How to Use Assemblies for 80% Faster Estimating in Built Simple

Assemblies in Built Simple are like recipes for construction: pre-built groups of materials, labor, and equipment for common building tasks. Instead of adding dozens of individual items for a bathroom fit-out, simply add one assembly and adjust quantities. This approach allows teams to estimate 80% faster, reduce errors, and standardise pricing across projects.

What Are Assemblies?

Think of Assemblies as Construction Recipes

Just like a recipe lists all ingredients and steps, an assembly includes all components required for a construction task.

Example – Standard Bathroom Assembly includes:

• Plumbing rough-in (materials + labor)
• Electrical rough-in (materials + labor)
• Waterproofing (membrane + labor)
• Tiling (tiles + adhesive + grout + labor)
• Fixtures (toilet, vanity, taps)
• Installation labor
• Clean-up allowance

Benefits of Using Assemblies

• 80% faster estimate creation
• Consistent pricing across projects
• No items forgotten – all components included
• Easy updates – change rates in one place
• Professional detailed breakdowns for clients
• Accurate estimates based on real projects

Getting Started with Assemblies

Accessing Assemblies (Web App)

Method 1: From Estimates

1. Open an estimate
2. Click “Add from Assemblies”
   
3. Browse or search assemblies
4. Preview items and add

If you’re starting from scratch, learn how to set up your first project in [How to Create Your First Construction Project in Built Simple: Step-by-Step Guide].

Method 2: Assembly Manager

1. Go to “Assemblies” in the main menu
2. View all available assemblies
3. Create, edit, import/export
4. Manage your library for future use

Accessing Assemblies (Mobile App)

1. In an estimate, tap “+”
   
2. Choose “Assembly”
   
3. Browse categories
4. Tap to add to estimate

Using Pre-Built Assemblies

Available Assembly Categories

Built Simple provides 17+ pre-built Australian construction assemblies:

Foundations & Structure

• Strip Footing (per m)
• Pad Footing (each)
• Concrete Slab (per m²)
• Timber Frame Wall (per m²)
• Steel Frame Wall (per m²)

Interiors

• Standard Bathroom (complete)
• Ensuite Bathroom (complete)
• Kitchen Standard (complete)
• Plasterboard Wall (per m²)

Exteriors

• Brick Veneer Wall (per m²)
• Colorbond Roofing (per m²)
• Tile Roofing (per m²)
• Timber Deck (per m²)
• Concrete Driveway (per m²)

Finishes

• Internal Painting (per m²)
• External Painting (per m²)
• Basic Landscaping (per m²)

Adding an Assembly to Estimate

1. Select Assembly: Preview included items and rates
2. Set Quantity: e.g., “3” for three bathrooms
3. Review and Adjust: Modify quantities or rates if needed
4. Add to Estimate: Click “Add Assembly” – all items grouped under the assembly name

Real-World Example

Traditional Estimate for 3 Bathrooms: 45–60 minutes

• List fixtures, plumbing, tiling, waterproofing, labor, and small items
• High risk of missing components

Assembly-Based Estimate: 5 minutes

1. Select “Standard Bathroom” assembly
2. Set quantity to 3
3. Adjust if needed
4. All items automatically added

Creating Custom Assemblies

When to Create Custom Assemblies

• Unique company methods
• Specific product combinations
• Regional variations
• Client preferences
• Specialised work

Creating From Scratch (Web App)

1. Go to “Assemblies” → “Create New”
   
2. Enter details: name, category, unit, description
3. Add items: materials, labor, equipment
4. Set pricing: fixed, calculated, or with markup
5. Save and test

Creating From Existing Estimate

1. Select items in completed estimate
2. Right-click → “Create Assembly”
   
3. Include quantities, rates, descriptions, notes
4. Save to library

Customising Pre-Built Assemblies

1. Open existing assembly → Duplicate
2. Rename (e.g., “Bathroom – Premium Fixtures”)
3. Modify items (upgrade fixtures, adjust labor)
4. Save as new assembly

Managing Your Assembly Library

• Organise Categories: By trade, area, type, or client
• Naming Conventions: Clear, consistent names like “Bathroom – Standard Fit-out”
• Update Prices: Bulk or individual item rate updates

Excel Import/Export

Exporting Assemblies

• Select assemblies → Export → Excel
• Options: detailed, summary, template
• Multiple sheets for readability

Importing Assemblies

• Download template → fill in assembly details, items, quantities, rates
• Import → map columns → validate → import
• Test with small batch first

Assembly Best Practices

Accuracy Tips

• Quarterly rate updates
• Compare actual vs estimated costs
• Adjust for supplier updates or seasonal changes
• Maintain version control

Efficiency Tips

• Favorites & recent assemblies
• Search and filter
• Preview before adding
• Keyboard shortcuts (A, Q, Space, Enter)

Advanced Assembly Features

• Variable Assemblies: Size or quality variations
• Assembly Formulas: Dynamic calculations based on area or quantity
• Nested Assemblies: Combine assemblies within assemblies for complex projects

Mobile App Assembly Features

• Quick add via voice search or recent widgets
• On-site adjustments: quantities, site-specific items, photos
• Auto-sync when connected

Reporting and Analysis

• Track most-used assemblies
• Analyse time saved, regional or seasonal patterns
• Profitability reports by assembly

To track how assemblies roll into full project budgets, see [How to Track Costs and Budgets in Built Simple: Complete Financial Control].

Integration Features

• Purchasing: Generate POs, supplier packs, delivery schedules
• Scheduling: Duration estimates, trade sequencing, resource allocation

For bringing in subcontractors and linking them to your assemblies and schedules, see [How to Invite Subcontractors to Your Built Simple Projects: Complete Step-by-Step Guide].

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Over-complicating assemblies
2. Forgetting rate updates
3. Too specific → reduces flexibility
4. Skipping documentation
5. Not validating before use

Troubleshooting

• Check unit consistency and formulas
• Verify search filters
• Ensure Excel format is correct when importing

Next Steps

1. Excel import/export mastery
   
2. Custom assembly creation
   
3. Rate management strategies
   
4. Template library building
   

Quick Reference

• Duplicate: Right-click → Duplicate
• Quick edit: Double-click rate
• Preview: Hover for tooltip
• Favorite: Click star icon
• Share: Export to Excel

Need Help?

• Download assembly templates from resources
• Watch video tutorials at builtsimple.com/assemblies
• Email support: [email protected]
• Join community forum to share custom assemblies