MyBuildAlly vs online cost calculators
Generic calculators give you a number. MyBuildAlly analyses your actual quote and tells you what is missing, where the total sits against the local range, and what to ask your builder.
We analyse your quote, not just give generic estimates.
Feature comparison
| Feature | MyBuildAlly | Online calculators |
|---|---|---|
| Analyses your actual builder quote | ||
| Quote upload (PDF, photo, Word doc) | ||
| Scope gap detection | ||
| Trade-by-trade cost estimate | ||
| Personalised to your location | ||
| Generic per-sqm estimates | ||
| No signup required | ||
| Benchmark-based quote analysis |
The problem with generic calculators
They don't see your quote
A calculator asks for size and location, then multiplies by a per-sqm rate. It can't tell you if your builder has missed structural steel, underestimated groundworks, or included items you don't need.
One number isn't enough
Knowing that “a 30m² extension costs £35,000–£55,000” is a wide range. You need to know what the specific £48,000 quote on your desk covers, and that means reading it line by line.
They miss scope gaps
The most expensive surprises are rarely the lines that are priced high. They are the lines that are not there at all. Drainage, building control fees, or scaffolding omitted from a quote can add thousands to your final bill.
Frequently asked questions
How is MyBuildAlly different from a cost calculator?
Cost calculators give you a rough estimate based on size and location. MyBuildAlly reads your actual builder's quote line by line for what it leaves out, sets the total against a modelled cost range for the job and region, and flags the building regulation points. It's the difference between a generic guess and a second opinion on the document in front of you.
Are online cost calculators accurate?
Generic calculators can give you a ballpark figure, but they can't account for your specific specification, site conditions, or builder's pricing. They're useful for very early budgeting but shouldn't replace proper quote analysis.
Can I use both?
Absolutely. Use a cost calculator for initial budgeting, then use MyBuildAlly to analyse actual quotes when builders come back to you. The two tools serve different stages of the project.
Go beyond a generic estimate
Upload your builder's quote for an independent analysis of the document itself: a cost benchmark for the whole job, and a review of what the quote leaves out.
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