User Guide

How to use BuildGuide

A step-by-step guide to tracking your build from lot to move-in.

01

Start with your project setup

When you first sign up, BuildGuide walks you through a quick setup. You'll enter your project name, location, square footage, and target budget. That's all we need to get started.

  • Takes less than 5 minutes
  • Your budget drives all cost estimates
  • You can update these details anytime in Settings

Project Setup

Project Name

My Austin Home Build

Square Footage

2,400 sq ft

Budget Range

$350,000 – $500,000
Create project →
02

Understand your phase dashboard

Once you're set up, you'll see your project dashboard with 6 build phases. Each phase groups related line items together — from permits and engineering all the way to landscaping and final site work.

  • 6 phases cover your entire build
  • Each phase shows estimated cost ranges
  • Progress tracks as you enter bids

Build Phases

01

Pre-Construction

100%

02

Site & Foundation

75%

03

Rough Systems

40%

04

Envelope & Insulation

10%

03

Enter bids as contractors quote you

As you start getting bids from contractors, enter them into BuildGuide. Each line item has three fields: the estimate range, the bid you received, and what you actually paid.

  • See instantly if a bid is high, low, or in range
  • Add notes about each contractor
  • Track the difference between bid and final cost

Framing

Rough Systems · Phase 03

Estimate Range

$45,000 – $65,000

Bid Received

$72,000
HIGH

Actual Paid

—
04

Ask your AI advisor anything

The AI Advisor is like having an experienced builder on call. It knows your project — your sq footage, location, budget, and every bid you've entered. Ask it anything.

  • Ask if a bid seems reasonable
  • Get advice on what to watch out for
  • Understand what each line item includes

AI Advisor

Is my framing bid of $72,000 reasonable?
Based on your 2,400 sq ft build in Austin, framing typically runs $45k–$65k. Your $72k bid is about 11% above the high end of the range. That doesn't necessarily mean it's a bad bid — material costs can vary — but it's worth negotiating or getting a second quote.
05

Export your budget for your lender or GC

When you need to share your budget — with a bank for a construction loan, or with a general contractor — export it with one click. BuildGuide generates a clean PDF or CSV of all your costs.

  • PDF export for sharing
  • CSV export for your own spreadsheets
  • Shows estimates, bids, and actuals side by side

Budget Export

Line Item
Estimate
Bid
Actual
Permits
$8k–$12k
$10,500
$10,500
Framing
$45k–$65k
$72,000
—
Roofing
$18k–$26k
—
—
Plumbing
$22k–$34k
$28,000
—
Export PDF
Export CSV

TIPS

Tips for getting the most out of BuildGuide

📋

Enter bids as soon as you get them

Don't wait. The sooner you log a bid, the sooner you can compare it and decide whether to negotiate or look elsewhere.

🤖

Use the AI before signing anything

Before you sign a contract with any contractor, ask the AI advisor if the bid looks reasonable for your area and build size.

🔄

Update your budget if plans change

If your scope changes, go to Settings and update your budget range. Hit Recalculate and all your estimates will update automatically.

FAQ

Common questions

Ready to start tracking your build?

Get started