For Residential Remodeling Estimators ·
What you'll accomplish
By the end of this guide, you'll have Handoff.ai configured to generate first-draft estimates, proposals, and invoices for remodeling projects from a simple project description — cutting estimate time from hours to minutes.
What you'll need
Go to handoff.ai and click Get Started or Sign Up Free. Enter your business info: company name, city/state, primary trade (General Contractor or Remodeling Contractor), and typical project types.
What you should see: An onboarding flow that asks about your business size, typical projects, and how you currently estimate.
Troubleshooting: If you're evaluating before committing, request a free trial or demo through their website — they typically offer one.
After onboarding, look for a Pricing or Settings section. This is where you tell Handoff your:
The more accurate this baseline, the more useful the AI estimates will be. Start with your actual labor rates — don't use defaults.
What you should see: A pricing configuration screen with fields for labor categories and markup settings.
Look for New Estimate or Create Estimate. You'll be prompted to describe the project. Type a natural-language description:
Bathroom remodel, 9x11 feet. Demo all existing tile and fixtures. Install cement board,
new 12x24 porcelain tile floor and tiled tub surround. Replace vanity (client-supplied),
toilet (client-supplied), and all fixtures. Paint walls and ceiling. Pull permits.
Click Generate and let the AI process the description.
What you should see: A line-item estimate appears with quantities, materials, labor hours, and costs — generated from your description and calibrated to your pricing settings.
Troubleshooting: If line items seem off (too high, too low), check your pricing baseline first. The AI estimates from your configured rates.
The AI will capture most of the scope, but review every line item:
Click into any line item to adjust quantities, rates, or descriptions. Add any missing line items manually.
What you should see: An editable estimate that's close to what you'd build manually — but in 10 minutes instead of 4 hours.
Once the estimate looks right, look for Generate Proposal or Create Proposal. Handoff converts your line-item estimate into a professional proposal document — client-facing, branded, with your logo.
Download as PDF and attach to your email, or send directly through the platform if it offers that feature.
If you do similar bathroom remodels repeatedly, save this estimate as a Template (look for a Save as Template option). Future bathroom estimates start from this baseline instead of a blank page — you just adjust quantities and specifics.
For a kitchen remodel:
Kitchen remodel, [dimensions]. Demo [existing items]. Install [new cabinets specs].
[Countertop material]. [Backsplash]. [Appliance details]. [Additional work]. Pull permits.
For a bathroom remodel:
Bathroom remodel, [dimensions]. Demo [existing]. Install [tile specs].
Replace [fixtures — toilet, vanity, shower]. [Paint/trim]. Pull permits.
For a basement finish:
Basement finish, [sq ft]. Frame new walls [specs]. Electrical [outlets, lighting].
[Flooring type and sq ft]. Drywall and paint. [Any special rooms — bath, bar, bedroom].