Basic Features
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      1. Planyard Construction Software Knowledge Base
      2. Estimating
      3. Basic Features

      Introduction to cost estimating in Planyard (Video Guide)

      In this article, you’ll learn how Planyard’s Cost Estimating feature simplifies estimating, ensures accuracy, and makes it easy to send professional looking quotes to clients.

      Introduction

      Planyard’s Cost Estimating feature helps construction professionals create accurate, structured estimates while reducing manual work.

      Designed with a spreadsheet-based UX, it provides a familiar interface that is easy to navigate while eliminating the risk of faulty formulas, accidental data overrides, or versioning issues.

      Instead of dealing with disconnected spreadsheets and scattered data, Planyard centralizes all estimating information, ensuring real-time budget tracking, version control, and seamless collaboration with your team.

      Key Benefits of Planyard’s Cost Estimating

      1. Organized and Efficient Estimating
        • Build estimates using predefined budget codes or create items manually
        • Structure your estimate with categories, subcategories, and line items
        • Apply markup and sales tax to ensure correct client pricing
      2. Flexible Quote Management
        • Create multiple quote versions to compare different pricing scenarios
        • Customize what details to include when exporting quotes to PDF or XLSX
        • Adjust line-item pricing and apply different markup strategies
      3. Full Sales Pipeline Visibility
        • Manage estimates using a Kanban-style pipeline or list view
        • Move estimates between stages, ensuring proper follow-up
        • Summarize total costs and profits per pipeline stage for a clear financial overview
      Advanced Breakdown for Cost Accuracy
      • Break down line-item costs into material, labor, machinery, and subcontractors
      • Automatically adjust pricing when quantities change, keeping estimates precise

      Getting Started


      To begin estimating in Planlyard:

      1. Set up your company details (company name, tax details, default VAT/Sales Tax).
      2. Customize your estimation pipeline with your preferred stages.
      3. Add budget codes manually or import them via an XLSX file.
        Create a new estimate, add your items, and input costs
      4. Adjust markup and sales tax, then generate and export client quotes.

        By following these steps, you can create accurate estimates while ensuring full cost control throughout your projects.