Frequently Asked Questions

BuildaDraft is a construction planning platform that helps homeowners, DIY builders, landowners, and contractors turn an idea into a complete Build Plan. A Build Plan guides you step by step from your project idea through specification, cost estimate, and material list.

A Build Plan is a structured project record that walks you from your initial idea through specification choices — structure type, dimensions, materials, windows, doors — to a detailed cost estimate and categorized material list. Each completed Build Plan includes a full estimate, material list, buy list, and downloadable documents.

Yes. The Free plan includes 1 active Build Plan permanently — no credit card required. You can run the complete workflow: idea, specification, estimate, and material list. To export PDFs or keep more than one active Build Plan, you'll need a Build Pass ($24.99 one-time per plan) or Pro ($79.99/month).

A Build Pass is a one-time $24.99 purchase that permanently owns one specific Build Plan. With a Build Pass you get permanent access to PDF downloads, document exports, and revision history for that plan — it's project ownership, not a subscription.

A Build Pack is a one-time $41.99 purchase that includes 5 Build Passes. If you're planning multiple projects, a Build Pack saves money compared to buying Build Passes individually ($8.40 per plan vs. $24.99). Build Pack credits do not expire, and like a Build Pass, it's not a subscription.

Pro ($79.99/month) includes 30 Build Plans per month, each with full ownership and PDF download access. Pro is designed for frequent planners — property owners managing multiple projects, renovators, property investors, and contractors working on client builds regularly.

A Build Plan includes a guided specification, a detailed cost estimate with labor and material breakdown, a material list organized by category, and a buy list organized by department for home improvement store shopping. PDF exports are available with a Build Pass ($24.99 one-time) or Pro ($79.99/month).

Yes. You can update dimensions, materials, structural choices, windows, doors, or any part of your specification and regenerate the estimate to reflect the changes. Revision history tracks what changed and when.

Yes. PDF downloads are available for the estimate, material list, and buy list. Downloads require a Build Pass ($24.99 one-time, per plan) or Pro ($79.99/month). Free plan users can view all documents on screen but cannot export to PDF.

BuildaDraft supports sheds, pole barns, garages, workshops, additions, and similar outbuildings using multiple construction systems (Open Frame, Post Frame, Stud Frame, Steel Frame, Masonry, SIP, and ICF). It works for homeowners planning a backyard project, landowners estimating a new structure, and contractors pricing a build for a client.

Solo contractors and small crews can use Build Plans to estimate projects quickly and download professional documents to share with clients. Contractor Pro ($199.99/month) and Contractor Teams ($249.99/month + $29.99/seat) are coming soon — they will add proposal management, customer tracking, pipeline tools, and team collaboration.

Estimates are based on your specification — structure type, dimensions, materials, windows, doors, and regional pricing multipliers for your state. Material costs use state-level construction cost adjustments rather than a single national flat rate. Results are planning estimates only; verify with local contractors or suppliers before purchasing.

From your material list, you can prepare and send supplier quote requests manually — BuildaDraft does not automatically contact suppliers on your behalf. Once you have responses, you can compare supplier pricing side by side against your planning estimate. Supplier quotes are third-party information; BuildaDraft does not verify or guarantee them.

Not directly — there's no contractor-bid-comparison feature today. You can use your Build Plan as a structured reference when reviewing a contractor's quote: compare the quoted scope against the building you planned, and identify unclear allowances, missing categories, or questions worth asking before you sign.

Planning estimate only — not a guaranteed price. Material quantities are planning quantities, not a certified takeoff, and supplier quotes are third-party information. Verify quantities and pricing independently before you buy or build.

Use the Feedback link in the header, or email support@buildadraft.com. We build features based on real user feedback.