About BuildNDE
Practical construction knowledge and free tools, in plain language.
Our mission
BuildNDE exists to make construction planning easier to understand. Many home owners, young engineers and site supervisors struggle to turn a drawing into quantities, costs and a sensible sequence of work. We build simple tools and write short, practical guides so anyone can plan with more confidence.
What you will find here
Free calculators
Concrete, bricks, plaster, tiles, paint, steel, excavation, stairs, roof, tanks, cost and unit converters. No sign up is needed to use them.
Tools & equipment
Clear explanations of what each tool does, how to use it and the safety habits that prevent accidents.
Step-by-step guide
An A to Z guide that follows a house from the first idea to handover and maintenance.
BOQ builder
A built-in Bill of Quantities and estimate builder that keeps your data in your own browser.
How our calculators work
Each calculator uses standard, widely published construction formulas and common site factors, for example a dry volume factor for concrete, wastage allowances for bricks and tiles, and the D²÷162 rule for steel bar weight. The assumptions are shown on the calculator page so you can check them. Results are estimates: real quantities change with site conditions, workmanship, material quality and local practice.
Who it is for
- Home owners planning to build or renovate.
- Students and young engineers learning quantity estimation.
- Contractors, supervisors and site foremen who need a quick check.
- Anyone comparing materials and costs before asking for quotations.
Our promise
We keep the tools free, we say clearly when something is an estimate, and we fix mistakes quickly. If you find an error or want a new calculator, please contact us. Please also read our Disclaimer and Privacy Policy.