---
title: How to Create and Manage a Cost Catalog in Buildern
description: The Cost Catalog in Buildern acts as your centralized price book. This article explains how to create, import, and manage your Cost Catalog, including generating it directly from an existing estimate.
---

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# How to Create and Manage a Cost Catalog in Buildern

### How to Create and Manage a Cost Catalog in Buildern

The Cost Catalog in Buildern acts as your centralized price book. This article explains how to create, import, and manage your Cost Catalog, including generating it directly from an existing estimate.

 July 15, 2026

### **📋 Requirements**

Before creating or editing a Cost Catalog, make sure:

- You have the required permissions
- Your Cost Codes / Categories are already configured

### Access the Cost Catalog

To open the Cost Catalog:

1. Click the **9-dot grid icon** in the upper-right corner
2. Select Cost Catalog

Click the **9-dot grid icon** in the upper-right corner

Select Cost Catalog

[![](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/750a07bf-71f5-4370-873a-53a68ac338a7.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/suco1tn6/2233691268/be09a1192e46cb15b33f4f6c28f7/750a07bf-71f5-4370-873a-53a68ac338a7?expires=1792671300&signature=3fe5c0be8f425373bcdac97476fb4036fa88ff97b69544fa236c11ec1f515b7a&req=diIkFc93nINZUfMW1HO4zS9sLsC6Uk68A123yg7rIGTDnu4Tj463%2B4IDgC7%2B%0A1r5n2q2MLCO%2FSEr5N2o%3D%0A)

By default, you will see a preloaded Buildern Catalog that includes standard items you can use in your estimates.

[![](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/b7080fe9-6864-456c-abfb-6f9b5c6527a0.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/suco1tn6/2233691270/2b76dec6ce5b7863d3121ddd35e9/b7080fe9-6864-456c-abfb-6f9b5c6527a0?expires=1792671300&signature=c096075e7b659066627f38739db0a21ba6bbaf050f275a450fd4b2c12218679d&req=diIkFc93nINYWfMW1HO4zdBOG1qBwrZm%2B5%2BEph%2FheLaLkNogx7ExO5A4y25X%0AurGeFvGRb8cRp6hO1L0%3D%0A)

*ℹ️ **Note -** The Buildern Catalog is locked by default. You can use it when creating estimates, but it cannot be edited or deleted.*

### Create Categories and Subcategories

To organize your catalog:

1. Click **Add New Category**
2. Enter a Category Name
3. Select a Parent Category to create a subcategory
4. Click **Save**

[![](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/b3cd2740-ca9d-4975-9ad6-f10b3f36ffde.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/suco1tn6/2233691265/e0730d23520a039c5cc2edf9e05f/b3cd2740-ca9d-4975-9ad6-f10b3f36ffde?expires=1792671300&signature=6be409c06c16d81efacbcd851a5ab09629b45c93a9bc0e34091a860a5cb3adae&req=diIkFc93nINZXPMW1HO4zYPIpvOW4h1iOtpE1p0Jo%2FIs%2BOOI4GToI7%2FXt8T%2B%0AlD9DQEXUDU3etXN43h4%3D%0A)[![](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/0264362a-aab6-436d-88bd-e2b684c83f1e.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/suco1tn6/2233691272/77b4ad135e5d39e13d1135d1f37f/0264362a-aab6-436d-88bd-e2b684c83f1e?expires=1792671300&signature=9d5f9071772ad04dae86e03d9f30f39e115770c37ec112980fddeed05fb85e77&req=diIkFc93nINYW%2FMW1HO4zeamc12bMo8Lt%2BfgEEKm0S1UkpDWKjtlmzsAN8WJ%0AGkXA%2F%2F49zsq1U1a27%2Fs%3D%0A)

***💡 Tip*** *- You can keep multiple Cost Catalogs within your Buildern account. It's recommended to create catalogs tailored to the specific types of projects you plan to undertake.*

*For instance, you might have one catalog for Roofing and another for Bathroom Renovation.*

### Reorganize Categories with Drag and Drop

Buildern allows you to easily restructure your Cost Catalog by moving categories and subcategories.

To reorder or move categories:

1. Locate the category or subcategory you want to move
2. Click and hold it
3. Drag it to the desired position or into another category
4. Drop it to apply the changes

*💡 **Tip** - Use drag and drop to quickly reorganize your catalog structure as your projects evolve.*

### Methods to Create a Cost Catalog

There are three ways to create a Cost Catalog in Buildern:

1. **Creating one manually within the platform** - This method allows you to build your Cost Catalog directly in Buildern by adding items one by one. It is ideal when you want full control over your catalog structure, categories, and pricing.
2. **Generating a Cost Catalog from an Estimate** -This option allows you to automatically generate a Cost Catalog using existing estimate items. It helps you quickly convert previously used data into reusable catalog entries, saving time and ensuring consistency across projects.
3. **Importing an existing catalog** - This option allows you to upload a pre-existing Cost Catalog into Buildern using supported file formats or integrations. It is especially useful when you already have catalog data prepared in another system or in Excel.

*👉 Learn more about [How to Import a Cost Catalog in Buildern](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/15203910-how-to-import-a-cost-catalog-from-excel-in-buildern?hsLang=en-gb)*

### **Option A: Create Items Manually**

If you prefer to build your catalog from scratch, you can add items directly within Buildern.

To create items manually:

1. Open the Cost Catalog
2. Select the category where you want to add items
3. Click **Add Item**
4. Choose the item type

[![](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/c26d4fae-7c07-474e-8ba1-da84ed6e7ebd.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/suco1tn6/2233691278/4c947b92efd203d0c758999129a0/c26d4fae-7c07-474e-8ba1-da84ed6e7ebd?expires=1792671300&signature=746b62cd76aa49b4f1741b815fcaaa90c488d224cbdce257734f1feedb6db086&req=diIkFc93nINYUfMW1HO4zdpWk57Zx3SOi05ryIHA8Qc%2FnYord0OLuupkgwgZ%0ARnLu4MykoAZ1TYc1n2Y%3D%0A)

After selecting the item type, you will be directed to the item creation page.

Here, fill in the required fields such as:

- **Name** – Enter a clear and descriptive name for the item
- **Category** – Automatically selected based on where you clicked *Add Item*, but can be changed
- **Cost Code** – Assign a cost code for tracking and reporting
- **Unit Type** – Select the unit (e.g., each, m², hours)
- **Unit Cost (excl. tax)** – Base cost of the item
- **Tax** – Automatically calculated or set based on your configuration
- **Unit Cost (incl. tax)** – Final cost including tax
- **Markup (%)** – Optional markup applied to the cost
- **Sub/Vendor – Select a supplier or subcontractor**
- **Brand – Specify the brand**
- **SKU Number – Add product identifier**
- **URL – Link to product reference**
- **Description for client** – This will be visible in proposals
- **Internal Note** – For internal team use only
- **Attachments** – Upload files or reference documents
- **Add Labor** – Attach labor to this item (automatically creates an assembly)
- **Visible in the list** – Control whether the item appears in the catalog view

[![](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/e87c7846-cc56-43d3-a3a8-bfc28733432d.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/suco1tn6/2233691269/299296f31426158bf71047abdd29/e87c7846-cc56-43d3-a3a8-bfc28733432d?expires=1792671300&signature=c836a567b9de3b9ff8cfe8af53bd2101091135a59e11a0de8926e8045ad1feb8&req=diIkFc93nINZUPMW1HO4zVOy8WjoLICzvSz8HvmKobsAPYkE171kgz2nlJSv%0ACg3i9R%2BnIMbM2FwDT%2BE%3D%0A)

Click **Save** to add the item to your catalog.

You can also add Assemblies. To do this, click **Add Item** and select **Assembly**, then define the included cost lines (such as materials and labor) within it.

[![](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/b3cadb29-0dd0-418d-9bdc-4f6408d89668.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/suco1tn6/2233691267/bb0849ec5ffadb884940f4c91b0a/b3cadb29-0dd0-418d-9bdc-4f6408d89668?expires=1792671300&signature=ca06703f21a3926355baa08a6687d63d52d23814baa6dd1f0434ba20d547d553&req=diIkFc93nINZXvMW1HO4zaY%2F%2BVLhvPXdWAuh5pG%2F7z%2FUSI%2BR0GLp0ho27tq0%0A8vQYIZhLZezOrxwE%2FT4%3D%0A)[![](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/78b69306-be69-490b-90ec-a61094569cff.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/suco1tn6/2233691285/b3cde5ee688634b7152e0cfd78aa/78b69306-be69-490b-90ec-a61094569cff?expires=1792671300&signature=b576ba07b346de0b8e93cb31ffd633046591f2a6b0e490872ff0465f9ae71cd1&req=diIkFc93nINXXPMW1HO4zVUy7PBGEDYt3ZAKDf3ZeZFaKj0Z3el11g6QXOHU%0AWp4a5yoUt0s660EOzAQ%3D%0A)

### Option B : Generate Cost Catalog from an Estimate

If you already have an estimate with accurate pricing, you can quickly turn those items into a Cost Catalog.

To do this:

1. Open the **Estimate**
2. Select the items you want to reuse
3. Click the **➕ (Add to)** button
4. Choose:

     - An existing catalog/category, or
     - Create a new one
5. Click **Add**

[![](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/d9396ee8-e9d2-406f-ac90-00baaabf1c86.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/suco1tn6/2233691287/180072e15e35fabef315aca43886/d9396ee8-e9d2-406f-ac90-00baaabf1c86?expires=1792671300&signature=313940d4a517ac5dacdffb2ac449a3cc3fa01a5e9881f32c57bf485a4b2e4018&req=diIkFc93nINXXvMW1HO4zYIA4OJ45VzL%2FJRMHq%2Bk6izknlnnS8spdEDAipo6%0Ap8P49iTwQPs%2FLuUtmlI%3D%0A)[![](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/ea0c8f5f-945e-4405-9f37-96e72c5720be.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/suco1tn6/2233691286/5f50bced66140f73ecc4e664a79b/ea0c8f5f-945e-4405-9f37-96e72c5720be?expires=1792671300&signature=aba9a7a7d419574ba2a3c30fbe1816b440e4ed8fb472f5a62aa4f313be44dda5&req=diIkFc93nINXX%2FMW1HO4zfkrAMXllSHXB2GGQOiXpaUPBb%2FP21Iutl4bgExG%0AEUwQJo4cr9OHd1D%2Fatk%3D%0A)

All selected items will be added to your Cost Catalog and can be reused in future projects.

[![](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/d22435d5-31f5-4e1f-9f75-fa2e60e8a8a3.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/suco1tn6/2233691283/b713036974704edcfb215f228920/d22435d5-31f5-4e1f-9f75-fa2e60e8a8a3?expires=1792671300&signature=ca1fd099d919d630e608b1d32afa980241b5c62eac0f304086bd508a32046839&req=diIkFc93nINXWvMW1HO4zS8pE%2FtHkfdtZuteeHI%2FgHa11XmH7AEeAov0NQJa%0A298Yq2hdpqtB2Wr4maw%3D%0A)

 

*👉 Learn more about [How to Create and Add Estimate Items in Buildern](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/13773970-how-to-create-and-add-estimate-items-in-buildern?hsLang=en-gb)*

### Filter and Search Cost Catalog Items

Buildern provides filtering and search tools to help you quickly find and manage items within your Cost Catalog.

#### Available Options

- **Collapse all** – Collapses all expanded categories for a cleaner view
- **Search** – Quickly find items by name or keyword
- **Type** – Filter items by cost type (e.g., material, labor, assembly)
- **Sub/Vendors** – Filter items by assigned supplier or subcontractor
- **Brands** – Filter items by product brand

[![](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/411404a5-1dae-40ea-8e1a-5c5175ce2c9e.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/suco1tn6/2233691282/40d3e1054a6e4711f93c5f04c2a8/411404a5-1dae-40ea-8e1a-5c5175ce2c9e?expires=1792671300&signature=e0a17ac3694d96731456d9bf90c8aa235969b032ffe019dd8777bca270aa623b&req=diIkFc93nINXW%2FMW1HO4zevmrYykC9vHH%2F8%2BAAhZxYFzvdLqW9PsnYq25iw%2F%0Ay1b70%2FLwGF5LGLDBua4%3D%0A)

*💡 **Tip** – Use filters together to narrow down results and quickly locate specific items in large catalogs.*

On the top right corner of the Cost Catalog table, Buildern provides additional options for managing your view and data.

### Available Options

- **Download** – Allows you to export your Cost Catalog items for external use or reporting
- **Columns (Layout)** – Lets you customize which columns are displayed in the table

[![](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/aef65776-b3fc-4dff-b227-a67466eb39c8.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/suco1tn6/2233691284/4dd49fd6372f38bd24166a7625fc/aef65776-b3fc-4dff-b227-a67466eb39c8?expires=1792671300&signature=c6e8845bb5017f8f8bbba177c88bd5501ed5ac835a890dfd9b921d81f865b061&req=diIkFc93nINXXfMW1HO4zXhJOYLVFBDxSRagW6PcJMnSzHRiG3YdhmEiDyFu%0AnTB0uBETkcGwsugPAMg%3D%0A)

*💡 **Tip** – Adjust column visibility to focus on the most relevant data when working with large catalogs.*

 

*👉Learn more about [How to Bulk Edit Cost Catalog Items in Buildern](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/15192777-how-to-bulk-edit-cost-catalog-items-in-buildern?hsLang=en-gb)*

Building on this, we’ll explore more ways to optimize your process.

Happy Building!​

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