{"id":28140,"date":"2026-01-22T11:56:34","date_gmt":"2026-01-22T16:56:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.buildxact.com\/us\/?p=32444"},"modified":"2026-01-23T07:34:39","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T20:34:39","slug":"january-in-the-toolbelt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.buildxact.com\/au\/newsletter\/january-in-the-toolbelt\/","title":{"rendered":"January in the Toolbelt"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>This month\u2019s Toolbelt features Steve Yates on what\u2019s ahead for the new year, a snapshot of customer achievements from 2025, faster estimating with Blu, plus a customer spotlight, upcoming events to find us at, and the latest industry news.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-2025-recap\"><strong>2025 Recap<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-a-message-from-our-ceo-steve-yates\">A message from our CEO, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.buildxact.com\/us\/company\/team\/\">Steve Yates<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"2025 Buildxact Recap: Stephen Yates, CEO of Buildxact\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/FCywsOfHNRU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Over the past year, we saw a meaningful shift in how builders use Buildxact \u2013 not just to estimate, but to run smarter, more connected construction businesses. Behind the scenes, we expanded what AI can take off a builder\u2019s plate, helping smaller teams operate with a level of capability that used to be out of reach. That progress sets the stage for what\u2019s coming next, with major product updates to be unveiled this February.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-2025-built\"><strong>2025 Built<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-powered-by-buildxact-built-by-you\">Powered by Buildxact &#8211; Built by You<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>1.1 M<\/strong><br>Purchase Orders Created<\/td><td><strong>$612 M<\/strong><br>Work Estimated by Blu<\/td><td><strong>$12 B<\/strong><br>Work Built<\/td><td><strong>$67 B<\/strong><br>Work Quoted<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Your work continues to raise the bar. In the last six months alone, Buildxact customers used AI to define $612M in construction value. Throughout 2025, builders quoted $67B+ in work, created and sent 1.1 M purchase orders to suppliers, and delivered $12B in completed projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These numbers reflect the real impact of builders like you \u2013 moving faster, building smarter, and driving the industry forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-product-highlight\"><strong>Product Highlight<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\" id=\"h-new-ways-to-get-more-done-in-buildxact\">New ways to get more done in Buildxact<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-use-ai-to-build-your-estimate\">Use AI to Build Your Estimate<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video controls src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mediavalet.com\/usca\/buildxact\/TbSFlzyJsUqKIhpBBHCzcw\/mvIzTje3bUiZ6n2wjrgp6Q\/Original\/Blu%20Estimate%20Generator%20GIF%20v2_Jan26_toolbelt.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:29px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Start 2026 building faster. The Blu Estimate Generator cuts estimating down to seconds, giving you a head start on every job. As Blu works through your project, you\u2019ll see each part of the estimate come together in real time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The result? Faster pricing, quicker approvals, and more jobs locked in for the new year. Make speed your advantage in 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-50 is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-medium-font-size has-text-align-center has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.buildxact.com\/us\/blu-ai-construction-assistant\/?utm_campaign=toolbelt_newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=marketo&amp;utm_content=january_na\" style=\"border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;color:#393735;background-color:#ffb71b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn More<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:52px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-feature-releases\"><strong>Feature Releases<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Fresh improvements ready for you to use<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Introducing New Cost-Plus Purchase Orders &amp; Invoicing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Need to bill customers in stages? Create <a href=\"https:\/\/help.buildxact.com\/en\/articles\/12896834-how-do-i-create-multiple-invoices-from-a-single-purchase-order-on-a-cost-plus-job?utm_campaign=cost_plus_po&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=marketo&amp;utm_content=na\">multiple installment invoices<\/a> from one cost-plus purchase order (PO). It\u2019s a cleaner, clearer way to bill customers as work progresses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-2025-golden-hammer-award-winner\"><strong>2025 Golden Hammer Award Winner<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-blu-by-buildxact-recognised-for-real-builder-impact\">Blu by Buildxact, recognised for real builder impact<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mediavalet.com\/usca\/buildxact\/7x4f9UN830yEaca5aOlOmA\/efCcBSyFlECyo3Te6BJnoA\/Large\/hbsd_golden_hammer_Jan26_toolbelt.jpeg\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:171px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Blu has been named a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.buildxact.com\/us\/news_media\/buildxact-golden-hammer\/?utm_campaign=toolbelt_newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=marketo&amp;utm_content=january_na\">2025 Golden Hammer Award<\/a> winner, recognising the most impactful new products and innovations in the home improvement and building supply industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With 22% of builders investing in AI tools (Customer Home Builder poll), this recognition reinforces that Blu is a trusted, industry-validated solution designed to improve speed, efficiency, and margins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:51px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-customer-spotlight\"><strong>Customer Spotlight<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\" id=\"h-real-builders-real-workflows-real-wins\">Real builders, real workflows, real wins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-faster-quoting-that-supports-growth\">Faster Quoting that Supports Growth<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Buildxact Customer Story - VW Building Projects\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Oyv-w1NfcDY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Growth at VW Building Projects meant long nights spent quoting by hand and racing tight timeframes. Based in Melbourne, Brett and Josh needed estimating tools that matched how builders really work. With Buildxact, they now create fast digital takeoffs, use live supplier pricing, and produce accurate, competitive quotes in less time \u2013 helping them win more jobs, run more efficiently, and get time back out of the office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:57px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-got-an-idea-we-re-listening\"><strong>Got An Idea? We\u2019re listening<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.buildxact.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/01\/Dealerlaunchthumbnail-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"A thumbnail for the launch of our dealer connection feature.\" class=\"wp-image-8034\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve moved Feature Suggestions into the Community tab to make it easier for you to share ideas and feedback directly with our team. This helps us better understand what matters most to you \u2013 so we can focus on building the features that make the biggest difference in your day-to-day work. <a href=\"https:\/\/app.buildxact.com\/resources\/feature-suggestions?utm_campaign=toolbelt_newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=marketo&amp;utm_content=january_na\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Share a feature idea<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-events\"><strong>Events<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-see-what-s-on-the-calendar\">See what\u2019s on the calendar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mediavalet.com\/usca\/buildxact\/tqCmbvz7S0uSVfCFQRJkEQ\/SdE41J2b50iRJBRoTZvHzw\/Original\/Win%20Better%20Work%20%5BBunnings%20%2B%20BX%20%2B%20Contractor%20Scale%5D.jpeg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mediavalet.com\/usca\/buildxact\/tHGqgCAfY0OX2OXKacmddg\/XecO--nZL0WI75SfvMXqJA\/Original\/Contractor%20Success%20Summit%202026_Jan26_toolbelt.jpeg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Builders Guide to 20%+ Margins<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong><strong>25 Feb | Virtual | 11 AM NZST<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A live workshop on how to focus on the right work and stop wasting time on low-value jobs. Learn practical ways to attract better clients, quote more confidently, and stay in control of your workload.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Contractor Success<\/strong> <strong>Summit 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-medium-font-size\"><strong>4 Feb | Virtual | 12 PM PST<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">Built for builders who want to simplify their business and scale smarter. Learn from four industry experts covering estimating systems, marketing, AI, and tools that dive real results.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-small-font-size is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-medium-font-size has-text-align-center has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/us02web.zoom.us\/webinar\/register\/WN_bQ3PcIVxSRmhgwz7aCMFDQ#\/registration?utm_campaign=toolbelt_newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=marketo&amp;utm_content=january_anz\" style=\"border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;color:#393735;background-color:#ffb71b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Register here<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons alignwide is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-medium-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/win.rapidresultcreators.com\/contractor-success-summit-2?utm_campaign=toolbelt_newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=marketo&amp;utm_content=january_na\" style=\"border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;color:#393735;background-color:#ffb71b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Register here<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:51px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-blogs\"><strong>Blogs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.buildxact.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/01\/Builder-reviewing-project-costs-from-a-jobsite-vehicle.png\" alt=\"Residential builder reviewing estimate and job costs on a laptop from a truck at the jobsite.\" class=\"wp-image-32038\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>How to Become a Contractor<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Learn how to become a contractor, including licensing requirements, state and territory regulations, and the systems you need to build a profitable business. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.buildxact.com\/us\/blog\/how-to-become-a-contractor\/?utm_campaign=toolbelt_newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=marketo&amp;utm_content=january_na\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.buildxact.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/01\/AI-Construction-Estimating-Software-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"A builder works with construction plans on desk\" class=\"wp-image-31859\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4b2eccd6 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-medium-font-size\" id=\"h-ai-construction-estimating-software\"><strong>AI Construction Estimating Software<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" style=\"font-size:20px\">Learn how AI tech can serve as a digital assistant to speed up the entire process of writing estimates and winning more business. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.buildxact.com\/us\/blog\/ai-tech-estimating\/?utm_campaign=toolbelt_newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=marketo&amp;utm_content=january_na\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-latest-industry-news\"><strong>Latest Industry News<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\">Must-read trends shaping the trade<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>W<strong>hy Construction Sector is Ripe for AI Disruption <\/strong>by<strong> <\/strong>The Urban Developer &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theurbandeveloper.com\/articles\/why-construction-sector-is-ripe-for-ai-disruption?utm_campaign=toolbelt_newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=marketo&amp;utm_content=january_anz\">Read more<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>How Builders Can Protect Their Reputation and Their Business <\/strong>by The Good Builder &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/thegoodbuilder.com.au\/when-bad-reviews-cross-the-line-how-builders-can-protect-their-reputation-and-their-business\/?utm_campaign=toolbelt_newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=marketo&amp;utm_content=january_anz\">Read more<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:51px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-join-the-community\"><strong>Join the Community<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking to connect with other builders? Join our Facebook community to share tips, ask questions, and get real-world insights from builders like you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-50\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/buildxact?utm_campaign=toolbelt_newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=marketo&amp;utm_content=january_na\" style=\"border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;color:#393735;background-color:#ffb71b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sign up today<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-contrast-color has-text-color is-content-justification-center is-nowrap is-layout-flex 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