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

Open an estimate
Click “Add from Assemblies”
Browse or search assemblies
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

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

Accessing Assemblies (Mobile App)

In an estimate, tap “+”
Choose “Assembly”
Browse categories
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

Select Assembly: Preview included items and rates
Set Quantity: e.g., “3” for three bathrooms
Review and Adjust: Modify quantities or rates if needed
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

Select “Standard Bathroom” assembly
Set quantity to 3
Adjust if needed
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)

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

Creating From Existing Estimate

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

Customising Pre-Built Assemblies

Open existing assembly → Duplicate
Rename (e.g., “Bathroom – Premium Fixtures”)
Modify items (upgrade fixtures, adjust labor)
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

Over-complicating assemblies
Forgetting rate updates
Too specific → reduces flexibility
Skipping documentation
Not validating before use

Troubleshooting

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

Next Steps

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

Core Features

Getting Started

Improve Your Process