How to Use BlockToBlock

Getting Started

The app comes pre-filled with common materials and simple unit examples so you can calculate right away. You can change them anytime in Settings.

Steps

1. Open Settings → Units & Measurement to review unit sizes.
2. Open Materials & Prices to review or update prices you pay.
3. Set truck sizes and trip costs if you plan to include transport.
4. Choose your currency so totals look right.
5. Try a calculator from Construction Mixes.

Outputs

• A ready-to-use setup and your first result.

Tips

• Keep things simple: start with your most common materials and one truck.
• You can always edit settings later as your project grows.

Getting Started — First Run

Use the one-time banner to jump into a focused intro or review materials.

Steps

1. From the banner, tap “Getting started” to open the focused card.
2. Read the steps, then go back — the banner disappears.
3. Or tap “Review materials”, edit defaults, and return — the banner disappears.
4. You can also swipe to dismiss it permanently.

First Run

You start with a ready-made list of common materials and basic unit sizes. Edit them anytime.

Steps

1. Open Materials & Costs to change prices or add items.
2. Open Units & Measurement to change unit sizes.
3. Return to Construction Mixes and calculate.

Trucks & Units

Choose the right truck and keep units consistent.

Steps

1. Open Settings → Truck Settings to view or add trucks.
2. Each truck shows an icon so you can tell the type at a glance.
3. Open Settings → Units & Measurement to manage units (bag, headpan, m³, tonne).
4. Keep unit names and prices aligned with how you buy materials.

Block Mix — Quick Start

Configure blocks, ratio and units; see amounts and cost.

Steps

1. Open Block Mix from Construction Mixes.
2. Pick block size and type.
3. Enter the quantity you need.
4. Set the cement : sand : water ratio.
5. Check units and prices; Calculate.

Outputs

• Materials needed, unit counts, totals.

Mortar Mix — Quick Start

Calculate mortar for laying.

Steps

1. Open Mortar Mix.
2. Enter volume or area × thickness.
3. Set cement : sand (and optional lime).
4. Add labour if needed; Calculate.

Outputs

• Cement, sand, water amounts; optional labour cost.

Concrete Mix — Quick Start

Plan cement, sand and aggregate for slabs or foundations.

Steps

1. Open Concrete Mix.
2. Select the structure (slab, foundation).
3. Enter area and depth.
4. Set the ratio and check unit sizes; Calculate.

Outputs

• Material volumes, unit counts and cost.

Wall Area — Quick Start

Measure a wall and see blocks and mortar.

Steps

1. Open Wall Area.
2. Enter length and height; add openings.
3. Pick block and mortar details; Calculate.

Outputs

• Area, block count, mortar and cost.

Buy Blocks — Quick Start

Cost buying blocks with delivery, tax and discounts.

Steps

1. Open Block Purchase.
2. Enter quantity and unit price.
3. Add delivery cost, tax and discount if any.
4. Calculate.

Outputs

• Net total with extras included.

Import Materials from CSV

Load your price list from a spreadsheet in one go.

Steps

1. Open Materials & Costs.
2. Tap Import from CSV.
3. Pick your file and confirm the columns.
4. Review the list and save.

Outputs

• Your materials list is ready to use.

Quick Price Import

Bring in a simple CSV of material names, units, and prices instead of typing them one by one.

Steps

1. Open Materials & Prices.
2. Tap Import from CSV.
3. Pick your file with material name, unit, and price columns.
4. Review the preview and confirm.
5. Open a calculator to see your updated totals.

Outputs

• Up-to-date prices applied across all calculators.

Tips

• Keep column names clear, e.g., name, unit, price.
• You can edit any item after importing.

Wall → Mortar

Measure the wall, then cost the laying.

Steps

1. Wall Area: enter length/height and openings; Calculate.
2. Tap Open Mortar Mix to continue.
3. Set ratio and labour; Calculate and Export.

Outputs

• Block count, mortar needs and laying cost.

Quick Export & Share

Save your result and share a clean report with your team or client.

Steps

1. Run a calculation and review the breakdown.
2. Tap Export to generate a PDF or shareable file.
3. Pick how you want to share (messages, email, drive).
4. Find past exports in Recent Projects.

Outputs

• A share-ready document you can send or store.

Tips

• Make sure your currency and units are correct before exporting.
• Rename the project for easier search later.

Construction Planner — Quick Start

Pick a template, enter dimensions, compute a BoQ, then save and export.

Steps

1. Open Construction Planner → Start Manual.
2. Select a template (e.g., 2BR).
3. Enter perimeter, internal walls, height and openings.
4. Set foundation/slab where needed; Calculate BoQ.
5. Save and export PDF/CSV.

Outputs

• A saved, editable project with a share-ready BoQ.

Calculate a BoQ

Enter geometry and options to calculate quantities for blocks, cement, sand, aggregate and more.

Steps

1. Fill Dimensions: walls, height and openings.
2. Add foundation or slab depth/area if applicable.
3. Adjust waste %, mixes and roof pitch factor.
4. Tap Calculate BoQ to see results.

Outputs

• A complete BoQ with assumptions and rules version.

Save, Reopen & Edit

Save your plan, find it in Recent Projects, reopen to edit inputs and recompute.

Steps

1. From BoQ, tap Save Plan and confirm details.
2. Open Recent Projects and find your plan.
3. Tap to reopen — edit dimensions and recompute.
4. Duplicate if you want to explore alternatives.

Outputs

• Editable, versionable plans you can revisit anytime.

Export & Share

Generate a clean PDF or CSV for clients or your spreadsheet workflow.

Steps

1. From BoQ, choose Export PDF or Export CSV.
2. Share through your preferred app.
3. Keep exports attached to emails or stored in drive.

Outputs

• Client-ready PDF and a CSV for costing.

Tips

• Set your currency and units in Settings before exporting.

Add BoQ to Purchases

Send all BoQ lines to your Purchases & Expenses area for cost tracking.

Steps

1. From BoQ, tap Add All to Purchase.
2. Edit line quantities or notes if needed.
3. Save the purchase draft and track costs over time.

Outputs

• A purchase draft derived from your BoQ.

Import Plan (Premium)

Attach a PDF or image to prefill the form (coming soon).

Steps

1. Open Planner → Import Plan.
2. Pick a file and review the prefilled data.
3. Adjust and Calculate BoQ.

Outputs

• Faster entry with fewer manual steps.

AI Parse (Pro)

Let AI read blueprints to build a BoQ automatically (coming soon).

Steps

1. Open Planner → AI Parse.
2. Attach your drawing.
3. Review detected elements; confirm and export.

Outputs

• A BoQ built from your blueprint with AI assistance.

Validation Tips

Keep results reliable: check units, prices, and openings before exporting.

Steps

1. Verify Units & Measurement for cement, sand and aggregate.
2. Confirm material prices are current.
3. Double-check openings (count & size) against the plan.
4. Recompute and then export.

Outputs

• Confident results you can share with clients.

Construction Planner — Quick Start

Turn room sizes and simple assumptions into a full material list and delivery plan.

Steps

1. Open Construction Planner from the main menu.
2. Select a template (e.g., 2BR).
3. Enter perimeter, internal walls, height and openings.
4. Enter otther dimensions.
5. Tap Calculate to build your material list (estimate).
6. Tap the truck icon to estimate delivery (optional).
7. Save your plan to Recent Projects.

Outputs

• A calculated material list with optional delivery cost.

Tips

• You can change units at any time in Settings.
• Not sure about an input? Use the default and adjust later.

Estimate Delivery — Walkthrough

Choose vendor fees or trucks, see trips and total delivery cost.

Steps

1. Open Estimate Delivery from your BoQ.
2. For each item pick Vendor delivers or Use truck.
3. If you choose a truck, select one and review the trips and cost.
4. Apply to save the Delivery subtotal back to the BoQ.

Outputs

• Accurate per-item delivery costs and a subtotal.

Tips

• Set truck capacity in m³ or pcs for accurate trips.
• If units don’t line up, the card shows a small hint to adjust units.

Export Your Report

Create a client-ready PDF or a CSV for spreadsheets.

Steps

1. From your BoQ, tap Export PDF or Export CSV.
2. Review the totals and the Openings section.
3. Share or store the file.

Outputs

• Neat PDF and CSV files with materials, delivery and openings.

Tips

• If a material has no price yet, the export shows a short note.
• Add prices later and export again for a complete total.

Subscribe on iOS

How to start a BlockToBlock Pro Monthly subscription on iPhone/iPad. Works with Sandbox (testing) and live users.

Steps

1. Open BlockToBlock.
2. On the main menu, tap Pro Subscription.
3. On Upgrade to Pro, confirm you see “BlockToBlock Pro Monthly” and “£8.99/month”.
4. If a red “StoreKit: Failed to get response…” appears, recheck Sandbox setup and Screen Time permissions.
5. Tap Subscribe.
6. When the Apple purchase sheet appears, choose your Sandbox account if prompted and confirm (Side/Touch ID or password).
7. After success, you’ll return to the app and Pro features unlock.
8. (Optional) Verify: tap Manage Subscription to open iOS Subscriptions, or tap Restore Purchases after reinstalling to test restore.

Outputs

• Active Pro features on this device/account.
• Ability to restore the purchase after reinstall.

Tips

• For simulator testing, attach a .storekit configuration with your product ID.
• On real devices, sign in with a Sandbox account in Settings → App Store → Sandbox Account.
• Ensure In-App Purchases are allowed in Screen Time.

Subscribe on Android

How to start a BlockToBlock Pro Monthly subscription on Android using Google Play Billing.

Steps

1. Open BlockToBlock.
2. Tap Pro Subscription.
3. Confirm you see “BlockToBlock Pro Monthly” and “£8.99/month”.
4. Tap Subscribe.
5. When the Google Play purchase dialog appears, choose a test payment method and confirm.
6. After success, you’ll return to the app and Pro features unlock.
7. (Optional) Tap Manage Subscription to open the Play subscription page, or use Restore Purchases after reinstalling.

Outputs

• Active Pro features on this device/account.
• Working restore and manage flows through Google Play.

Tips

• Make sure the base plan ID and offer are Active in Play Console.

Quick Troubleshoot: Subscribe Button Grey or Error

Fix common issues that prevent the purchase sheet from appearing.

Steps

1. If the subscribe button is grey or you see “Failed to get response”:
2. • iOS: Sign in with your account, allow In-App Purchases in Screen Time
3. If price/plan text doesn’t match, check store pricing and that the subscription is attached to the current build/version.
4. If restore fails, confirm you’re logged into the same account used to buy and use the in-app Restore Purchases button.

Outputs

• Purchase sheet appears and subscription completes successfully.

Tips

• Delete/reinstall the app to clear pending transactions during tests.
• Network/captive portal issues can block StoreKit/Play—try another network.

Start a New Plan — Quick Start

From empty land to a materials estimate in minutes.

Steps

1. Open Planner and choose Start a New Plan.
2. Enter perimeter (or length & width) and wall height.
3. Set storeys and add internal wall length.
4. Add door/window sizes and counts.
5. Enter foundation trench width, depth, and perimeter.
6. Add floor slab area and thickness (optional).
7. Check mixes & wastage; adjust if needed.
8. Pick delivery method or prices; tap Create.

Outputs

• Materials List (BoQ) with assumptions
• Optional Delivery Plan and subtotal
• Exportable PDF/CSV

Export with assumptions

Add an assumptions section to clarify units profile and key choices.

Steps

1. Open Export options.
2. Enable “Include assumptions/allowances”.
3. Export and share.

Keep the “Last update” fresh

Make the header timestamp reflect your latest inputs.

Steps

1. Edit prices in Materials & Costs — the time updates.
2. Change unit sizes in Units & Measurement — the time updates.
3. Edit Trucks (capacity or cost) — the time updates.
4. Set currency or refresh rates — the time updates.
5. Reopen the screen or tap ⓘ to fetch the live header.

Review Materials (from first-run banner)

See and edit the default setup on day one.

Steps

1. Tap “Review materials” on the first-run banner.
2. Edit prices or add items in Materials & Costs.
3. Return to the main menu — the banner won’t show again.

Roofing: Getting Started

Create your first roof plan, compute, preview, and save.

Steps

1. Open Roofing Planner and tap Start Roofing.
2. Pick Pitched, Flat, Curved, or Custom.
3. Enter dimensions and options; tap Calculate.
4. Preview the BoQ, then Save your plan.

Saved Roofing Plans

Open, export, duplicate, edit, or delete previously saved roofs.

Steps

1. Open your saved roof plans list.
2. Tap a plan to open its preview.
3. Use Export (PDF/CSV), Duplicate, Edit Inputs, or Delete.

Allowances — toggle before export

Choose which allowance lines (Rebar, Wire, Mesh, Formwork) appear in your export.

Steps

1. Open Export options.
2. Toggle allowance lines you want included.
3. Export PDF/CSV.

Toolbar & Home button

Know the key icons and how to jump back home fast.

Steps

1. Tap ⓘ for assumptions and a live “Last update”.
2. Use 💾 Save and 📄 PDF from the top bar.
3. Open 🕘 History to find past results.
4. Toggle ☀️/🌙 to match your environment.
5. Double-tap the page title to hide/show the Home button; tap 🏠 to return to the dashboard.

Block Purchase — Auto-price & delivery

Let the app pull the unit price from your Materials, and auto-calc trips for delivery.

Steps

1. Choose Hollow/Solid and 6in/9in (or custom label).
2. Enter quantity; the app resolves price from Materials unless you override.
3. Turn on Use Truck to auto-fill trips from capacity (blocks/trip).
4. Enter tax/discount, then Calculate and Save or export a PDF.

Custom Mode — Quick Start

Work in Metric or Imperial (or both), then export with assumptions.

Steps

1. Set Display Units in Settings (Metric/Imperial).
2. Create a Custom plan and enter dimensions in your preferred units.
3. Toggle dual display if you want both units shown.
4. Export PDF/CSV with assumptions and allowances.

Dismiss the first-run banner

Don’t need the nudge? Swipe it away.

Steps

1. Swipe the banner off the screen — it won’t return.

Settings Overview

All the places you’ll use to set units, prices, trucks, and currency.

Steps

1. Open Settings from the main menu.
2. Check Units & Measurement: make sure each material has a real-world size (e.g., 1 bag of cement).
3. Check Material Prices: confirm the current price per unit.
4. Open Trucks: set truck size and price per trip.
5. Open Currency: pick your currency and review currency tools if you use them.

Outputs

• Correct units, prices, and trucks applied across all calculators.
• Totals shown with your chosen currency.

Tips

• Keep units and prices updated for accurate results.
• You can change these anytime; new calculations will use your latest settings.

Mix Ratios Explained

What 1:4 means in practice and how units affect cost.

Steps

1. A ratio like 1:4 means parts, not measurements.
2. The app converts parts into real amounts using your units (bag, headpan, m³).
3. Hollow blocks have empty space inside (%). Set it to reduce material amounts.
4. Prices come from your Materials list; the app multiplies by the amounts it calculates.

Outputs

• Clear understanding of parts → real quantities → cost.

Tips

• Keep unit names and prices consistent with how you buy materials.
• Common hollow percentage for blocks: 25–35%.

Block Mix

Estimate cement, sand and water to produce blocks.

Steps

1. Choose block size and type (Solid or Hollow).
2. Enter how many blocks you need.
3. Set the mix ratio (e.g., 1 : 4 : water).
4. Pick units for cement and sand (bag/kg/tonne; headpan/m³/tonne).
5. If Hollow, set empty space inside (%).
6. Optionally pick a Truck (capacity and trip cost).
7. Tap Calculate and review the breakdown.

Outputs

• Per-material amounts, unit counts, unit prices and totals.
• Optional trips and transport cost.

Tips

• Update prices in Materials if any cost shows as 0.00.
• Unit sizes come from Units & Measurement in Settings.

Mortar Mix

Work out mortar for laying blocks or bricks.

Steps

1. Choose units (feet or metres).
2. Enter the mortar volume or use area × thickness.
3. Set the ratio for cement, sand and optional lime.
4. Enter labour rate if you want total laying cost.
5. Tap Calculate to see amounts and cost.

Outputs

• Cement, sand, water amounts; optional labour cost.

Tips

• Matching units (bag, headpan, etc.) make costs clearer.
• Add lime only if your method requires it.

Concrete Mix

Plan cement, sand and aggregate for slabs or foundations.

Steps

1. Pick the structure type (e.g., slab, foundation).
2. Enter area and depth.
3. Set the cement : sand : aggregate ratio.
4. Check unit sizes and prices.
5. Tap Calculate and review results.

Outputs

• Material volumes, unit counts, costs and optional transport.

Tips

• Keep water/cement ratio and curing in mind for real jobs.
• Truck capacity helps estimate trips.

Wall Area

Estimate wall area, block count and mortar needs.

Steps

1. Enter wall length and height; add openings if any.
2. Pick block size and type.
3. Set mortar thickness and ratio.
4. Enter labour rate if you want total laying cost.
5. Tap Calculate.

Outputs

• Total area, block count, mortar and cost.
• Quick link to Mortar Mix.

Tips

• Use the same units you buy in for smoother costing.

Block Purchase

Estimate how many blocks to buy and what it will cost.

Steps

1. Open Block Purchase from the main menu.
2. Choose the block size and type.
3. Enter the number of blocks you need.
4. Add transport or other costs if needed.
5. See the total cost and save if you want.

Outputs

• Block counts and total purchase cost.
• Optional transport and notes included.

Tips

• If you’re also casting, compare with Block Mix to decide build vs buy.
• Set your currency first so totals look right on reports.

Transport & Trucking

Trips and cost depend on capacity and distance.

Steps

1. Add trucks in Settings with capacity (m³) and cost per trip.
2. When you select a truck in a mix, the app calculates trips.
3. Review transport in the results.

Outputs

• Trips and transport cost in the final total.

Tips

• Keep trip cost updated to local rates.
• Small trucks may need more trips but can reach tight sites.

Quick Export & Share

Send results as a PDF or share a summary.

Steps

1. Open Projects to find your saved item.
2. Tap Export to create a PDF.
3. Share with your client or team.

Outputs

• A clean PDF/summary you can send or print.

Tips

• Set your base currency first for the right symbol.
• Keep project names clear so they’re easy to find later.

Materials & Costs

View, add, update, delete — and import or export your list.

Steps

1. Open Materials & Costs from the main menu.
2. Tap Import from CSV to load a spreadsheet.
3. Use Add New to create an item by hand.
4. Use Update to change a price.
5. Use Delete to remove items you no longer need.

Outputs

• Up-to-date materials list used by all calculators.

Tips

• Your CSV should have name, unit and price columns.
• You can Export to CSV to back up your list.

Add New Material

Create a new material entry with unit and price.

Steps

1. Open Materials & Costs.
2. Tap Add New Material.
3. Enter name, unit and price.
4. Save.

Outputs

• Material ready for use in all calculators.

Tips

• Use the same unit names as your invoices.
• Avoid duplicates to keep lists clean.

Update Material Cost

Change prices when the market moves.

Steps

1. Open Materials & Costs.
2. Pick a material and unit.
3. Enter the new price and save.

Outputs

• Fresh prices used in new calculations.

Tips

• Do small batches weekly to stay current.

View Materials

Browse all materials and their prices.

Steps

1. Open Materials & Costs.
2. Filter or search to find items.
3. Tap any row to edit.

Outputs

• Confidence your catalog matches local market rates.

Tips

• Check cement, sand, aggregate and water first — they drive most jobs.

Delete Material

Remove items you no longer need.

Steps

1. Open Materials & Costs.
2. Select one or more items.
3. Tap Delete and confirm.

Outputs

• Clean, focused materials list.

Tips

• Deletion can’t be undone.
• Export to CSV first if you want a backup.

Material Pricing

Keep prices current for cement, sand, aggregate and water.

Steps

1. Open Materials & Costs.
2. Search or filter and update values.
3. Save.

Outputs

• Up-to-date unit costs across the app.

Tips

• Prices feed the UC (unit cost) column in breakdowns.
• Pair with unit sizes for reliable totals.

Units & Measurement (Conversions)

Tell the app how big each unit is so ratios become real-world amounts.

Steps

1. Open Settings → Units & Measurement.
2. Pick a material (e.g., Cement, Sand, Aggregate, Water).
3. Enter a unit name (e.g., Bag, Headpan, m³) and how much it equals in m³.
4. Save the entry.
5. Repeat for the materials you use most.

Outputs

• Accurate material quantities in the calculators.
• Clear breakdowns that match your local units.

Tips

• Common example: 1 bag of cement ≈ 0.035 m³ (adjust for your brand/size).
• Use simple names your team knows (Bag, Headpan).
• You can also do a quick price import from your materials list.

Truck Settings

Add or edit trucks with capacity and cost per trip.

Steps

1. Open Truck Settings in Settings.
2. Add truck name, capacity (m³) and cost per trip.
3. Save.

Outputs

• Trips and transport cost in your results.

Tips

• Select a truck in a mix to auto-compute trips and transport cost.

Base/Local Currency

Choose how money is shown (symbol + ISO, e.g., £ GBP).

Steps

1. Open Base/Local Currency in Settings.
2. Pick the currency and save.

Outputs

• Consistent currency across the app and exports.

Tips

• Set this before exporting PDFs.

Currency Tools

View currencies, pick a base, and convert amounts if needed.

Steps

1. Open Currency Tools in Settings.
2. View available currencies and their symbols.
3. Pick a base currency if you need to change it.
4. Use conversion when comparing prices.

Outputs

• Prices shown with the right symbol.

Search

Find projects, materials or guides fast.

Steps

1. Open Search from the main menu.
2. Type a keyword and filter if needed.
3. Open a result to view or edit.

Outputs

• Faster navigation across the app.

About the App

Block To Block is the ultimate go-to app for anyone seeking accurate and reliable construction cost estimates. Whether you're building a foundation, beam, slab, driveway, fence, house, walls or blocks needed to cover a given area, this app calculates material and labor costs based on given (accurate) measurements. It also provides estimates for concrete mix, block mix, mortar, and brick/block construction, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of your project's budget needs. Share This App If you’re on iPhone → it shares the App Store link. If you’re on Android → it shares the Google Play link. If you’re on Web/Desktop → it shares your website link. In short → the correct link for the right device. Rate Us On iPhone → it opens the App Store’s “Write a Review” screen directly. On Android → it opens the Play Store page so users can tap “Rate”. On Web/Desktop → it falls back to your website. So users don’t end up in the wrong store.

Steps

1. Open About from the main menu.
2. Read the overview and support info.
3. Use Share to send the right store link for your device.
4. Tap Rate Us to leave a review in the correct store.

Estimate Delivery from the BoQ

Choose vendor fees or a truck per material and the app totals your delivery costs.

Steps

1. From your BoQ, tap the truck icon to open Estimate Delivery.
2. For each item pick Vendor delivers (flat fee or per-unit) or Use truck.
3. If you choose a truck, select one from your list. The app shows trips and estimated cost.
4. Tap Apply to save the Delivery subtotal to your BoQ.

Outputs

• Per-item delivery choices and a BoQ Delivery subtotal.

Tips

• Trucks can use cubic meters (m³) or pieces (pcs) per trip—set this in Truck Settings.
• If units don’t match and can’t be converted, a small hint appears and that line won’t count until units are aligned.

Truck Settings — Capacity Units

Add trucks with the correct capacity unit and cost per trip for accurate delivery estimates.

Steps

1. Open Settings → Truck Settings.
2. Enter truck name and cost per trip.
3. Choose Capacity Unit: m³ (materials by volume) or pcs (blocks per trip).
4. Fill the capacity for the chosen unit and Save.

Outputs

• A ready truck list for Estimate Delivery.

Tips

• Use pcs for block carriers so the trip count is accurate.
• You can add several trucks and pick the best fit per material.

Exports — Openings & Totals

PDF and CSV include an openings summary (door/window counts by size), materials and delivery totals.

Steps

1. Calculate your BoQ and Apply delivery.
2. Tap Export to generate PDF or CSV.
3. Find the Openings section below the totals.

Outputs

• Client-ready PDF and spreadsheet-friendly CSV.

Tips

• Make sure openings in Planner are complete—your report will list them clearly.
• Lintel notes are included where applicable.

Why a line can show no unit price

If a material has no unit price yet, the export shows a short note and that line isn’t added to the Materials subtotal until you set a price.

Steps

1. Open Materials & Costs to add or update missing prices.
2. Export again for a fully priced report.

Outputs

• Clear totals with a gentle reminder to complete pricing later.

Tips

• You can still share the report—the note keeps things transparent.

Search Tips & Tricks

Make the most of the search across Projects, Mixes, Purchases, Guides, and Tutorials.

Steps

1. Type keywords, numbers, or partial words — search is case-insensitive across titles, tags, and details.
2. Projects examples: '9 inch block', 'ratio 1:6', 'client jane', 'currency ngn'.
3. Concrete examples: 'concrete m25', '1:2:4', 'slump 75'.
4. Help examples: 'settings/trucks', 'materials/import-csv', 'guide mix ratios'.
5. Combine terms: 'concrete 1:2:4 slump', 'purchase acme ngn'.
6. Partial matches: 'cli jan' → 'client Jane'.
7. Scope by type: tap Guide/Tutorial filters.
8. Tag prefixes: 'client:', 'project:', 'currency:', 'vendor:'.

Pro Subscription Overview

BlockToBlock Pro Monthly unlocks unlimited exports & sharing, enhanced tutorials, and localization features.

Steps

1. Open Pro Subscription from the main menu to see features and price.
2. Tap Subscribe to start your trial and monthly plan.
3. Use Manage Subscription to change or cancel anytime.
4. Use Restore Purchases after reinstalling or on a new device.

Outputs

• Understanding of what Pro includes and how to manage it.

Tips

• Price and availability may vary by region.
• You won’t be charged until after the free trial completes (if offered).

Pro Features & Upgrade

What you get with Pro and how to subscribe.

Steps

1. Open Upgrade from the main menu or any locked feature.
2. Pick a plan and follow the store flow.
3. Return to your work—Pro features unlock instantly on this device.

Outputs

• AI Parse, Plan Import and any Pro-only exports are enabled.

Tips

• You can manage your subscription from your app store account.
• If you switch devices, restore purchases from the Upgrade screen.

Construction Planner — Overview

Plan a whole build: pick a template, enter dimensions, get a Bill of Quantities (BoQ), save, export, and hand off to purchases.

Steps

1. Open Construction Planner from the main menu.
2. Tap Start Manual (templates) to begin.
3. Enter dimensions and options (openings, foundation, slab, roof factor).
4. Review the BoQ with assumptions and rules version.
5. Save to Projects, Export to PDF/CSV, or Add All to Purchase.

Outputs

• Editable plan with BoQ, ready to export or send to purchases.

Tips

• Templates prefill sensible assumptions you can adjust.
• The Rules badge shows which calculation rules were used.
• Openings affect both quantities and the openings summary on exports.

Select Build Type

Choose a template (e.g., 2BR, Duplex, Boundary Wall, Custom) to prefill assumptions.

Steps

1. Open Planner → Start Manual.
2. Pick a template that matches your project.
3. Optionally adjust prefilled assumptions after selection.

Outputs

• A pre-filled form so you can enter dimensions faster.

Tips

• Use Custom when your layout doesn’t match a preset.
• Templates set defaults like joint thickness, waste %, slab thickness.

Enter Dimensions

Add wall lengths and height, openings, foundation/slab, and mixes/waste to compute your BoQ.

Steps

1. Enter external perimeter or room sizes.
2. Add internal wall length (or let the app estimate).
3. Set wall height and openings (doors/windows).
4. Choose foundation type and slab thickness/area.
5. Adjust roof pitch factor, mixes and waste if needed.
6. Tap Calculate BoQ.

Outputs

• A computed BoQ based on your geometry and assumptions.

Tips

• Keep units consistent with Settings → Units & Measurement.
• Openings can be quick (total %) or detailed (counts & sizes).

BoQ Summary

See blocks, cement, sand, aggregate, and more — with assumptions and rules version.

Steps

1. Review each line item (name, unit, quantity).
2. Check the Assumptions panel for what was applied.
3. Look at the Rules badge (e.g., rules-2025.08.23).
4. Use Save, Export PDF/CSV, or Add All to Purchase.

Outputs

• A clear, shareable BoQ with context for pricing and purchasing.

Tips

• You can revise inputs and recompute to update the BoQ.
• Exports include assumptions and metadata.

Save & Recent Projects

Save your BoQ as a project so you can reopen, edit, duplicate, or export later.

Steps

1. On the BoQ screen, tap Save Plan.
2. Confirm project name and client details.
3. Find it in Recent Projects or Planner → Saved Plans.
4. Open to edit dimensions and recompute the BoQ anytime.

Outputs

• A versioned, editable plan stored locally.

Tips

• Use Duplicate to explore alternatives without losing the original.
• Rename projects for easier search later.

Export (PDF & CSV)

Create a clean PDF report or a CSV for spreadsheets.

Steps

1. From BoQ, tap Export PDF for a client-ready document.
2. Tap Export CSV for spreadsheet analysis.
3. Share using your device options (mail, drive, messages).

Outputs

• PDF for sharing, CSV for further costing.

Tips

• Set currency and units first so exports look correct.
• File names include the project name for easy filing.

Add All to Purchase (Cost Tracking)

Send BoQ quantities to your Purchases & Expenses flow to track costs (no in-app selling).

Steps

1. From BoQ, tap Add All to Purchase.
2. Edit quantities if needed and save a purchase draft.
3. Track vendor, unit prices, delivery and tax in your cost area.

Outputs

• A purchase draft covering your BoQ lines.

Tips

• Prices come from your Materials list; adjust when markets move.
• Use notes to link purchases to client or site sections.

Rules & Assumptions

Each plan shows the rules version used to compute materials so your results are reproducible.

Steps

1. Look for the Rules tag (e.g., rules-YYYY.MM.DD).
2. Assumptions list shows ratios, thicknesses, factors, and waste.
3. Recompute with a new rules version only if you intend to update the plan.

Outputs

• Transparent, repeatable calculations.

Tips

• Keep a note if you intentionally change rules mid-project.
• Export includes the rules so PDFs are self-explanatory.

Import Plan (Premium)

Attach a PDF or image to prefill the form (coming soon).

Steps

1. Open Planner → Import Plan.
2. Pick a PDF or photo.
3. Review and adjust the pre-filled form; Calculate BoQ.

Outputs

• Faster data entry with fewer typos.

Tips

• Good scans/photos improve prefill accuracy.
• You can switch to Manual at any time.

AI Parse (Pro)

Let AI read blueprints and produce a BoQ automatically (coming soon).

Steps

1. Open Planner → AI Parse.
2. Attach a drawing or blueprint.
3. Review auto-detected walls, openings, and levels; Confirm.
4. Export or Add to Purchase.

Outputs

• Auto-built BoQ ready to verify and export.

Tips

• Always review the AI result before sharing or purchasing.
• Keep your rules updated so AI uses the latest assumptions.

Start a New Plan

Create a building plan from your plot and basics. This feeds your Materials List, Delivery Plan, and PDF.

Rooms & Internal Walls

Add room counts or simply provide the total internal wall length.

Allowances — What they are and how to use them

Optional lines for Rebar, Wire, Mesh, and Formwork that you can include in custom exports for clarity.

Steps

1. Set or toggle allowances before export.
2. Review how they impact totals.
3. Use them to communicate scope to clients and teams.

Outputs

• Fewer surprises and better expectations on scope.

First Run — You're all set!

On first launch, you get default materials and unit conversions. A one-time banner appears at the top of the main menu.

Steps

1. Tap “Review materials” to open Materials & Costs, then return — the banner disappears and won’t show again.
2. Tap “Getting started” to open a focused Getting Started card. After you return, the banner disappears.
3. Swipe the banner away if you don’t need it — it disappears immediately and won’t come back.

Outputs

• A quick first-run nudge that never gets in your way after.

Getting Started — Focused view

If launched from the first-run banner, Help shows only the Getting Started card. Opening Help later from the menu shows the full library.

Steps

1. From the banner: see only the Getting Started card.
2. From the main menu later: see the full Help & Tutorials library (including Getting Started).

Outputs

• A calm, focused intro when you need it — a full library when you’re ready.

Icon legend

Quick meanings for common icons. Tooltips use the same language throughout the app.

Steps

1. Home — Go to Home (floating FAB).
2. Info — Show assumptions/info sheet.
3. Save — Save current result/order.
4. Export / Share — Create PDF/CSV or share.
5. History — Open Recent Projects.
6. Theme — Toggle light/dark.
7. Delete — Remove selected items.
8. Add — Create new item (Material, Truck, Conversion).
9. Edit — Update item details.
10. Import CSV — Load materials from file.
11. Export CSV — Back up price list.
12. Update / Schedule — Show/refresh Last update / update rates.
13. Money/Currency — Prices & currency tools.
14. Inventory — Materials list.
15. Sand/Water/Lime — Material hints on certain screens.
16. Area/Grid/Linear — Formwork, tables, linear items.
17. Truck — Delivery planning.
18. Calculator — Mix calculations.
19. Tune/Rule — Adjustable parameters or rules.

What “Last update” means

The small header text (e.g., “Last update: 2025-09-01 14:32”) tells you when key inputs were last changed.

Steps

1. Materials & Costs — editing/adding/importing prices updates the time.
2. Units & Measurement — changing a unit size (e.g., Bag → m³) updates the time.
3. Trucks — changing capacity (m³ or blocks/trip) or cost/trip updates the time.
4. Currency Tools — changing the active currency or refreshing rates updates the time.

Outputs

• Confidence that totals reflect your latest inputs.

Tips

• The header value is fetched live when you open the Info sheet or the screen.
• If you just made a change and don’t see it yet, tap ⓘ or reopen the screen.
• Calculators may show different dependency sets (e.g., Block Purchase depends on Materials, Trucks, Units, and Currency).

How “Last update” stays fresh

Any Settings change bumps a shared key. Calculators refresh their top line after you return; Info sheet always fetches live.

Steps

1. Settings screen: on success → bump Materials/Units/Trucks/Currency.
2. Pop with true so the previous screen knows to refresh.
3. Calculator: awaits the result; if true, re-primes the top meta and rebuilds.
4. Info sheet always calls the service live, so it’s up to date even if you didn’t refresh yet.

Outputs

• Consistent, predictable “Last update” across the app.

Tips

• If a screen doesn’t handle the success result, only its top meta line may look stale until the next refresh.

After First Run — Where to next?

When the first-run banner is gone, explore the full Help & Tutorials or manage your price book anytime.

Steps

1. Open Help & Tutorials from the main menu to browse all guides.
2. Open Materials & Costs to review, add, import, export, or update prices.

Roofing: Quick Pricing Checklist

Items the calculator expects and the units you should use in Materials.

Steps

1. Ensure these exist in Materials with sensible units:
2. • roof sheet (m²), roof underlay (m²), membrane (m²), insulation (m²)
3. • roof screws (pcs), downpipe (pcs)
4. • ridge cap (m), flashing barge/edge/drip/hipvalley (m), gutter (m)
5. • timber (m or pcs, per your catalog)
6. • labour roofing / labour sheets / labour flashing / labour gutter / labour membrane (m² or itemized)
7. Edit prices and units where needed; Save.
8. Re-run roofing estimates to use the updated prices automatically.

Outputs

• A complete price book for reliable roofing estimates.

Tips

• If an item is missing, the app may use a placeholder price and show a notice.
• Add missing items in Materials, then re-run.

Roofing — End-to-End Flow

Start a new roof, compute quantities, preview BoQ, save, export, and reopen from Recent Projects or your Saved Roof Plans.

Steps

1. Open Roofing Planner and tap Start Roofing.
2. Choose Pitched, Flat, Curved, or Custom.
3. Enter measurements and options; tap Calculate.
4. Preview shows materials, labour, totals, and (optional) delivery.
5. Save your plan — find it later under Saved Roof Plans or Recent Projects.
6. Export PDF/CSV to share a clean BoQ.

Outputs

• A saved roofing plan you can export, duplicate, edit, or delete.

Tips

• Editing a saved plan reopens the correct wizard pre-filled.
• Delivery planning rolls transport into your grand total.

Roofing Prices: Where They Come From

Roofing estimates use your Materials list. Update unit prices there; new estimates pick them up automatically.

Steps

1. Run a roofing estimate: the calculator computes quantities (e.g., 125 m² sheets, 900 screws, 18 m ridge cap).
2. For each line, it looks up your current unit price in Materials.
3. Total = quantity × unit price, plus overheads/profit (if set).

Outputs

• Estimates that reflect your local market without editing every time.

Tips

• If totals look off, review Materials for missing items, wrong units, or stale prices.
• Keep one clear entry per item; avoid duplicates.

Planning Modes: Templates (SI) vs Custom (Metric/Imperial)

Templates stay simple and always use Metric (SI) for inputs/outputs. Custom mode respects your Display Units (Metric/Imperial) and can show dual units.

Steps

1. Templates (Homes & Common Structures): fixed Metric — show m, m², m³ for clarity.
2. Custom (Power/Pro users): honors Metric/Imperial toggle; optional dual display in UI/exports.
3. All math and storage remain in SI; conversions apply at formatting time.

Outputs

• Simplicity for beginners, flexibility for pros.

Toolbar Icons — What they do

Most calculators and purchase screens share the same toolbar controls.

Steps

1. ⓘ Info — Opens the assumptions & details sheet (live “Last update”).
2. 💾 Save — Saves the current result to Recent Projects.
3. 📄 PDF — Exports the current result to a PDF.
4. 🕘 History — Opens Recent Projects.
5. ☀️/🌙 Theme — Switches light/dark.
6. 🏠 Home (FAB) — Returns to the dashboard. Double-tap the screen title to hide/show this button.

Outputs

• Faster navigation and fewer taps.

Tips

• If something looks out of date, open the Info sheet — its header text is fetched fresh.
• The Home button is intentionally simple: no confirmation, straight back to the dashboard.