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How Does Handoff Work? (Overview)

Everything you need to learn about the app.

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Written by Handoff Support
Updated this week

Here's a video overview of how Handoff works:


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Getting Started with Handoff: Creating Estimates and Proposals with AI

Handoff makes it simple to generate professional, accurate estimates and proposals in just minutes. Our AI-powered estimating tool helps contractors save time, stay consistent, and present projects with confidence. This article will walk you through the basics of creating a project, generating an estimate, and sending a polished proposal to your client.

1. Creating a New Project

  1. From your dashboard, click New Project in the top-right corner.

  2. Enter a name for the project and add client details.

    • Repeat clients are saved automatically for quick selection.

    • For new clients, click New Client to add their information.

  3. You can also upload files, drawings, or photos by selecting Upload File. These files will be stored in the project and can be used to assist AI in generating your estimate.

2. Generating an Estimate with AI

  1. Open your project and click Create Estimate.

  2. In the estimate screen, you’ll see the Handoff AI chat in the bottom-left corner.

  3. Describe your project in simple terms. For example: “Create a detailed estimate for a bedroom renovation with new drywall and paint.”

    • If you uploaded files, AI will reference them along with your description.

    • Make sure your project address is correct so labor and material costs are localized.

  4. Click the green Send arrow. Handoff AI will generate a complete estimate in under a minute.

Your estimate will include:

  • Itemized labor and material costs

  • A project total with markup applied

  • Options to edit markups, discounts, and taxes

You can refine your estimate by asking AI to make changes (e.g., “Update paint to premium grade”). Updates appear in seconds and can be approved before finalizing.

3. Building a Professional Proposal

Once your estimate is ready, click Create Proposal at the top of the page. Proposals in Handoff are customizable and client-ready.

  • Branding: Add your logo and business details.

  • Client Information: Pre-filled if you added a client, but editable at any time.

  • Client Message: Auto-generated from your scope of work. You can edit it manually or ask AI to create one for you.

  • Formatting: Use the gear icon to choose between:

    • Summary view

    • Full breakdown with item totals

    • Item names only

  • Financing Options (Business Feature): Enable proposal-level financing through Acorn Finance. Clients can see pre-qualified loan offers with a soft credit check.

You can also:

  • Add invoices (manually or generated by AI)

  • Attach project files

  • Insert terms and conditions

4. Previewing and Sending

  1. Click Preview & Send in the top-right corner.

  2. Review your proposal.

  3. Choose to send via SMS, email, or by sharing a direct link.

Your client will see:

  • A branded proposal with your logo

  • The client message

  • Scope of work and costs (formatted to your preference)

  • Financing options (if enabled)

  • Invoices, attachments, and terms

Clients can:

  • Sign and accept (you’ll be notified instantly in-app and via push notification)

  • Decline with feedback

  • Pay directly through Handoff (if payment is enabled) or offline with records updated manually

Signed proposals include a timestamp and digital signature, and can be exported as a PDF for your records.

5. Summary

In just a few steps, you can:

  • Create a new project

  • Generate an accurate estimate with AI

  • Refine and finalize details

  • Build a professional proposal with financing and invoicing options

  • Send and track client approvals

Handoff helps you save time, ensure accuracy, and present your business in the most professional way possible.

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