Quick start checklist

Getting started with Gradeworks takes about an hour of focused setup. This checklist walks you through everything in the right order — each step builds on the previous one. You don't need to complete it all in one sitting, but following this sequence avoids backtracking.

Account and company setup

1. Log in for the first time and explore the dashboard
2. Go to Settings > Company and enter your company name, logo, and contact information
3. Set your yard location in Settings > Company > Scheduling — this is your home base for all drive time calculations
4. Configure your work week (which days are business days) and add any company holidays

Team and crew setup

1. Invite your team members in Settings > Users — start with foremen and estimators
2. Define equipment categories in Settings > Equipment > Categories
3. Add individual pieces of equipment
4. Create crews in Settings > Crews — assign members, hourly rates, and default equipment

Estimating configuration

1. Set truck derating percentage in Settings > Company > Scheduling (typically 15-25%)
2. Configure drive factor tiers for travel cost calculation
3. Set up cost codes in Settings > Cost Codes
4. Add materials to your catalog in Settings > Materials
5. Add vendors and their material pricing in Settings > Vendors

Your first real workflow

1. Create your first bid — enter a customer, site address, and a few line items
2. Watch the address verification and drive time calculation happen automatically
3. Generate a proposal PDF to see what customers receive
4. Award the bid and convert it to a project
5. Create work blocks on the project timeline and assign crews
6. Open the dispatch board and dispatch a day to see it on the field app

Ongoing learning

Once you've completed this checklist, you'll understand the core Gradeworks workflow: estimate, schedule, dispatch, track. Each section of this help center goes deeper into specific features. Browse by category or search for a specific topic when you need it.