Support that respects your time

A lifetime license means you own the core app. Core feature updates and core support are included. No subscription. One license is active on one device at a time—deactivate, then activate on the new device. Need multiple licenses? Email support@builtestimator.com.

Deactivate on the old device first. Then install Built Estimator on the new device and enter your license key when prompted. Lost the key? Check your purchase email, or email support@builtestimator.com with the purchase email so we can locate it.

Yes — but only on one device at a time. A single Built Estimator license can be activated on one computer at any given time. You can deactivate the license on one device and move it to another whenever needed, but simultaneous use on multiple devices is not allowed. If you need multiple active users, you’ll need multiple licenses.

Reinstalling is fine. Just activate again. If you're moving to a different device, deactivate first, then activate on your new device. Your license key remains valid. If you're having trouble activating, contact support with your license key or purchase email.

Yes, Built Estimator works completely offline after activation. You only need an internet connection for the initial download, activation, and optional updates. All your work is stored locally on your computer.

Go to the licenses page to buy a Lifetime License, or email support@builtestimator.com for a trial. After checkout, download and install. You’ll activate with a license key from your purchase email.

On macOS: Built Estimator menu → About Built Estimator. On Windows: Help → About. The version number is displayed in the dialog. This information is helpful when contacting support.

You choose when to update. Built Estimator will notify you when a new version is available, and you can also check from the Help menu. Your Lifetime License includes updates for core features and support for core functionality.

Projects are stored locally on your computer. For backups, use File → Export Project, or back up the Built Estimator data folder. On macOS it’s typically in ~/Library/Application Support/Built Estimator. On Windows it’s in %AppData%/Built Estimator.

Export your projects from the old computer (File → Export Project), then import them on the new computer (File → Import Project). Alternatively, copy the entire Built Estimator data folder from the old computer to the same location on the new computer. Don't forget to install and activate Built Estimator on the new computer first.

Yes. Share projects through a shared folder your team can access. Shared projects are normal files stored in that folder and shown in the Shared tab.

Built Estimator supports importing from common formats like CSV and Excel. Use File → Import to bring in line items. For complex migrations from other software, contact support. We may be able to help with a custom import process.

Built Estimator can export to PDF, Word (.docx), and Excel (.xlsx). You can also export a Client View (a client-friendly format that hides internal details) and Proposals. Export options are available in the File menu or via the Export button in your project.

Client View is an export format designed for sharing estimates with clients. It hides internal details like cost breakdowns and internal notes, and lets you choose how much to show—totals only, line items, or full scope descriptions. It produces a clean, client-friendly document (PDF/Word) without exposing your internal numbers.

First, check that you're using the latest version of Built Estimator. For optimal formatting, try exporting to a different format (e.g., Excel instead of Word) or adjust your project's page settings. If you'd like to refine the formatting further, contact support with a screenshot and details about what you'd like to adjust.

Built Estimator runs on macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later, and Windows 10 or later. We recommend at least 4GB of RAM and 500MB of free disk space. For large projects with many images, more RAM may improve performance.

For very large projects, keep images reasonable, close other apps, and split massive jobs into smaller projects. Install updates when you choose—many releases include performance improvements. If it’s still sluggish, email support with your project size and what you’re seeing.

In the takeoff view, use the scale tool to draw a line along a known measurement (e.g., a door width or room dimension). Enter the actual measurement when prompted. Built Estimator will use this to calculate all other measurements. Make sure your drawing is at the correct zoom level and the scale reference is accurate.

Start by checking your scale calibration. Accurate calibration ensures precise measurements. Ensure you're drawing on the correct layer and that your drawing tool is set to measure (not just draw). For best results, use high-quality PDFs or images. If needed, recalibrate with a different known measurement.

Voice input (Smart Draft Generator) lets you dictate scope text instead of typing. Click the microphone icon in the entry field and speak naturally. Built Estimator converts speech to text and can parse quantities, descriptions, and units. You can also type your scope normally.

First, ensure Built Estimator has microphone permission. On macOS: System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Microphone. On Windows: Settings → Privacy → Microphone. Check that your microphone is connected and working in other applications. If permission is granted and the mic works elsewhere, try restarting Built Estimator.

Built Estimator uses your system's built-in speech recognition, which processes audio locally on your computer. No voice data is sent to our servers or third parties. Your privacy is protected. All processing happens on your device.