Bolster review
A residential-contractor CRM linking estimates and proposals to project budgets, schedules and payments.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Bolster is cloud-based construction business software for residential contractors, bringing a CRM pipeline together with estimating, proposals, project planning and payments. It is aimed at builders who want to move work from lead through estimate and booking to project progress and payment in one workflow. Customer-facing proposal presentations include selectable options, upgrades and selections, while proposal interaction tracking can alert teams when a customer opens or adjusts a quote. Web, iOS and Android availability supports teams working from an office or on a job site.
Estimating is central to the product: contractors can use reusable assemblies and templates, then generate project budgets, material lists and schedules from estimates. Invoices and progress payments are automated. Essentials includes AI estimating, image generation and options generation. Pro adds the AutoCost pricing database, a takeoff drawing tool and an AI rendering tool; those tools are also listed for Premium. QuickBooks Online, CompanyCam, Zapier and ABC Supply are among the integrations, with QuickBooks and Zapier also noted as integration options. This combination suits builders who want proposals and project administration connected rather than a CRM focused only on contacts and leads.
According to the vendor's pricing page, Essentials costs $299 monthly or $2,388 annually, while Pro costs $499 monthly or $4,788 annually. Premium is annual-only at $6,999 and includes a dedicated account manager for 90 days, custom data entry, team coaching and paid access to franchise tools. Additional users cost $20 monthly or $192 annually. The entry price and additional-user charges make it a considered purchase for smaller teams; there is no free plan. Support channels include documentation, while Essentials highlights kickoff and basic helpdesk support. Choose Bolster if estimates, proposals and construction workflows with AI matter; consider another option if free entry or extensive pipeline customization is a priority.
Bolster pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Connects lead, estimate, booking, project-progress and payment stages
- Tracks when customers open or adjust proposals and quotes
- Generates budgets, material lists and schedules from estimates
- Where it doesn't
- Starts at $299 per month, with no free plan
- Pipeline customization is basic
- Takeoff and AI rendering tools require Pro or Premium
Bolster fact sheet, pricing and score →
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