We’re always looking for ways to make planning your build easier—and that starts with understanding what your dream home might cost to bring to life. That’s why we’re excited to share a significant upgrade to our
Cost to Build Report—now powered by StartBuild, an industry leader with over 20 years of experience in construction cost estimating.
What’s a Cost to Build report?
It’s a personalized estimate that shows what it could cost to build your house plan—based on your location, square footage, and construction choices. It’s the best tool we offer to help you budget with clarity and make informed decisions.
What’s New in the StartBuild Cost to Build Report?
Starting July 1, all new Cost to Build reports on our site will come with major upgrades. Here’s what that means for you:
✅ Faster Estimates
Most reports are delivered in 1–2 business days, and often just a few hours after ordering.
✅ Expanded Coverage
StartBuild supports single-family homes, multi-family plans, garage plans, and ADUs—so you can get estimates across a wider range of projects.
✅ More Customization
Want to remove labor for certain tasks? Compare finishes? Tweak the materials? You’ve got full control.
StartBuild reports include 60+ editable line items, giving you more detail and flexibility than ever before.
✅ Built-in Support
Have a question about your report? StartBuild’s knowledgeable team is ready to help.
Whether you need help navigating your report or customizing your estimate, their customer service team is fast, friendly, and here to support you every step of the way.
Try the StartBuild Demo: See Your Cost Estimate in Action
Not sure what to expect? Try a free demo and see how the new report works—no commitment needed.
Take the Guided Tour
When you open the demo, a step-by-step tour will launch automatically to walk you through the tool’s features. Just click Next to move through each step. If you skip the tour and want to revisit it later, click the “View Tour” button at the top of the screen.
What to Expect in the Full Version
In the demo, you’ll see tools like Export to PDF, Export to Excel, and Help / Feedback. You’ll be able to use these features once your report is purchased.
How to Order a Cost to Build Report from Architectural Designs
Go to any house plan page and find the Cost to Build Report box.
Enter your build lot postal code and click Order a Cost to Build Report.
Confirm your location, choose your material quality, and select your foundation type.
Add the report to your cart and proceed to checkout.
Ready to estimate your building costs? Choose a house plan and order your StartBuild Cost to Build Report today for a fast, detailed construction estimate.
Cost to Build Report FAQs: What You Need to Know
I just purchased a StartBuild Cost to Build report. Where can I find it?Log into
your Architectural Designs account and head to your Cost to Build Reports page.
Can I Edit My Report After Purchase?Yes! Your StartBuild report is fully customizable for 60 days at no additional cost. You can adjust line items, remove labor or material costs, and tailor the estimate to better reflect your specific plan.
I purchased a Verisk report before July 1. Can I still access it?Yes. You'll have access to your Verisk report through your AD customer portal until July 31.
Will my report reflect the modifications I requested to my house plan?Modifications are handled separately, so they won’t appear in your Cost to Build report automatically. To include changes like updated square footage, bed and bath counts, or other details, contact the StartBuild team through their recommended support channels. They’ll help you update the report.
How accurate are the estimates?StartBuild’s estimates are typically accurate within about 10%. Keep in mind, your personal choices, like finishes, materials, or location, can affect the final cost the most.
Can I get a materials-only or labor-only estimate?Yes. You can fully customize your report to include or exclude materials or labor.
Can I switch to a StartBuild report instead of the Verisk one I already purchased?If you purchased a Verisk report between June 1 and June 30, reach out to AD via the Contact Us page, and we can guide you.
3 Key Benefits of the StartBuild Cost to Build Report
StartBuild brings three major improvements to your Cost to Build experience: faster delivery, deeper customization, and expert support every step of the way.
Have questions? Our
Customer Success team is here to help. And once your report is ready, StartBuild’s support team is just a click, email, or call away.