Preconstruction
Construction Estimating Software
Upload a plan set and CMDBLD reads the full sheet set, extracts an itemized CSI estimate with a measured material takeoff, and flags items to verify against the governing building code — before you send the bid.
See it in motion
Upload the plans. Watch the estimate build itself.
The estimator reads every sheet, extracts an itemized CSI estimate and a full material takeoff, and checks the design against the building code — citing the exact section.
- Itemized CSI estimate with material / labor / equipment
- Full takeoff with computed quantities
- Code-compliance check (CBC/IBC/UBC), section-cited
Replaces the point tools this used to take
This capability is part of the all-in platform — not a separate subscription stacked on top.
Illustrative. Actual results depend on your team, rates, and volume.
Connects to the tools you already run
Plan reading
Upload the plan set. Get an itemized estimate.
CMDBLD reads the full sheet set and returns a priced estimate organized by CSI division, with a confidence flag on every line so your estimator knows exactly what to double-check.
- Reads architectural, structural, and MEP sheets together
- Itemized by CSI division with per-line confidence flags
- Every code-governed line grounded to its section
| Div | Item | Qty | Unit | Ext. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03 | Footing concrete 3000 psi | 14 | CY | $2,660 |
| 05 | Rebar #4/#5 Grade 60 | 0.21 | TON | $420 |
| 06 | 2x6 studs DF #2 | 138 | EA | $1,518 |
| 07 | R-21 batt insulation | 20 | BAG | $1,180 |
Verified takeoff
Measured quantities, not round guesses.
Calibrate the drawing scale once and CMDBLD measures real quantities off the plans - then shows the basis behind each one so you can check the math before you bid.
- On-screen scale calibration per sheet set
- Counts and runs measured from the drawings
- Every quantity shows its derivation
| Item | Basis | Qty | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall sheathing 7/16" OSB | 1,760 SF / 32 x 1.10 | 61 | SHT |
| Roof shingles 30-yr | 1,240 SF / 100 x 1.10 | 14 | SQ |
| Footing rebar | ~620 LF x 0.668 lb/ft | 0.21 | TON |
Code check
Cross-checked against the governing code.
The estimating agent flags design items to verify against the jurisdiction building code - it never silently changes scope. Flagged items surface for a human decision, and unclear details become a held RFI.
- Checks the design against the governing building code
- Flags items to verify - no silent scope changes
- Auto-drafts an RFI when a detail is unclear
- VerifyEgress window well - verify size vs IRC R310Sheet A-3 - bedroom 2
- VerifyHeader span may exceed table - confirmSheet S-2 - opening 4
- RFI heldUnclear insulation detail - RFI draftedSheet A-5
Your cost model
Your markups, burden, and overhead - applied automatically.
Set your labor rates, burden, per-cost-type markups, and overhead once. Every estimate prices with your real numbers, and finished-job actuals feed back to sharpen the next bid.
- Labor rates with auto-calculated burden (FICA, comp, benefits)
- Per-cost-type markups and overhead applied automatically
- Closed-loop learning from actual vs estimated cost
| Cost type | Markup | Applied |
|---|---|---|
| Labor | 18% | auto |
| Material | 15% | auto |
| Subcontractor | 10% | auto |
| Overhead | 12% | auto |
The ROI
What it does for the bottom line
CMDBLD drafts the estimate and takeoff so your estimator reviews instead of building from scratch - then learns your real costs on every job.
Illustrative. Savings depend on your team, rates, and volume.
What is included
Every tool below ships in the same platform — no separate purchase.
| Tool | What it does |
|---|---|
| ToolEstimating | What it doesAI plan-read estimate by CSI division. |
| ToolMaterial Takeoff | What it doesMeasured quantities with the basis shown. |
| ToolField Estimating | What it doesRoom-by-room estimate from photos on site. |
| ToolBid Board | What it doesDaily bid opportunities matched to your trade. |
| ToolProposals | What it doesTurn an estimate into a branded client proposal. |
| ToolE-signature | What it doesTamper-evident ESIGN/UETA contracts. |
Works with your stack
Connect the tools you already run — or replace them.
Frequently asked questions
Does it do the takeoff automatically?+
Yes. CMDBLD measures quantities from the plans using an on-screen scale you calibrate once, then itemizes them by CSI division. You review and adjust before anything is final — the AI drafts, you approve.
How is the building-code check handled?+
The estimating agent cross-references the design against the governing building code for the jurisdiction and flags items to verify. It never silently changes scope — flagged items are surfaced for a human decision.
Is estimating an add-on?+
No. Estimating, takeoff, and the code check are part of the platform. There are no per-feature upsells — see the pricing page for the flat monthly price.
Win more workGrow without a bigger back office.
Win the right jobs and keep clients close
From the first lead to a signed contract to a happy referral — the pipeline, the proposal and the client portal all live in one place.
- +CRM with recorded calls & AI summaries
- +Branded, e-signed proposals
- +Client portal with online payments