How Wave Works
How Wave thinks about scope
Each line on a Wave estimate comes with a reason. Wave prices what you tell it, adds the work that comes with that scope, and shows you what it added.
Each line on a Wave estimate comes with a reason. Wave prices what you tell it, adds the work that necessarily comes with that scope, and shows you what it added, so you can answer any question about the estimate. Wave Intelligence shapes how Wave scopes each job.
How Wave builds the scope
Wave works from what you tell it and what is in the job. Each line on the estimate traces to something you said, something in the job's notes or files, or work that comes with the scope you described.
Some work naturally goes along with other work. When you describe a job, Wave includes the work that comes with it, the way an experienced estimator would, and tells you briefly what it added. Each line comes with a reason you can show.
How each line is backed up
- Assumptions are visible. If Wave has to assume something to keep going, it says so, and you can correct it.
- Open quantities are clearly marked. A line Wave can't size yet shows as pending and stays out of the total until you answer. If a quantity depends on something you haven't said yet, such as drying days, Wave updates the line as soon as you answer.
- Equipment you state is priced as stated. If you tell Wave what's on site, in chat or in the job's notes, that's what it prices. If Wave thinks more may be needed, it says so and you choose which to use.
- Short questions fill gaps. Wave asks short questions to fill gaps in the scope.
- Minimums are added for you. When a trade's work falls under its minimum, Wave adds a minimum line and keeps it in step as you edit.
What this means for your estimate
Wave adds the work your scope calls for and states what it added. Each added line has a reason you can read.
Working with it
- Read the estimate as it builds. The estimate appears on the job's Estimates tab, beside the job chat, and updates as you answer.
- Ask Wave why. If you're curious why a line is there, ask in chat. Wave tells you what it rests on.
- Take off what doesn't fit. Tell Wave to take a line off, or delete it by hand on the Estimates tab. The total updates right away.
- Correct the facts. If an assumption needs fixing, tell Wave. Fixing the fact updates the lines that depend on it.