO accounts.

### Can I use templates for estimates in Ressio?
Yes. Every project in Ressio automatically becomes a reusable template, and you can also build dedicated estimate templates for new projects.

### What's the difference between an estimate and a proposal in Ressio?
The estimate is your internal cost structure, while the proposal is the client-facing document generated from your estimate.

### How does Ressio handle change orders from the estimate?
Change orders in Ressio are created directly from the estimate. Once the estimate is locked, any changing cost items are flagged for review.

### Can clients sign proposals electronically in Ressio?
Yes. Clients receive a magic link to approve and sign electronically without needing a Ressio account or login.

### What is the cost catalog in Ressio?
The cost catalog is a library of reusable cost items with predefined descriptions, unit types, and pricing.