Name: Bolster Built
Author: CostCertified

Help Desk

Web and Video Conferencing

Customer Support

Agile Development

Image Recognition

Kubernetes Monitoring

Service Mesh

Development

Academic Advising

Classroom Management

Online Learning

Education

Barcode

Business Intelligence (BI)

Collaboration

Email Spam Filter

Interactive Voice Response (IVR)

VoIP

Enterprise

Accounting

Digital Banking

Finance and Accounting

Applicant Tracking

Benefits Administration

Corporate Learning Management

HR Management

Payroll

Talent Intelligence

Talent Management

Workforce Analytics

Workforce Management

Human Resources

Cloud Brokers

Cloud Storage

Converged Infrastructure

Data Center Infrastructure Management

Data Lakehouse

Data Observability

Database Load Balancing

Desktop Outsourcing

Ethernet Switches

File Sync and Share

Fraud Detection

Governance, Risk & Compliance

Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS)

Machine Learning

Network Performance Monitoring

Network Troubleshooting

Operating Systems

Packet Analyzer

Software Defined Storage (SDS)

Tape Storage

Threat Intelligence

Information Technology

A/B Testing

AI Writing Assistant Software

Ad Serving & Retargeting

All-in-One Marketing

Content Management

Digital Signage

Email Management

Email Marketing

Event Registration

Heatmap and Session Recording

Marketing Automation

Social Media Management

Survey & Forms Building

Web Analytics

Marketing

Project Management

Professional Services

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Presales

Sales Acceleration

Sales Gamification

Sales

Animation

Auto Repair

HIPAA Compliance

Insurance Suites

Investment Portfolio Management

PCB Design

Public Sector Software

Tax Practice Management

Vertical-Specific

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### Sales and Proposals
Users across the reviews consistently highlight Cost Certified's sales and proposals capabilities as a significant strength of the platform. They appreciate the ease of use, beautiful templates, and the efficiency it brings to their sales process. The interactive quoting engine, detailed proposals, and ability to create accurate bids are particularly praised. Customers find that Cost Certified not only saves them time on estimating but also enhances their customer interactions, leading to more productive conversations and increased sales. The platform's intuitive nature and unique features have been instrumental in improving efficiencies in the sales cycle and adding substantial value to their businesses.

### Cost Estimation and Quotes
User sentiment about Bolster Built's cost estimation and quotes capabilities is varied, with some users praising the software for its ability to streamline the estimating process and provide accurate quotes efficiently. However, there are also complaints about the software being slow and unintuitive when it comes to building assemblies and updating items. Some users appreciate the interactive nature of the quotes, allowing clients to adjust prices and select fixtures within their budget, while others express frustration with the setup time and difficulty in making changes once detailed estimates are in progress. Despite the mixed reviews, many users acknowledge the time-saving benefits of using Bolster Built for estimating, with some noting significant reductions in the time spent on creating quotes.

### Financial Management
Users consistently praise Bolster Built's financial management capabilities, particularly its margin calculator and profitability features. They appreciate the ease of creating accurate quotes, customizable options, and the ability to streamline the sales process. The software's versatility in handling both complex remodels and simple paint jobs has garnered positive feedback. Users find that Bolster Built's financial management tools help them track every penny, avoid missing items on bids, and enhance their overall bidding accuracy. The general sentiment is that Bolster Built's financial management functionalities contribute significantly to improving profitability and efficiency in project pricing and bidding processes.

### Project Management
Users generally have mixed opinions about Bolster Built's project management capabilities. While some users appreciate the software for helping them estimate jobs quickly and efficiently, others find certain features clunky and time-consuming, such as building assemblies and updating items. The ability to streamline the sales process and manage multiple estimates easily is noted as a positive aspect, but the slow setup time and challenges in adjusting viewing settings and creating assemblies for different projects are highlighted as drawbacks.

### Client Relations
Users consistently highlight Bolster Built's client relations as a standout feature, with many praising the attentive and supportive customer service provided by the team. The interactive quoting engine and ability for clients to customize their proposals have been particularly well-received, enhancing the overall client experience. While some users mentioned challenges with setup time and certain functionalities, the majority of reviewers express satisfaction with the level of support and engagement offered by Bolster Built in managing client relations effectively.

### Customer Service and Experience
Users consistently highlight Bolster Built's customer service and experience as a standout feature, with many expressing satisfaction with the platform's ability to enhance client interactions and provide a positive customer journey. The software's attention to detail and user-friendly interface contribute to a smooth and efficient customer service process, leading to improved customer satisfaction and stronger relationships. Customers appreciate the personalized touch and responsiveness of Bolster Built's customer service, which adds value to their overall experience with the platform.

CostCertified has been lauded by users for its exceptional customer service and onboarding, making it easier for contractors to improve their processes and grow their business. The software has helped to simplify the construction and renovation industry by cutting down the time it takes to create professional quotes that clients can view and determine their projects' inclusions. This feature has streamlined the sales cycle, allowing users to estimate jobs more quickly and efficiently.

One key use case of CostCertified is its ability to provide customizable quotes, formulas, and margin calculators, adding significant value through its unique interactive quoting engine. Users appreciate the ability to navigate renovation projects quickly by picking their finishing touches in real-time. CostCertified has also solved a crucial business problem for contractors by providing assurance that payments are protected, and estimates are trusted. The platform's easy learning curve allows users to create change orders easily, making the process of sending out great bids much more efficient. As a result, feedback from staff and customers alike has been overwhelmingly positive.

Efficient quoting process: Many users have praised CostCertified for its efficient quoting process, which has reduced the time spent on estimating significantly. Users state that it now takes them only 15-60 minutes to quote a project that used to take 4-8 hours. This feature is particularly useful in helping businesses improve productivity and efficiency.

Interactive proposal feature: The interactive proposal feature of CostCertified has been described by many reviewers as impressive and unique. According to users, this feature allows customers to upgrade products and choose their own budget, making them more engaged in the quote and giving them control over the final price. Reviewers appreciate how this feature can help separate them from competitors while also providing a better buying experience for clients.

Detailed cost breakdown: A significant number of users appreciate the detailed cost breakdown provided by CostCertified, which quotes each element of the project in a line-by-line manner. This level of detail not only helps businesses generate accurate bids but also gives customers an understanding of where costs come from and what areas could be adjusted if necessary. Overall, this feature provides transparency throughout the entire pricing process, resulting in informed decision-making by clients.

Difficult Learning Curve: Some users have found the software challenging to learn, making it difficult for them to create quality bids. 

Limited Customization: Several reviewers mentioned that they would like more customization options in the software. For example, some users wish they could show itemized costs for certain items and assemblies while keeping others hidden.

Occasional Slowness: A few users complained about experiencing slow performance with the software. While they were told that developers are working on improving this issue, it still affects their experience using CostCertified.

CostCertified, from the company in Calgary, is a platform that enables the consumer to buy construction services with the same e-commerce experience they are used to when buying other goods and services online.  It is designed to enable the contractor to provide interactive, accurate quotes in minutes which would have taken hours.

Procore is a project management software designed specifically for the construction industry. Procore is cloud-based and allows unlimited users per instance, so that construction team members and stakeholders can all access project information and documents.

Custom Bundle

QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise is a widely-used accounting package designed for small to mid-sized businesses. It is the top of the QuickBooks line. Pricing starts at $3,000 for five users, and goes up depending on the number of additional users. They also offer an Advanced Inventory module for $999 / year.

Gold with Remote Access

Platinum with Remote Access

Diamond with Remote Access

Gold

Platinum

Diamond

QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise

Bolster Built

Construction Management

CostCertified Short Demo Video Showing H.A.R.T. Engine & Amazon-Like Buying Experience

CostCertified Demo Video Showing Interactive Proposal & Fast & Accurate Quotes for Construction

CostCertified Demo Video - Interactive Proposals,  Fast & Accurate Quotes for Construction

CostCertified Short Overview

CostCertified

Construction Project & Field Management

Features related to collaboration between construction management and project execution (e.g. the office and the job site, general contractors and subcontractors)

Plan distribution & viewing

Users can compare different versions of plans, and view live updates/revisions to plans (usually from a mobile device in the field).

Plan markups & sharing

Users can annotate plans from the field and easily share plans/markups with other project stakeholders.

Document sharing

Users can share/attach other documents related to construction projects, such as specifications, contracts, drawings, etc.

Issue tracking & punchlists

Users can track issues from the field, and create punchlists upon substantial completion.

Photo documentation

Users can document construction progress and/or issues by uploading photos from the field.

Jobsite reports

Users can create and share reports on jobsite safety, daily progress, etc.

RFI tools

Users can create, send, receive, and archive Requests for Information (RFIs), to record exchanges with subcontractors, vendors, and other suppliers.

Collaboration & approvals

Users can comment, send messages, and/or approve documents.

As-built drawings

Users can generate as-built drawings upon project completion, to reflect the exact dimensions and materials of the final work, including any changes made to the initial plans during the construction process.

Mobile app

Users can easily access the system from the field on mobile devices such as phones and tablets.

Submittal design and management

Tools that allow users to draft and build submittals, track their status, submit them online, annotate submittal PDFs, and send submittal approval online.

Checklists

Construction checklists allow you to link important elements in your construction project. Construction checklists detail specific information of activities and phases in your project.

Meeting Minutes

Tools that help you keep track of minutes in meetings.

Specifications

Construction specifications, also called specs, are the details for the work that needs to be completed in a construction project.

Change orders

A change order (or variation order) is a component of the change management process in which changes in the scope of work (or project brief) agreed to by the client, contractor and architect are implemented.

Estimating

A set of tools and applications that allow contractors to forecast, track, monitor, and adjust the cost of building a structure.  Cost estimates are used by project owners to determine the scope and feasibility of a project, and also for budget allocation. Contractors also use cost estimates when deciding whether or not to bid on a project and for bid creation.

Takeoff tools

Allow users to list the materials and quantities they will need for the project either manually from hardcopy blueprints or electronically from digital blueprints.

Job costing

Tracking and monitoring of the costs of all materials, labor, subcontractors, & equipment required for a given construction project. Allows users to compare actual costs to estimated costs, see how the job is progressing, identify which parts of the job are using the largest parts of the budget.

Cost databases

Pulls information from online databases and aggregates it to allow contractors to compare prices of materials from different suppliers.

Cost calculator

Application that calculates cost of estimated quantities and materials, typically within spreadsheets.

Bid creation

Allows users to use bid packages or templates to quickly and efficiently create bids based off of cost estimates.

Human Resource Management

Organizing, tracking and providing instant access to critical employee data, job profiles, transfers, promotions, and benefits information.

Employee demographic data

Administrators have the ability to enter detailed demographic data for each employee.

Employment history

Employment history is the ability to track previous positions held.

Job profiles and administration

Job profiles and descriptions can be created and edited.

Workflow for transfers, promotions, pay raises, etc.

Employee move workflow provides the ability to move employees to different positions and apply pay raises.

Benefits information

Organizational charting

Organizational charting is the ability to create hierarchical charts.

Organization and location management

Organization and location management allows employees to be managed across multiple geographical locations.

Compliance data (COBRA, OSHA, etc.)

Compliance capabilities ensure full compliance with federal workplace regulations by capturing required data in central database.

Payroll Management

Provides for pay calculation and benefit plan administration, in addition to managing direct deposit, salary revisions and payroll tracking.

Pay calculation

Pay calculation provides for computation of employee pay with state and federal deductions.

Support for external payroll vendors

Support for external payroll vendors is the ability to integrate with 3rd-party payroll services.

Off-cycle/On-Demand payment

Provide employees access to wages accrued during the pay period before the end of the pay cycle.

Bolster Built
Formerly CostCertified

Overview

What is Bolster Built?