If you've built multiple estimates for the same project — such as separate estimates for different trades, phases, or scopes — you can combine them into a single estimate. This gives you one unified view of the total project cost to share with your client.
Why Combine Estimates?
Combining estimates is useful when you:
Estimate different trades separately (e.g., framing, electrical, plumbing) and want a single total
Break a large job into phases and need to present a combined scope
Want to merge an original estimate with a change order scope into one document
Need to send a client one clean proposal covering multiple scopes of work
How to Combine Estimates
Step 1: Open Your Project
Go to Projects and open the project that contains the estimates you want to combine.
Step 2: Open the Estimate You Want to Combine
In the Estimates tab, tap on the estimate you want to use as the base. This is the estimate you'll be combining other estimates into — open it before proceeding.
Step 3: Start the Combine
Once you have the estimate open:
Tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner of the estimate.
Select Combine estimate.
Choose the estimate(s) you want to merge in from the list.
Step 4: Review the Combined Estimate
Handoff will create a new combined estimate containing all line items, groups, and sections from the selected estimates. Review the combined estimate to ensure:
All line items carried over correctly
Section headers and groupings make sense
Markups and totals are accurate
Step 5: Edit if Needed
Use the AI chat or tap directly on any row to make edits. You can:
Rename or reorganize sections
Remove duplicate line items
Adjust quantities or pricing
Ask the AI to clean up and reformat the combined estimate
Step 6: Convert to a Proposal (Optional)
Once you're happy with the combined estimate, tap Convert → Proposal to turn it into a client-ready document.
Tips for Combining Estimates
Use consistent section names across estimates before combining — this makes the merged result easier to read
Review markups after combining — each source estimate may have had different markup settings
Use the AI to help reorganize or clean up the combined estimate by typing something like: "Reorganize this estimate by trade" or "Remove any duplicate items"
The original estimates are not deleted — they remain in your project as separate records
Need Help?
If you run into any issues combining estimates, contact Handoff support via the chat icon in the app or visit help.handoff.ai.