Know what to buy and what it costs before you start.

Describe your project the way you'd explain it at the hardware store — "12×16 deck, about 3 feet off the ground, with stairs" — and choose "I'm doing it myself." BuildFlow builds an itemized list of materials with waste included, plus tool rentals, permits and disposal. No labor, no contractor markup.

What you get

• A materials list with quantities you can take to the store.
• Tool and equipment rental, delivery, dumpster and permit allowances so the budget is complete.
• A heads-up when part of the job usually needs a licensed trade, like electrical or gas.
• Save it as a project to track receipts against your budget and check off tasks as you go.
• Upload your plans and get a takeoff by system (one free takeoff to try).

Check a contractor's quote

Got a bid and not sure it's fair? Run the same scope as a contractor estimate to see an itemized breakdown of materials, labor and markup, then compare line by line instead of guessing at the total.

It's a planning estimate

Prices vary by store, region and season. Use the estimate to plan and budget, then confirm prices at your local supplier and check permit rules with your city or county before you buy.

Free to start

Try a free estimate without an account. A free account lets you save it as a project and track spending.

Questions