📋 Requirements
Before importing a Cost Catalog, make sure:
You have the required permissions
Your Cost Codes / Categories are already configured
The target category for import is created in advance
👉Learn more about How to Import a Cost Catalog from Excel in Buildern
Access the Cost Catalog
To import items:
Click the 9-dot grid icon in the upper-right corner
Select Cost Catalog
Import Cost Catalog Items
To start importing:
Click the Import button in the upper-right corner
Select one of the available import options
Buildern supports importing data from multiple applications, including Excel, Buildertrend, Buildxact, Xero, Procore, and more. In this guide, we will focus on importing using Excel.
Import from Excel
This is the most commonly used method for importing Cost Catalog items.
Step 1: Download the Template
Select Excel
Click Continue
Download the provided template
Step 2: Prepare Your File
Fill in the template with your data.
Make sure required fields such as Name, Cost Type, Unit, and Unit Cost are completed correctly.
💡 Tip - Ensure that category names in your file match the categories in Buildern to avoid mapping issues.
Step 3: Upload the File
Upload your completed file
Buildern will open the import preview window
In the import window:
Review the uploaded data
Match your file columns to Buildern fields
💡 Tip - If a column is not needed, you can leave it unmapped. Only required fields must be matched.
At the top of each column, you will see a dropdown menu that allows you to define how your file data maps to Buildern fields.Use these dropdowns to match each column from your file to the correct field in Buildern.
In the top-right corner of the import window, you can also choose how your pricing is interpreted:
Tax excluded – Use this option if your file contains prices without tax
Tax included – Use this option if your prices already include tax
Step 4: Complete Import
Click Import to finalize the process.
All items will be added to the selected category in your Cost Catalog.
ℹ️ Note- Imported items behave like regular Cost Catalog items and can be edited or used in estimates at any time.
There’s more to explore in Buildern, and we’ll cover it in the upcoming tutorials.
Happy building!