> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.contractor-co-pilot.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Set up Contractor Co-Pilot and build your first estimate

> Create your account, set up your organization, add your first client, and build your first estimate with Contractor Co-Pilot in under 10 minutes.

Contractor Co-Pilot gets you from a blank screen to a complete, shareable estimate in about 10 minutes. Follow these steps in order and you'll have your organization configured and your first project estimate ready to go.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create your account">
    Visit [contractor-co-pilot.com](https://contractor-co-pilot.com) and click **Get Started**.

    Sign up with your email address or your Google account. You'll receive a verification email — click the link inside to activate your account before continuing.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set up your organization">
    After signing in, the onboarding wizard guides you through the initial setup:

    1. **Organization name** — Enter your company name exactly as you want it to appear on proposals and invoices.
    2. **Choose your plan** — Select the plan that fits your team size and workflow. You can upgrade or change this later.
    3. **Add your logo** — Upload your company logo to brand your client-facing documents. (Optional, but recommended.)
    4. **Invite team members** — Enter your colleagues' email addresses to give them access right away. (Optional — you can do this later from Settings.)

    <Tip>
      You can always return to these settings under **Settings → Organization** in the sidebar.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add your first client">
    Every estimate needs a client attached to it. Add one now so you're ready for the next step.

    1. Go to **Clients** in the left sidebar.
    2. Click **New Client**.
    3. Enter the client's name, email address, and phone number.
    4. Add any contacts associated with this client if needed.

    <Note>
      You can also create a client on the fly when starting a new estimate — but having them in your system first keeps things tidy.
    </Note>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create your first estimate">
    1. Go to **Estimates** in the sidebar.
    2. Click **New Estimate**.
    3. Select the client you just added and enter a project name (for example, "Kitchen Renovation - 123 Main St").
    4. Add line items with descriptions, quantities, and unit costs.
    5. Review the total, then click **Save**.

    For a complete walkthrough of the estimation workflow — including materials catalog autocomplete, cost profiles, and exporting — see [Your First Estimate](/getting-started/first-estimate).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Explore key features">
    Now that you have a working estimate, these are the core areas worth exploring next:

    | Feature | What it does | Where to find it |
    | - | - | - |
    | **Takeoffs** | Measure quantities directly from blueprints and PDFs | Sidebar → Takeoffs |
    | **Proposals** | Convert estimates into professional client-ready proposals | Sidebar → Proposals |
    | **Hank** | Ask your AI co-pilot questions about your data or how to use any feature | Sidebar → Hank |
    | **Materials** | Manage your materials catalog with up-to-date pricing | Sidebar → Materials |
    | **Cost Profiles** | Define markup rules and pricing strategies to apply across estimates | Sidebar → Cost Profiles |
  </Step>

  <Step title="Import your existing data">
    If you have historical cost data, client lists, or estimate line items in Excel, you can bring them in without manual re-entry.

    1. Go to the relevant section (Materials, Estimates, or Clients).
    2. Click the **Import** button.
    3. Upload your `.xlsx` or `.csv` file.
    4. Map your spreadsheet columns to the correct fields.
    5. Review the preview, then confirm the import.

    For column format requirements and troubleshooting tips, see [Importing Data](/getting-started/importing-data).
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Where to go next

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Your First Estimate" href="/getting-started/first-estimate">
    A detailed walkthrough of the full estimation workflow from line items to export.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Navigating the App" href="/getting-started/navigating-the-app">
    Learn the dashboard layout, sidebar sections, and keyboard shortcuts.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Hank" href="/tools/hank">
    Get the most out of your AI co-pilot — ask questions, analyze data, and move faster.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Importing Data" href="/getting-started/importing-data">
    Bring in your existing materials, clients, and estimates from Excel or CSV files.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>


This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.