How to Build and Review a Saved Construction Estimate
Follow the four estimate steps: choose a layout, define work packages, configure materials and quotes, then review and save an independent result.
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In this guide6 sections
A saved estimate combines a copy of your measured layout with the work, assumptions, products and prices for one job or scenario. It lets you check how quantities became a total and return to that record later.
Before starting, save and check a layout. Gather the product coverage, pack sizes and written material and labour quotes you want to use. Quick-calculator rate preferences do not supply quotes for this workflow.
Step 1: Choose the layout
Open Estimates, choose New estimate and select the saved layout for your job. Check its name and preview. If the measurements need changing, edit the layout first and then start the estimate from that revision.
The estimate keeps that revision and an immutable snapshot of its geometry. Saving a later edit to the reusable layout does not rewrite this estimate. This is useful when you need to keep a previous quote while preparing a revised one.
If you only need a rough calculation and do not have a layout, use the basic calculator link for the work instead. It opens a quick tool without creating a layout or saved estimate.
Step 2: Choose and name the work
Choose the construction or finishing activities you want to include. Each named work package represents a defined part of the job. A package might describe “Bedroom walls — paint” or “Bathroom walls — tiles”.
You can use the same activity more than once when the rooms, surfaces, products or prices differ. Give the packages distinct names so you can recognise them during review. Do not assume selecting an activity means every possible preparation or related trade is included.
Decide where one package ends and another begins. If a contractor’s installed tile quote already includes adhesive and labour, adding those same costs again in another package would overstate the total. Keep the included scope consistent with your quote.
Step 3: Configure the relevant rooms and surfaces
Select the rooms, walls or finish zones that belong to each package. Review the highlighted layout and measured basis before entering prices. Check deductions for openings and the surfaces that are actually being finished.
For paint, primer and putty, review the coverage and coat count for the selected product. A coverage per coat is different from a coverage for the complete finished system. For tiling, check tile dimensions, tiles per box, selected area and the allowance for cutting or waste.
For structural quantities, use approved dimensions, mix information and bar schedules where requested. A calculated quantity does not select a safe member size, reinforcement arrangement or concrete mix.
Choose or edit a material
Open Edit material when a package offers a material selector. Use Start with a material to choose from your saved library or the dated India reference listings available for the relevant material and currency. The selected material’s details are copied into the estimate configuration.
Review the product name, finish, colour, coverage, coat count and pack options. For tiles, check the tile dimensions and number of tiles per box. Enter the price for the pack or box described by that row; a price per litre is not a price for a 20-litre pack.
Use Save to library when you want to reuse that material in later estimates. A reusable material is a convenience, not proof that its price is still current. Check the written quote before each job.
Enter rates and allowances
Read the unit beside each rate. A labour price per square metre cannot be copied unchanged into a field priced per square foot. If your quote combines material and labour, decide how you will represent it so the same work is not counted twice.
Check waste allowances, purchase rounding and any advanced inputs relevant to the package. Use zero only when a cost really is free or included elsewhere. Review missing-rate messages rather than treating an incomplete total as the full budget.
Step 4: Review before saving
The review page brings the work packages together. Give the estimate a descriptive name and check the layout name and revision. Then review these parts in order:
- Check the measured basis of each package: room, surface, area, length or volume.
- Check buying quantities and pack rounding against the product you will order.
- Check every material and labour rate, including its unit and scope.
- Read the formulas, assumptions and any rate or geometry warnings.
- Check whether taxes, transport, preparation and other agreed charges are included in your quoted rates or need separate treatment.
The largest total is not necessarily the most complete estimate. A smaller result may simply be missing a package or rate. Compare scope and quantities before comparing prices.
Choose Save estimate when the result is ready to keep. A draft review is not a saved record until you use the save action.
Keep alternatives independent
Return to the estimate library to open your saved records. You can keep multiple independent estimates for the same layout, such as two product choices or two contractor quotes. Name each one by its scope and quote so you can tell why the totals differ.
If you revise the geometry, build a new estimate from the revised layout. If you share a saved estimate, the recipient receives the saved snapshot rather than a live connection to your future edits.
When to use Advanced BOQ
Open Advanced BOQ from the estimate area when you want to organise an estimate around detailed work items, measurements and material inputs. It is another estimate mode within the same construction product, not a second reusable layout library.
Public quick material calculators do not edit the active BOQ. Use them for a separate rough calculation, and review the BOQ’s own measurements and rates in its editor. After saving important work, export a workspace backup.