Audience: Builders/suppliers
Read/watch time: 7 mins
This article outlines how to ensure your Excel estimate file is correctly formatted for uploading/importing into Buildxact. Buildxact allows users to import estimates from Excel spreadsheets, supporting key elements such as Category, Description, Unit of Measurement, and Quantity. However, limitations include only one unit cost and markup figure per line item, no wastage inclusion during import, and manual completion of takeoffs on plans.
How do I upload/import Estimate Details to Buildxact?
Getting your data format right
When importing data, Excel (.csv, .xls or .xlsx preferred) is the format accepted by Buildxact. The minimum required columns are Category and Description. Additional columns, such as Unit of Measurement and Quantity, can also be included but are not mandatory.
For a template to guide you on the correct formatting please click the button below.
Each item should be in its own separate column, as per the example below.
Note: Ensure the selected worksheet follows the Buildxact template layout and is active during import. If data disappears, verify the correct worksheet is being imported.
Here is a run-through of the whole process:
Importing as a new Estimate
To create a new estimate and import your items, follow these steps:
Navigate to Estimates in the left-hand menu
Click on Estimates.
Click on Create New.
On the following screen, scroll to the bottom and click on 'Import from excel'.
If you're confident that your Excel file is correctly formatted, that is, one column per type of information with no formulas or images, then click on Start Import. If you're not sure, click Download and check that the formatting is compatible.
When you click on Start Import, you will see the following screen:
Drag and drop your excel file or select Upload file.
Buildxact will then take you through a couple of screens to ensure that the information in your Excel file aligns with Buildxact requirements.
When the layout is correct, that is, all your categories are valid (see below), you can click Import.
Your Excel estimate will now appear under Estimates in Buildxact.
Import items from Excel into an existing estimate
To import items from an Excel file into an existing estimate, follow these steps:
Click on Estimates in the left-hand navigation menu.
Click on Estimates.
Select the existing estimate that you're looking to upload/import your excel file data into.
4. Click on the Estimate Costings tab within your chosen estimate.
5. Click on Add.
6. Select Import items from Excel.
Click Start Import.
You will be taken through the same steps as those from the Start Import stage under Importing as a new estimate above.
Once you've clicked Import your excel data will appear under Estimate Costings in your chosen estimate. If importing directly from Excel is not feasible, you can manually transfer data using the bulk copy-paste feature. This method is often faster than entering data line by line and can be a practical alternative when dealing with formatting issues.
Please note that currently there is no way to directly link an estimate to an existing job in Buildxact.