Helena homeowners are embracing solar at record speed. Generous state incentives, 300+ days of sunlight, and rising energy bills have made “solar Helena” a breakout search term across Montana. Yet one challenge remains: predicting total project cost and timeline with confidence. That is exactly where CountBricks becomes every residential contractor’s secret weapon.
• Paper takeoffs delay approvals and frustrate clients
• Pricing databases often ignore Helena-specific labor rates and freight surcharges
• Change orders for roofing upgrades, storage batteries, or electrical panels eat away profits
With CountBricks’ real-time voice capture and AI cost engine, contractors eliminate manual drudgery and turn every “what-if” conversation into a crystal-clear estimate.
During your initial walk-through, open the CountBricks mobile app and speak naturally. Our platform converts the dialogue—“12 LG 400 W panels, black-on-black, 6/12 asphalt roof”—into a structured scope in seconds.
CountBricks pulls real-time material costs from regional suppliers and blends them with current Helena labor averages. The result is an itemized line-by-line budget that reflects:
• Fuel surcharges on valley deliveries
• Cold-weather installation premiums from November through February
• Local permitting fees and net-metering paperwork
Upload a PDF of the home’s roof plan or a drone image. CountBricks AI detects ridges, obstructions, and azimuth to optimize panel placement while calculating racking, wiring, and inverter counts automatically.
Need a client-ready packet? Generate branded PDFs that include scope, schedule, and payment milestones. Send instantly from the app or download for signature. No more midnight formatting sessions.
• Panel Efficiency: High-efficiency modules cost more upfront but qualify for larger federal credits.
• Roof Age: Older shingles may require tear-off and sheathing repairs before installation.
• Snow Load: Helena’s winter climate often necessitates heavier racking and higher PSF ratings.
• Electrical Service: Upgrading from 100 A to 200 A can add $1,800–$3,200 to project cost.
• Time installs for spring or early fall to avoid cold-weather premiums.
• Bundle attic insulation upgrades—CountBricks can create multi-trade estimates in the same session.
• Offer battery storage as an add-alternates line; clients see the value without committing upfront.
• Track tax credits and rebate deadlines in the CountBricks dashboard to trigger automated reminders.
1. Capture scope via voice on-site.
2. Upload roof plan for AI takeoff.
3. Review auto-generated tasks, labor, and materials.
4. Adjust margins or swap products in real time.
5. Generate proposal and e-mail to the homeowner.
6. Convert accepted quote into a progress-billing schedule.
7. Sync to your accounting software through the CountBricks API.
Our database is curated by Montana-licensed electricians, roofers, and solar technicians, ensuring every labor unit matches on-site reality.
CountBricks partners with regional distributors, so when aluminum rail prices spike due to supply chain issues, your estimate updates automatically.
End-to-end encryption and role-based permissions protect homeowner data while keeping your team aligned.
Thinking beyond panels? CountBricks lets you layer solar with kitchen remodels, window replacements, or deck additions, presenting homeowners with a single coherent estimate instead of scattered PDFs.
A CountBricks client recently combined a 7 kW rooftop array, new HardiePlank siding, and a basement egress window. The blended estimate, produced during a 42-minute walk-through, secured a signed contract within 24 hours—months faster than the client’s previous paper-based process.
Visit CountBricks.com/services to schedule your live demo or call our Helena office. Whether you install two panels or two hundred, CountBricks makes every watt and every brick count.
When Frontier Construction, a Helena-based remodeler, decided to add solar to its service lineup, the team faced a learning curve. They turned to CountBricks for end-to-end estimating support.
• 1960s two-story home on the city’s west side
• 10 kW rooftop array with snow guards and critter fence
• Service upgrade from 150 A to 200 A
• Target start date: early September
1. Voice Capture: In 15 minutes, the superintendent recorded roof pitch, rafter spacing, and conduit route. CountBricks converted the dialogue into 38 separate tasks.
2. AI Takeoff: The PDF roof plan revealed two skylights not noted during the walk-through. CountBricks auto-revised panel layout and material counts instantly.
3. Dynamic Pricing: A sudden spike in copper costs was reflected the next morning. The client saw the transparent adjustment and signed an updated proposal without haggling.
4. Integrated Billing: Progress invoices synced to Frontier’s accounting software, reducing admin time by 40 % over the previous quarter.
• Bid turnaround time dropped from 5 days to 6 hours
• Gross margin increased by 7 % thanks to accurate labor factors
• Zero change orders related to scope creep
CountBricks empowers Helena contractors to quote, sell, and deliver solar smarter. Explore integrations, watch feature videos, and book your personalized walkthrough at CountBricks.com/consultation.
