04 Throughout My Role
Bolster (formerly CostCertified)
Overview
Bolster (formerly CostCertified) is a Y Combinator–backed SaaS platform transforming construction estimating into an interactive, e-commerce-style experience. Instead of static PDFs or spreadsheets, contractors generate dynamic quotes that homeowners can interact with in real time.
Bolster (formerly CostCertified) is a Y Combinator–backed SaaS platform transforming construction estimating into an interactive, e-commerce-style experience. Instead of static PDFs or spreadsheets, contractors generate dynamic quotes that homeowners can interact with in real time.
In 2022, I joined as a UX/Product Designer during hyper-growth after YC and a major seed round. Over ~10 months, I improved the platform’s core quoting experience, enhancing the contractor creation flow and the homeowner interactive proposal.
The Challenge
1. Outdated Industry Norms
Construction quotes were static PDFs or spreadsheets, requiring back-and-forth calls for adjustments. Bolster aimed to create interactive “virtual showrooms” for instant pricing updates with upgrades. The UX challenge was making the complex estimating system intuitive for contractors and homeowners.
2. Balancing Company Vison & Usability
The CEO had a clear product vision: an “Amazon like” remodeling purchase experience. That meant real-time pricing, upgrade selection, and a seamless digital contract flow.
My role required translating that ambitious vision into a usable, scalable interface while shipping quickly in a startup that deployed updates daily.
Key Improvements
1. Improved Interactive Quotes
Every estimate now generates a polished digital presentation. Contractors can present live or send a link for self-guided review.
Homeowners can:
- Toggle upgrades
- See instant pricing changes
- Review structured sections visually
- Sign contracts digitally within the proposal
2. Simplified Contractor Selection Tool
I redesigned the inline editing experience to:
- Introduce an upgrade/options library
- Enable drag-and-drop item insertion
- Reduce clicks and modal complexity
- Standardize formatting for consistency
3. Real-Time Pricing & Upsell Visibility
Upgrades were redesigned as visual, enticing choices rather than buried line items.
- Each option included imagery
- Pricing deltas were instantly visible
- The summary updated dynamically
Results & Impact
1. Increased Conversion
Contractors using the redesigned interactive proposal system closed approximately 20% more deals compared to those using static quotes.
2. High Upgrade Revenue for Users
Interactive upgrade visibility led to increased add-on selection. Historically, interactive upgrades increased revenue by ~7%, and post-redesign engagement metrics suggested stronger upsell behavior.
1. Increased Conversion
Contractors using the redesigned interactive proposal system closed approximately 20% more deals compared to those using static quotes.
2. High Upgrade Revenue for Users
Interactive upgrade visibility led to increased add-on selection. Historically, interactive upgrades increased revenue by ~7%, and post-redesign engagement metrics suggested stronger upsell behavior.
Reflection
This project reinforced several core principles for me:
- Complex systems must feel simple at the point of interaction
- Real-time feedback builds trust and engagement
- Visual presentation directly influences perceived value
- UX can drive measurable revenue outcomes
At Bolster, design wasn’t cosmetic, it was directly tied to conversion, upsell, and competitive differentiation.