In Buildern you can work with multiple estimate versions within the same project. This helps you track different estimate stages, compare revisions, and preserve previous versions while making updates.
The estimate version selector at the top of the page displays the current version you are working on. From this menu, you can switch between existing versions or create a new one.
Each version represents a separate estimate structure for the same project. For example, you might have a Pre-Construction estimate and a Construction estimate.
You can also:
Switch between versions – Select another estimate version from the list to view or edit it.
Create a new version – Click Add New to create a new estimate version based on an existing one.
Manage versions - Click the three-dot menu (⋯) next to the version name to manage estimate versions. Available options include:
Rename – Change the version name.
Set as Working – Mark the version as the editable working estimate.
Set as Contract – Mark the version as the finalized contract estimate.
Duplicate – Create a copy of the version.
Delete – Remove the version from the project.
Estimate Filtering and View Options
The top toolbar of the Estimates module provides several tools that help you quickly locate items, organize the estimate structure, and customize how information is displayed.
Collapse all - Collapses all groups and subgroups in the estimate list.
Search - Quickly find estimate items by name.
Status filter - Filter items based on their status.
Type filter - Display items by their type, such as materials, labor, or equipment.
Assignee filter - Show items assigned to specific team members.
Group by Lines - Allows you to change how estimate items are grouped in the table. You can organize items by Lines, Cost Code, or Cost Type to view the estimate structure in different ways.
Group by Lines
Group by Cost Type
Lock/Unlock Estimate - Allows you to lock the estimate to prevent further changes. When an estimate is locked, items cannot be edited or modified. To make changes again, click Unlock to enable editing.
When unlocking a signed estimate version, Buildern recommends creating a duplicate version to preserve the original estimate.
You can choose between:
Unlock - Unlock the current estimate and allow edits.
Duplicate - Create a new estimate version where changes can be applied without modifying the original.
Measurements - The Measurements button allows you to access and manage project measurements that can be used in your estimate items.
When clicking Measurements, a panel opens displaying all available measurements associated with the project. These measurements can come from manual entries or from the Takeoff module.
👉Learn more about How to Add Plans to the Takeoff Tool in Buildern
Within this panel, you can:
Search measurements - Quickly locate measurements by name using the search bar.
Add manual measurement - Create a new measurement directly from the Estimates module.
Add in Takeoff - Open the Takeoff tool to create measurements based on project plans or drawings.
Edit measurements - Update existing measurement details if adjustments are needed.
Delete measurements - Remove measurements that are no longer required.
The list displays all available measurements along with their units.
These measurements can then be referenced when creating or editing estimate items, helping ensure accurate quantity calculations.
View Options - Allows you to customize which fields are visible in the estimate table.
Export (Download Icon) – Allows you to download Estimate data.
Settings (Gear) icon - provides access to configuration options related to estimate calculations and default values.
When clicking Settings, you can choose between:
Current project settings – Allows you to configure estimate settings specifically for the current project. Changes made here will apply only to this project and will affect the estimate items within it.
Company settings – Opens the general estimate settings for the entire company. Changes made here will apply as default settings for all projects.
In the Current project settings, you can configure options such as:
Estimate markup for materials, labor, equipment, subcontractors, fees, and allowances
Selection markup
Labor hourly rate
Allowance settings
Group numbering
Overhead and insurance redistribution
Vendor credit calculations
These settings help control how estimate costs are calculated and displayed within the project.
👉Learn more about General Settings.
The upcoming articles will guide you through more practical features available in Buildern.
Happy Building!