Budget FAQs

Common questions about creating and managing your construction budget.

How do I create my budget?

Open the **Budget** page and select **Load Template** to start from the standard NAHB categories and cost codes, then set your own quantities and prices. You can also add lines yourself with **+** → **Custom Item**. Full walkthrough: [Creating Your Construction Budget](/help/budget/create-budget).

What budget categories should I include?

At minimum: site work, foundation, framing, roofing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, insulation, drywall, flooring, cabinets, countertops, fixtures, exterior, landscaping, permits and contingency. The NAHB template covers these already.

What is a contingency?

Money set aside for surprises, typically 10–15% of the total. Owner-builders should plan on at least 15%. See [Setting Your Contingency](/help/budget/contingency).

How do allowances affect my budget?

Allowances are linked to budget lines. When you choose a product selection, OwnerDraw shows the difference against the budgeted amount. It never overwrites your budget.

Can I import a budget from a spreadsheet?

Not currently. Load the NAHB template and adjust it, or add lines individually.

What is the difference between Agreed Cost and my budget?

Your budget (Original, and Revised after approved change orders) is what you planned to spend. **Agreed Cost** is what a contractor or supplier has agreed to do the work for. They are recorded separately so you can see when a price differs from the plan.

Why does a line show a Remaining Commitment when it is finished?

**Remaining Commitment** is the unused part of an open agreement. It stays until you close the line out — open the line's three-dot menu and choose **Close Out Line Item**. Closing a line pays nothing and does not change your budget.

Is Actual Cost the money I have paid?

No. **Actual Cost** is every expense recorded against the line, including bills you have not paid yet. Payment status lives on the **Expenses** page.

Does Unspent Budget mean I have saved money?

Not while work remains. **Unspent Budget** is Revised minus Actual Cost — budget not yet used. It becomes real savings only once the line is finished and settled. Full definitions: [Understanding Your Budget Amounts](/help/budget/actual-vs-budget).

Can a change order reduce a budget?

No. The change order form requires an amount above zero, so a change order only increases the line it is attached to. To lower a line, reduce its **Qty** or **$/Unit**. See [Change Orders in Your Budget](/help/budget/change-orders).

How do I export my budget?

Select **Export**, choose **Bank View (Rolled Up)** or **Detailed View**, then **Export CSV**. The Budget page exports a CSV; lender PDFs come from **Draw Requests** and **Bank Ready**. See [Budget Exports](/help/budget/budget-reports).

---

**Verification note:** Answers were checked against the current app code and the Budget page's dialogs. No budget was created, exported or closed out on a live project for this pass.