Using Assemblies
Assemblies are pre-built packages of related components that speed up estimate creation. Instead of adding individual components one by one, you select an assembly and all its components are added at once.
What Is an Assembly?
An assembly is a template that bundles multiple components together. When you add an assembly to your estimate, all its components are included automatically with pre-configured pricing.
Example: Kitchen Sink Assembly
A "Kitchen Sink" assembly might contain these components:
| Component | Action | Qty | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenter | Demo | 1.5 | HR |
| Kitchen Sink | Install | 1 | EA |
| P-Trap | Install | 1 | EA |
| Plumber | Install | 6.5 | HR |
Instead of adding each line item separately, you add the "Kitchen Sink" assembly once and all four components appear in your estimate. Each component has its own cost, and the assembly calculates the total automatically.
This is powerful because:
- Consistency - Every kitchen sink estimate includes the same items
- Speed - One click adds multiple line items
- Accuracy - Pre-configured labor hours based on your company's experience
- Completeness - Nothing gets forgotten (like the P-trap)
- Centralized Updates - Change a component once and all assemblies update automatically
If your carpenter rate changes from $40/hr to $45/hr, update it once in the Item Database. Every assembly that uses "Carpenter" will automatically reflect the new rate in future estimates. No need to update dozens of assemblies individually.
Opening the Assembly Panel
- Navigate to the area where you want to add the assembly
- Click Add Assembly in the toolbar
- The assembly panel slides in from the right side
Finding Assemblies
Search
Type in the search box to find assemblies by name:
- "Kitchen" finds all kitchen-related assemblies
- "Cabinet" finds cabinet assemblies
- "Bath" finds bathroom assemblies
Filter by Category
Use the category filter to show only assemblies in a specific cost code:
- Cabinets
- Countertops
- Flooring
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- And more...
Filter by Division
Some assemblies are configured for specific project types. The division filter shows assemblies that match your project:
- Remodel
- New Construction
- Addition
- Commercial
Entry Types (Actions)
Before adding an assembly, select the entry type that describes the work:
| Entry Type | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Install | + | New installation (most common) |
| Demolition | - | Removal or tear-out only |
| Demo & Install | & | Remove existing and install new |
| Labor Only | L | Labor cost without materials |
| Material Only | M | Materials without labor |
Choosing the Right Entry Type
- Install - Use for new construction or adding something that doesn't exist
- Demolition - Use when removing something without replacing it
- Demo & Install - Use for replacement work (remove old, install new)
- Labor Only - Use when customer provides materials
- Material Only - Use when customer handles installation
The entry type affects:
- Which components from the assembly are included
- How costs are calculated
- Which work scope fields are available (install scope, demo scope, or both)
Assembly Options
Many assemblies have options that represent different quality levels or configurations:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Low | Budget/basic option |
| Mid | Standard/mid-range option |
| High | Premium/high-end option |
When options are available:
- Click the options dropdown on the assembly
- Select the appropriate option
- Pricing automatically adjusts based on your selection
If no options are shown, the assembly has only one configuration.
Adding Assemblies to Your Estimate
Basic Add
- Find the assembly you want
- Select the entry type (Install, Demo, etc.)
- Select an option if available
- Enter the quantity in the quantity field
- Click the + button or press Enter
The assembly is added to the current area under the appropriate category.
Quick Entry with Keyboard
For fast data entry:
- Type in the quantity field
- Press Enter to add
- Press Tab to move to the next assembly
- Use Arrow Up/Down to increment quantity
This allows rapid assembly entry without using the mouse.
Adding Multiple Assemblies
You can add several assemblies in quick succession:
- Add quantity and press Enter for first assembly
- Tab to next assembly
- Add quantity and press Enter
- Repeat as needed
How Assemblies Display in the Estimate
Once added, assemblies appear as single rows in your estimate table:
- Assembly name and description
- Entry type indicator
- Quantity entered
- Unit from the assembly definition
- Cost and Price totals for all components
Expanding Assemblies
Click on an assembly row to expand it and see the individual components inside:
- Each component shows name, quantity, and pricing
- Components are read-only (defined in the assembly template)
- Total reflects the sum of all components
Editing Assembly Entries
After adding an assembly, you can modify:
Change Quantity
- Click the quantity field on the assembly row
- Enter the new quantity
- Costs recalculate automatically
Change Entry Type
- Click the entry type indicator
- Select a different type from the dropdown
- Assembly recalculates based on new type
Switch Options
- Click the options indicator on the assembly row
- Select a different option
- Pricing updates to reflect the new selection
Change Markup
- Click the markup field
- Enter a custom markup percentage
- This overrides the area and estimate default markup for this entry only
Deleting Assembly Entries
To remove an assembly from your estimate:
- Hover over the assembly row
- Click the Delete icon
- Confirm the deletion
The assembly and all its components are removed.
Assembly Quantities Already in Estimate
The assembly panel shows how many of each assembly are already in your estimate:
- Grayed number next to quantity shows existing quantity
- Helps avoid accidentally adding duplicates
- Useful when reviewing what's already included
When to Use Assemblies vs Components
| Use Assemblies When | Use Components When |
|---|---|
| Work is standardized | Work is unique or custom |
| Speed is important | Fine-grained control is needed |
| Components are pre-defined | Components vary by project |
| Consistent pricing across estimates | Special pricing applies |
| Common packages exist in your database | Components not available as assemblies |
In Hybrid Mode, you can combine both approaches in the same estimate.
Tips for Assembly Estimating
- Verify the entry type - Make sure Install, Demo, or Demo & Install matches your scope
- Check options - Select the right quality level for the customer
- Review quantities - Confirm quantities match your takeoff
- Expand to verify - Expand assemblies to ensure all expected components are included
- Ask your admin - If an assembly you need doesn't exist, request it be created
Next Steps
- Working with Areas - Organize assemblies by area
- Detailed Estimating - Add individual components alongside assemblies
- Pricing and Markup - Understand how assembly pricing works