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Common estimate questions from construction pros

Answers to frequently asked estimate questions

Updated today

Below is a list of answers to common questions you may have about Hover's Estimates.

Click the arrows below to expand or collapse additional information.


GENERAL

What is an estimate?

Hover automatically generates complete, production-ready estimates using your blueprint or scan measurements to calculate material quantities, and labor costs for roofing and siding projects. To learn more, visit hover.to/construction-takeoffs

Can I get an estimate from my Hover 3D saved design?

Yes. When you finish designing a project in Hover, choosing specific shingles, siding, and finishes, you can save your design and immediately start your estimate. You’ll pick the template(s) that fit your project, and Hover will automatically fill in your design choices to create a complete, measurement-based estimate without any extra data entry.

Can I generate an estimate from the mobile app?

Yes. Not only can you create, view and edit the scope of an estimate from the mobile app, but you can also perform inline editing and share a material lists and labor lists from the mobile app as well.

Can I review previously created estimates?

Yes - simply navigate to the project details page. Select the Estimate card to open previously generated estimates.

Do the estimates integrate with any software or third parties?

Yes! First, generate an estimate from our Starter template library, editing product names as you see fit and saving that work as a template to be used on future projects. Then you can:

Option one:

Set up an Integration with Zapier which allows you to get estimate information into a workflow/software with minimal lift. This is a self-service option and the information on how to set it up can be found here.

Option Two:

You can get an in-house (or consultant) developer to integrate Hover's estimates by leveraging our Open APIs. This is a more sophisticated setup and will require building an Integration that does not exist today. The steps on how to do so can be found here.

Option Three:

Export the estimate as a CSV and import it to your software of choice.
Additionally, activate Supplier Digital ordering so you can send your orders to your local ABC, QXO, and SRS branches directly.

Option Four:

Utilize our integration with ServiceTitan so that, once your accounts are connected, any estimate, measurement PDF, or checklist added within the Hover platform will be available in ServiceTitan for a good, better, best proposal and signature.

Do Estimates support user-level access instead of my entire organization?

Estimates can be limited to specific users. Make this request by contacting [email protected]

Does Estimates support export options other than PDF?

Yes. Along with exporting as a PDF, you can also export an estimate as a CSV file.

Do you have proposals I can leave behind with a homeowner?

No, but we offer an estimation product that provides "good", "better", and "best" estimates, as well as proposals for homeowners. Learn more.


TAKEOFF-SPECIFIC

General takeoff questions

Can I apply multiple siding and roofing options?

Yes, you can apply multiple materials for siding and roofing trades in the same estimate.

Can I generate various combos of mixed siding and roofing materials?

Yes, by creating multiple estimates:

Option One:

Create a new estimate from the project details page > Estimate card > Start estimate

Option Two:

Within an existing estimate, select "Edit scope". Our in-app guide will allow you to adjust the project scope resulting in a new estimate for the project.

Can I generate a PDF with single material after I have done an estimate with multiple materials?

Yes, use the template or item level checkboxes to select which material line items to include for each PDF and proceed to download.

Roof, Fascia, and Soffit questions

Why are my total squares for the roof measurements PDF different from my Estimate calculation's # of squares?

Hover auto applies flat roof material (SBS) with our shingle templates for any low-sloped roofs.

You can adjust the automatic application for low-sloped roofs by selecting "Edit scope” and updating your install preferences on the roofing service page.

How do I apply multiple colors/styles to a roof, using the same material type?

From the 'area selection' screen, you can choose which material type should be applied to specific roof facets. If you want to use the same material type, but assign specific variations:

  • Click the ellipses on the roof template

  • Select Add another section from the dropdown menu

  • Select roof facets for the new template section

    • Once the estimate is generated, you will use inline editing to choose the exact color/variant for the facets.

Regarding multiple fascia and soffit options, can I mix and match?

You have the option to select multiple fascia and soffit options, but our system currently calculates for the entire structure/property. However, you can manually set partials through the "Edit scope" feature.

Siding

How do I replace existing stucco, stone, or brick with siding and ensure I get the correct siding trim and other siding materials?

We recommend reprocessing the project before calculating the materials for siding and siding trim. This is necessary since the estimate uses siding measurements for these calculations. By reprocessing the project with siding instead of the original materials (e.g. stucco or brick), we can get the accurate line segments and measurements.

To change materials from brick, stone, or stucco to siding, follow these steps:

  1. Contact support ([email protected]) or use the live chat feature, specifying which walls you want to update.

  2. After the project is reprocessed and measurements are updated, create a new estimate. This will show siding facades where brick, stone, or stucco were previously applied.

Why do I see a higher count of corner posts when using two different types of siding materials?

When two different types or styles of siding intersect, the estimate calculates corner posts for each material type, leading to an increased number of posts. This can be adjusted manually within the estimate.

How can I get my 3D design split wall to transfer into the estimate, so I can add siding materials like shingles on the gables where the wall wasn’t originally split?

Once you have split the wall in the 3D model, you can transfer it to an estimate by generating a new estimate:

  • Save the design in Workspace

  • Click Start estimate

  • Follow the in-app guidance to designate which material applies to each facade, including the gable since it will now display as its own split facade.

  • Finally, select Create estimate

Why does the estimate display a different number of Siding squares compared to what I see in the measurements PDF?

The estimate includes siding and trim that have openings less than 33 square feet. If you’d like to create one without these openings and/or trim, you can select the option to exclude openings or siding trim area by navigating to the siding section in manage workflows > calculation preferences (here).

Does the estimate factor in the cutting of pieces for board and batten siding based on their panel length?

No, estimates don't provide material quantities based on panel length, similar to a cut list. Instead, it calculates board and batten panels by using the total square footage of the wall facade(s) and the brand-specific or generic board and batten panel coverage.

When selecting to apply board and batten as accent siding, such as on the gables, it's advisable to consider applying additional waste.

How do I apply multiple colors/styles using the same siding material type?

From the 'area selection' screen, you can choose which material type should be applied to specific siding facets. If you want to use the same material type, but assign specific color/styles:

  • Click the ellipses on the siding template

  • Select Add another section from the dropdown menu

  • Select siding facets for the new template section

    • Once the estimate is generated, you will use inline editing to choose the exact color/variant for the facets.

Trim

How do I replace existing stucco, stone, or brick with siding and ensure I get the correct trim materials?

We recommend reprocessing the project before calculating the materials for siding and siding trim. This is necessary because the estimate uses siding measurements for these calculations. By reprocessing the project with siding instead of the original materials (e.g. stucco or brick), we can get the accurate line segments and measurements.

To change materials from brick, stone, or stucco to siding, follow these steps:

  1. Contact support ([email protected]) or use the live chat feature, specifying which walls you want to update.

  2. After the project is reprocessed and measurements are updated, create a new estimate. This will show siding facades where brick, stone, or stucco were previously applied.

Why do I see a higher count of corner posts when using two different types of siding materials?

When two different types or styles of siding intersect, the estimate calculates corner posts for each material type, leading to an increased number of posts. This can be adjusted manually within the estimate.

Regarding multiple trim options, can I mix and match?

You have the option to select multiple, but our system currently calculates for the entire structure/property. However, you can manually set partials through the "Edit Scope" feature.

How can I select different trim sizes for a single property?

To apply different trim sizes to different parts of a property, navigate to "edit scope" and select specific trim sizes for each siding trim component (e.g. inside corners, level frieze trim, openings, etc.). The options available may vary depending on the trim template you select.


TRADES AND TEMPLATES

Which trades are supported by Estimates?

Our estimate templates currently support the following trades, along with limited manufacturer templates. For any new estimate templates or trades, please fill out our feedback form.

  • Fascia

  • Gutters

  • Roof

  • Siding

  • Soffit

  • Trim

  • Stucco

  • Stone

  • Brick

How can I stay informed about the availability of new trades and templates?

Creating an estimate for a project allows you to access all of our pre-set template options. Your organization will be notified as new trades and templates become available.

Can I add additional roofing and siding templates?

Hover Estimates allows you to add customized templates by selecting the “Save as template” option from the estimation view.


ESTIMATE CALCULATIONS

How are my estimate measurements calculated?

You can click the calculator icon on the material list line item to view details of how it was calculated and make necessary edits, as illustrated in this article.

How can I edit the default settings for the estimate template calculations?

To address unique projects needs and local codes, a workflow questionnaire is available to you via the "Edit scope" button, as illustrated in this article.

Note that, if you apply Hover’s recommended roof waste to the template, that disclaimer will appear on the PDF and CSV.

Can I change my waste factor?

To make specific waste factor modifications at the line item level, review the details by clicking the calculator icon. You can adjust the waste factor directly in that pop-up screen, or:

  • If adjustments are needed for a specific project, click Edit scope within the estimation view

  • If adjustments are needed for your template, use the “Save as template” option.

Note that, if you apply Hover’s recommended roof waste to the template, that disclaimer will appear on the PDF and CSV.

How can I save my customized estimate as a template for future use?

Use the "Save as Template" option for future use modifications, as illustrated in this article.

What could cause differences in roof measurements SQ between the measurement PDF and the estimate?

Discrepancies may occur due to the auto application of low-slope roof materials for roof slopes 3/12 and below. You can configure the application of low-slope materials by accessing the “Edit Scope” feature.

What could cause differences between the siding calculations in the PDF vs the estimate?

The siding calculations may look different between the measurement PDF and your estimate depending on how you've set up your calculation preferences from the Manage Workflows page. If the calculation preferences are not set up on that page, the default for all projects will be set at 10% for areas with openings less than 33 SQFT.

Check out this article for more information.


SHARING WITH SUPPLIERS

Can I link product SKUs to match my supplier's catalog?

If you completed the Supplier Direct Ordering form and connected your Hover account to a supplier (ABC Supply, QXO, or SRS), you can search for items using a supplier item number when customizing your material list.

How do I send my order directly to my supplier?

After enabling direct ordering and connecting to the supplier’s integration, you can send or order materials directly through partners such as ABC Supply, QXO, or SRS.

Complete this form to enable direct ordering. Once approved and activated, you can search for and select your supplier's branch products for each item in the template and place orders with the "Order materials" button.

Where does the unit cost come from and how can I save it?

It’s your organization’s responsibility to add and manage unit costs. If you want to save the line item unit costs for future projects, use the "Save as template" option.

  • Once the template has been saved, unit cost addition/management is feasible for admins within the Manage Workflows > Line Items page, but solely for your organization's custom templates.

Can I get real-time pricing after connecting to a supplier?

The estimate reflects the unit costs set by your organization and is not linked to your supplier's pricing.

Clicking the "Order materials" button will redirect to the "Order Details" page where you will see the connected supplier's real-time pricing for each available and mapped item you want to order. (ABC Supply, QXO, or SRS).

Still have questions? Reach out to our support team.

  • Call us (+1.844.754.6837). We're real people and ready to help!

  • Email us ([email protected]). We'll usually reply in about 30 min.

  • Chat with us. We generally answer in less than 3 mins. In the Hover app, click on Settings > Support.

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