Cost catalog: first item, then the book
The catalog starts empty. Import a supplier CSV or add the first item you buy — takeoff and estimating pull the same unit costs. No sample rates ship with the product.
1. Add the first item or import a CSV
Empty catalog is not “no matches” — it is a blank price book. Import walks you through it: pick your file, confirm which column is which (it remembers your mapping next time), review new, updated, unchanged, and skipped rows, then import — or add one line item by hand.
Open Catalog →2. Name the supplier you buy from
Add a supplier source, then paste a product page when you want a draft rate. You confirm the price — EstiLumina does not invent one. A Confirmed column and a Stale rates filter show which prices you have not re-checked lately; Mark confirmed today clears the flag the moment you do.
Supplier sources →3. Reuse on takeoff and estimate
Assemblies bundle items with waste and markup. Takeoff and the estimate worksheet read the same book. Add starter assemblies from the Assemblies tab when you want the take-off math for framing, concrete, masonry, sitework, insulation, and siding — every unit cost stays 0 until you price it.
Open Estimating →Evaluate on one job — 14 days free, no credit card. Try the product · For subcontractors
Questions the guide does not answer? Email support@estilumina.com or browse the Help Center.