--- title: Estimates FAQ description: "A practical FAQ for builders using Ressio Estimates: add and edit cost items, apply markup and tax, manage locking and proposals, use templates, and troubleshoot common estimate questions." --- [Skip to content](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/estimates-faq#main-content) English Show submenu for translations [Contact us](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en) ![Untitled design (22)](https://43531900.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/43531900/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(22).png?width=75&height=75&name=Untitled%20design%20(22).png) Open main navigation Close main navigation - English Show submenu for translations - [Contact us](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/kb-tickets/new) - [Go to ressiosoftware.com](https://www.ressiosoftware.com/) [Go to ressiosoftware.com](https://www.ressiosoftware.com/) Hello. How can we help? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Ressio Knowledge Base](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/?hsLang=en) 2. [FAQs](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/faqs?hsLang=en) 3. [Estimate](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/faqs?hsLang=en#estimate) # Estimates FAQ ## Everything builders need to create, edit, lock, and share accurate estimates in Ressio. #### Building Your Estimate **How do I add cost items to my estimate?** Cost items live at the second level of the estimate, inside a category. To add one: 1. Open your project and go to the **Estimate** page. 2. Select or create a category to add your cost item under. 3. Click **+ Add Cost Item** within that category. 4. Enter the **item name**, **quantity**, **unit type**, and **cost**. 5. Your estimate total will update automatically. ![](https://a.slack-edge.com/production-standard-emoji-assets/16.0/apple-medium/1f4a1@2x.png) You can also add cost items directly from your Cost Catalog to save time on items you use frequently. **How do I add quantity to a cost item?** Open the cost item and enter a value in the **Quantity** column. Make sure the correct unit type is selected (for example, square feet, hours, or each). The total cost for that item will calculate based on quantity multiplied by unit cost. **What is the difference between a category, a cost item, and a cost detail?** The Ressio estimate is organized into three levels: - **Categories** are the top level. Use them to group your estimate by phase, room, or trade (for example, Foundation, Kitchen, or Framing). - **Cost items** are the second level. These are the individual products or services that make up your project scope. - **Cost details or sub items** are the third level. Use these to break a cost item into more detail, like separating labor and materials under a single tile cost item. For more on the third level, read [The 3rd Level in the Ressio Estimate](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/estimate-third-level?hsLang=en). **How do I use parameters and formulas in my estimate?** Parameters let you set measurements (like square footage or linear feet) once and reference them across multiple cost items. When the measurement changes, every cost item using that parameter updates automatically. Read [Parameters in Estimates: How to Use Formulas for Automatic Calculations](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/parameters-estimate?hsLang=en) to get started. **Can I import an estimate from another tool?** Ressio currently supports CSV import for **estimate parameters** (measurements/formulas), not full estimate or cost-item imports from other platforms. 🎓 Use this guide: [How to Bulk Import or Update Estimate Parameters from a CSV](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/how-to-bulk-import-or-update-estimate-parameters-from-a-csv?hsLang=en). If you’re migrating from CoConstruct or another system, contact your CS Coach or CS Manager for the best approach. --- #### Editing Your Estimate **How do I edit my estimate?** You can click directly into any cell in the estimate to edit it. If your estimate is locked, you will need to unlock it first before making changes. See the locking section below for more detail. **How do I move a cost item to a different category or tier?** Use the drag and drop feature to reorder or move cost items within the estimate. Read [Drag and Drop Feature in Estimate](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/drag-and-drop-feature-in-estimate?hsLang=en) for instructions. **How do I delete a cost item?** 1. Select the cost item by checking the box to the left of the item name. You can select multiple items at once. 2. Right-click in the data table and select **Delete**. 3. Confirm the deletion in the pop-up. ![](https://a.slack-edge.com/production-standard-emoji-assets/16.0/apple-medium/1f6a8@2x.png) Deleting a cost item is permanent and cannot be undone. If you delete something by mistake, you will need to add it back from scratch. For full details, read [Deleting Cost Items from the Estimate](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/deleting-cost-items-from-the-estimate?hsLang=en). **How do I delete my entire estimate to start over?** If you need to clear an estimate and rebuild it, the best approach depends on where you are in the project. If the estimate is unlocked, you can select all cost items and delete them. If it has already been sent to a client or locked, reach out to [support@ressiosoftware.com](mailto:support@ressiosoftware.com) before making changes so we can help you avoid losing important data. **How do I hide or show columns in the estimate?** Use the **Columns** tab on the right side of the estimate page to toggle columns on or off. This includes markup, margin, builder profit, tax, and any other fields you want to show or hide. Read [Hiding and Unhiding Columns in Estimate](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/hiding-and-unhiding-columns-in-estimate?hsLang=en) for more detail. Markup, Margin, and Tax **What is the difference between markup and margin?** These two terms are related but they measure profit differently. - **Markup** is profit calculated as a percentage of your costs. This is what you set in Ressio to price the job. - **Margin** is profit calculated as a percentage of the final price (revenue). This is a read-only field in Ressio used to evaluate profitability. Margin is not editable. You control your profit by adjusting markup. Read [Markup vs. Margin in Estimate](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/markup-vs.-margin-in-estimate?hsLang=en) for a full explanation. **How do I add markup to my estimate?** You can apply markup at the project level or adjust it on individual cost items. To apply markup to the full project: 1. Go to the **Estimate** page. 2. Select the **Markup and tax rate** button in the top right corner. 3. Double-click the value under your markup name and enter your percentage. 4. Select **Close**. To adjust markup on a single line item, click directly into the markup cell for that cost item and enter a new percentage. **How do I add tax to my estimate?** 1. Go to the **Estimate** page and select the **Markup and tax rate** button. 2. Double-click the value next to **Tax rate** and enter your rate. 3. Use the **Column Picker** to make the tax columns visible. 4. Check the **Customer Tax Inclusion** or **Builder Tax Inclusion** box on each line item where tax applies. For a full breakdown of builder tax vs. customer tax and how tax flows through to invoices, read [How to Apply Taxes in Ressio](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/how-to-apply-taxes-in-ressio?hsLang=en). **My tax is not showing up on the invoice. What do I check?** There are two things to confirm: 1. A tax rate has been set in the estimate under the **Markup and tax rate** button. 2. The tax inclusion box is checked on the relevant cost items in the estimate. If both are set correctly and tax is still not appearing on the invoice, make sure the tax toggle is turned on for the line items within the invoice itself. If you are still having trouble, contact [support@ressiosoftware.com](mailto:support@ressiosoftware.com). ⚠️ If tax is not appearing on invoices and QuickBooks is connected, confirm tax setup in QuickBooks as well. --- #### Locking and Unlocking ⚠️ **Heads up before unlocking your estimate:** If you've already approved change orders or selections on a project, we recommend keeping your estimate locked. Unlocking the estimate after approvals have been made will reset your original and revised budgets, which can affect the financial history tied to those changes. If you need to make edits to your estimate, reach out to your Customer Success Coach, Manager or contact our support team — we're happy to help you find the safest path forward. **What does locking the estimate do?** Locking the estimate sets the agreed price and scope for the project. Most builders lock the estimate after the client has signed a contract. Once locked, the estimate cannot be accidentally edited, and change orders can be created to track any modifications to the original scope. **How do I lock my estimate?** Go to the **Estimate** page and click the **Lock** icon. When the estimate is locked, the icon turns green. **How do I unlock my estimate to make changes?** Click the green **Lock** icon and follow the prompts. 🚨 Unlocking the estimate will reset the original budget on the Budget page. Review carefully before proceeding. For more detail, read [Locking/Unlocking the Estimate](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/unlocking/locking-the-estimate?hsLang=en). **Can I edit an allowance after the estimate is locked?** Locking prevents most estimate edits. If you need to adjust allowance-related values, review [Locking/Unlocking the Estimate](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/unlocking/locking-the-estimate?hsLang=en) first, then contact [support@ressiosoftware.com](mailto:support@ressiosoftware.com) so you can choose the safest path for your project state. --- #### Proposals and the Client View **How does the client see my estimate?** Clients do not see the raw estimate. They see a **proposal** that you create and release from the estimate. You choose what to include and how it appears. Read [Proposal Overview](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/proposal-overview?hsLang=en) to learn more. **Can I send my client multiple proposal options?** Yes. You can create multiple proposal versions from a single estimate, each showing different combinations of categories or scope. This is useful when a client is deciding between options like adding a basement or keeping the project to a specific budget. 🎓 Read [Creating Multiple Proposals Overview](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/creating-multiple-proposals-overview?hsLang=en) for step by step instructions. **How do I keep a copy of my current estimate before making changes?** The best way to preserve a version of your estimate is to create a proposal from it before making changes. Proposals capture the estimate at the time they are created. If you want to revert to a previous scope, contact [support@ressiosoftware.com](mailto:support@ressiosoftware.com) to discuss the best approach for your situation. **What happens when I apply an approved proposal to my estimate?** When you apply an approved proposal version to the estimate, Ressio updates the estimate to include only the categories that were part of that proposal. Categories that were not included are permanently removed along with all their cost items, sub items, and selections. Review the summary carefully before confirming. Read [Creating Multiple Proposals Overview](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/creating-multiple-proposals-overview?hsLang=en) for more detail. ⚠️ Applying an approved proposal to the estimate becomes available after both client and builder approvals. **What is the difference between a locked estimate and an approved estimate?** These are different controls: - **Locked estimate** prevents unintended estimate edits, preserves agreed scope, and supports change-order workflows. - **Approved proposal** indicates the client-approved proposal version. They’re related in real workflows, but they are not the same setting. --- #### Templates **How do estimate templates work?** Current docs describe templates via **Copy from template** from within an unlocked estimate (rather than selecting a template during initial project creation). **🎓 Read:** • [Using Estimate Templates](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/starting-a-new-estimate-from-a-template?hsLang=en) • [How Do I Access and Edit Estimate Templates?](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/how-do-i-access-estimate-templates?hsLang=en) **How do I start a new project from an estimate template?** When creating a new project, you will have the option to start from a template. Select your saved estimate template and it will populate the estimate with your pre-built categories and cost items. Read [Using Estimate Templates](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/starting-a-new-estimate-from-a-template?hsLang=en) for details. --- *If you still have unanswered questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to our dedicated support team at [support@ressiosoftware.com](mailto:support@ressiosoftware.com). 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