Blu Estimator is a set of AI-powered tools that helps you create and refine estimates.
The Estimate Generator helps you create a new estimate using information about your project. Once your estimate has been created, you can use the Estimate Assistant to make changes and refine it.
Watch this video here or scroll down for full details:
What is the Blu Estimate Generator?
The Estimate Generator is part of the Blu Estimator feature set. It uses AI to turn a description of your project into a starting estimate, including categories, materials, labour and pricing.
You can start with a description of the job, use an existing estimate or template as a reference, or use one of the suggested prompts.
Start a new estimate
You can start Blu Estimator from either a Lead or the Estimates section.
From a Lead
Open the relevant Lead.
Select Estimates.
Select Create new.
Select Blu Estimator.
If you don't use Leads, you can start the same process from Estimates.
From Estimates
Go to Estimates.
Select Create new.
Select Blu Estimator.
Tell Blu about the job
There are several ways to provide Blu with information about your project.
Describe the job
Give Blu a rough description of the work using the microphone or by entering a prompt.
You can describe the project in your own words and include details such as the type of work, rooms involved, materials, finishes or anything else you already know about the job.
Use a reference estimate or template
You can use an existing estimate or template as a reference.
This is useful when you've completed a similar project and want to create a new estimate based on it.
For example, you could use a previous estimate and tell Blu that you're using different flooring, a different paint colour or other materials.
Blu will use the previous estimate as a starting point and adjust it based on your instructions.
Use a suggested prompt
Blu also provides prompts for common types of projects, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
You can start with one of these prompts and then add or change details to suit your project.
Check the job address
Make sure the correct job address is included.
If you're starting Blu Estimator from a Lead, the address can be taken from the Lead.
The address is important because Blu uses it to help localize pricing.
If the address isn't populated automatically, add it before generating the estimate.
Choose your pricing source
Depending on your region, you may be able to select a supplier catalog to use for pricing.
You can either:
Select an available supplier catalog.
Continue with No supplier linked.
Supplier catalog availability varies by region.
Answer Blu's questions
After reviewing your initial information, Blu may ask follow-up questions to better understand the project.
For example, it may ask about:
Wall construction.
Structural changes.
Materials or finishes.
Other details that weren't included in your original description.
Select the appropriate answer, or choose Other to provide your own information.
If you don't want to answer additional questions, you can select Skip and generate to continue with the information already provided.
Generate your estimate
Once Blu has the information it needs, select Generate.
Blu will process the information and build your estimate. It reviews your inputs, determines the appropriate categories, calculates materials and labour, checks for overlaps and reviews the estimate for potential duplicate items.
Once complete, you'll be taken to the estimate overview.
Review your estimate
The generated estimate overview includes:
The total estimate price.
A summary of the work included.
The estimated rate per square foot or square metre.
Blu Estimator is designed to help you create estimates faster, but you should always review the generated estimate before sending it to your client.
Check the scope, quantities, materials, labour and pricing to make sure they accurately reflect the project.
If you need to make changes, you can use the Estimate Assistant, another part of the Blu Estimator feature set, to refine the estimate.