How it works: from house plan to a real number

Five steps to a 60+ line-item construction cost estimate — priced for your exact plan and your build ZIP code, prepared by a real estimator.

Order your report — $32.95

Not ready yet? See a free instant estimate first

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Step 1 — Start with a free instant estimate (optional)

Enter your ZIP code, square footage, and finish level and see a realistic cost range in seconds. No signup, no commitment. It's a rough range — the report is where your number gets real.
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Step 2 — Choose how to share your plan

Any plan works:
  • Plan URL — $32.95. Paste a link to any house plan published online, from any plan site.
  • PDF upload — $44.95. Upload the plans from your architect, designer, builder, or modification service.
  • Manual entry — $54.95. No plan yet? Enter your project details and we'll estimate from those.
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Step 3 — Tell us about your build

Give us your build ZIP code, foundation type, and finish level — Good, Better, Best, or Custom. Our cost data is local to your market and updated 10–12 times a year, so your numbers reflect what labor and materials actually cost where you're building.
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Step 4 — A real estimator prepares your report

A real person reviews every order. Your report breaks your build into 60+ line items — foundation, framing, roofing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, finishes, contractor fees, and more — and is ready within about two business days.
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Step 5 — Adjust it, export it, build your budget

Your report is a live web application, not a printout. Change any line item and watch your totals recalculate. Re-export to PDF or Excel as often as you like for 60 days. Ready to collect real bids? Add BudgetBuilder when you order (+$47) and track quotes against your estimate for 12 months.

What a report is — and isn't

Our estimates are conservative and accurate to within about 10% for the plan and options you give us. They're planning figures, not contractor bids — and land isn't included. Use your report to set a budget, compare plans, and walk into builder conversations informed. Then get real bids before you borrow or build.

See it before you buy: click through a real sample report — every section, every line item, exactly how yours will arrive.

Price your plan now

Most customers order in under five minutes.

Order your report — $32.95

Questions? Call (760) 230-6633 or email support@startbuild.com.