By Smart Builder 360 Team |
Principal Contributors: Kurt Shank & Dave Daugherty |
Updated: September 2026
If you're mid-trial and haven't set anything up yet: log in, add one real project, build the estimate for it, then add your team if you need to. That's the whole setup — there's nothing to install, and you don't need to touch every module before you start.
You're in your trial and it's time to actually use it. Here's the setup, in order — no fluff, no modules you don't need yet.
Step 1: Log In
1Go to your account and log in. Smart Builder 360 runs entirely in the browser — nothing to install, nothing to configure before you get in.
Step 2: Add Your First Project
2Add one real job, not a demo. Use a project you're actually running right now. A test project won't tell you anything useful, and you'll end up redoing the setup on a real job anyway.
Step 3: Build the Estimate
3Set up your project estimate in the Project Estimator. Organize cost categories, line items, cost type, quantity, and unit cost the way you'd normally price the job — the estimate is the foundation everything else in the system builds on.
If you've already got a spreadsheet estimate for this job, our free construction estimate template uses the same cost category structure, which makes moving the numbers over more straightforward.
Step 4: Add Your Team (If You Need To)
4Invite teammates once you know who actually needs a login. Additional users are $20/month each. There's no rush to do this on day one — get your own project set up first.
Step 5: Add the Other Modules as the Job Needs Them
5You don't have to touch every module right away. Most builders start with estimating and scheduling, then bring in change orders, bank draw forms, and selections as those parts of the job actually come up. See the full list on our features page.
Watch the Setup Video
Settings and Setup Training
A short walkthrough of setting up your account and your first project correctly from the start.
How long does it take to set up Smart Builder 360?
There's nothing to install, so setup is really just logging in and adding your first project. Most of the time it takes is filling in real project details, not fighting the software.
Should my first project be a real job or a test project?
A real job. A demo project won't tell you whether the system fits how you actually work, and you'll likely redo the setup anyway once you switch to a live job. Start with one you're currently running.
Do I need to add my whole team on day one?
No. Add yourself first, get one project set up, and invite teammates once you know which of them actually need a login. Additional users are $20/month each whenever you add them.
Do I have to use every module right away?
No. Most builders start with estimating and scheduling, then add the other modules — change orders, bank draw forms, selections — as those parts of the job come up.
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