Your First Job: A Complete Walkthrough
Creating Your First Job on ANVL
Creating and managing a job on ANVL is straightforward. This walkthrough guides you through every step, from intake to completion.
Step 1: Create a New Job
From your dashboard, click "New Job" or "+ Create Job". You'll see a form with fields for job details. Start with the basics: client name, job title, location, and job type. The job title should be descriptive: "Kitchen Remodel - 123 Main St" is better than "Kitchen Remodel".
Step 2: Add Client Information
If the client already exists in your system (repeat customer), select them. Otherwise, add a new client: name, phone, email, and address. Make sure the address is where the work is happening, not their mailing address. ANVL uses this for scheduling and communication.
Step 3: Set Job Details
Choose the trade category (Electrical, Plumbing, etc.), estimated start date, and estimated completion date. Add a description of the work involved. Be detailed—this becomes part of your job record and helps you remember what you quoted.
Step 4: Add Job Photos
Upload before photos of the job site. Good photos help you estimate accurately and document the starting condition. You can add photos now or later. Photos should be clear, well-lit, and show the full scope of work.
Step 5: Create Your Estimate
Click "Add Estimate" and build your quote. ANVL provides a template with standard line items. Add labor and materials for the job. For example: "2 hours electrical work at $75/hr = $150" and "Wire and outlets = $85". You can add as many line items as needed.
Understanding Line Items
Each line item shows description, quantity, unit price, and total. You can group items by section: Materials, Labor, Permits, etc. This makes your estimate clear and professional. Homeowners appreciate transparency.
Markups and Taxes
Set your labor markup (profit margin on labor), material markup, and tax rate. ANVL automatically calculates subtotal, taxes, and final price. Most contractors mark up materials 20-40% and labor 50-100%—adjust based on your business model.
Step 6: Add Terms and Notes
Include payment terms (50% deposit, balance on completion), timeline, and any conditions. Add notes about permits, inspections, or material lead times. Clear terms prevent misunderstandings and payment disputes.
Step 7: Review and Send the Proposal
Preview your estimate as the homeowner will see it. Check all numbers, descriptions, and terms. When ready, send it to the client. You can send via email or share a link. The homeowner can review, ask questions, and approve or decline.
Step 8: Approval and Job Start
Once the homeowner approves your proposal, the job status changes to "Approved - Ready to Start". This is your signal to schedule the work, order materials, and assign any subcontractors. Update the job status to "In Progress" when work begins.
Step 9: Document Your Work
As work progresses, add photos and notes to the job record. These document progress and provide evidence of completed work. Before/after photos are especially valuable. You can also log time, materials used, and subcontractor hours.
Step 10: Complete and Invoice
When work is finished, mark the job as "Completed". Review your original estimate against actual costs. Create an invoice based on the approved estimate or modified for any changes. Include final photos and sign-off notes. Send the invoice for payment.
Step 11: Get Paid
Homeowners pay through ANVL, which deposits funds to your account within 24-48 hours. You can track payment status in the Invoicing section. Keep the job open until payment is received and you've resolved any final questions.
Step 12: Complete and Archive
Once paid, mark the job as "Completed & Paid". You can archive it to keep your active jobs list clean. Completed jobs stay in your system for record-keeping and help you understand your business metrics.
Tips for Success
Be detailed in your estimates—unclear pricing leads to disputes. Communicate regularly with the homeowner, especially if timelines change. Take lots of photos to document work. Get approval for any changes before starting extra work. Follow up after completion to request reviews and maintain the relationship for referrals.