Questions
Straight answers for estimators and project managers
Clear questions get clear answers. Use these when you are comparing tools or explaining LuminaBuilt to your partners.
What is LuminaBuilt?
LuminaBuilt is the evidence-gated construction office desk for Specialty trade, Residential GC, Commercial GC, Public-work GC, and Developer across North America. Start with Takeoff — evidence-backed quantities with your review before issue. Add Project, Coordinator, and Admin desks on the same spine when you are ready. Full office hire framing waits on live proof.
Do I need a 3D model to use it?
No. LuminaBuilt is built for the PDF and drawing sets most commercial jobs still bid from: floor plans, sections, elevations, and schedules. Heights come from sections and elevations. You do not need a perfect model to start.
How does construction takeoff work in LuminaBuilt?
Counts prefer schedules when they exist (doors, fixtures, finishes, wall types). Measured walls and floors come from the plans. Opening areas are deducted from exterior insulation and cladding, and from interior drywall and batt. Returns at door reveals are included. Neat quantity and order quantity are shown separately so waste is not hidden.
What is the difference between neat quantity and order quantity?
Neat quantity is what installs in place. Order quantity is what you buy after waste and cutting loss. LuminaBuilt keeps them separate so you can see the allowance instead of a padded number with no explanation.
Does it support CCDC contracts?
Yes for Canadian commercial work. Project duties reference common CCDC 2 themes such as progress payment applications, holdback, change orders, shop drawings, and related notices. You still apply the rules for your province and your specific contract.
Is LuminaBuilt a full field and enterprise project platform?
No. LuminaBuilt is the commercial office desk: quantities from your drawings, project priorities, trade awards, chase lists, and billing discipline. It is built for operators who need that competence without a large multi-module rollout or a field-crew system.
Who is LuminaBuilt for?
Specialty trade shops, residential GCs, commercial GCs, public-work GCs, and developer / owner precon offices in North America — estimators and operators who run the office side without a full department. Pick Who we are; price and duties follow your segment.
Can one person run multiple jobs with it?
That is the design intent. Priorities put money and contractual notices first, then changes and scope gaps, then routine chase. You approve anything that moves money or time before it goes out.
How much does it cost?
Premium USD only for all of North America. Published segment ladders for Specialty trade, Residential GC, Commercial GC, Public-work GC, and Developer — land Takeoff first (from about $990/mo), then expand. Full office hire framing unlocks after live proof, not day one. See /pricing. Fourteen-day trial.