Founded in 1985, BUILDAID pioneered the development of South Africa’s first computerised resource-based quantity and cost calculating system. The company was incorporated in 1988, and the trademark was registered that same year. Initially, BUILDAID offered computerized cost estimating software, and shortly thereafter expanded to provide a professional building cost calculating service. In 1989, the company extended its services through a network of building material suppliers, including industry leaders like Cashbuild, Penny Pinchers, Federated Timbers, Buy ‘n Build, and Action Hardware, among others.

In 1989, BUILDAID took a groundbreaking step by linking its system to CAD software, allowing quantities to be calculated automatically as drawings were created or modified—a world-first innovation.

To further expand its reach, BUILDAID established eight franchises across South Africa to offer cost and quantity calculating services. Although this service was ahead of its time and didn’t gain as much traction as expected, BUILDAID Randburg continues to operate today under the name BUILDAID CONSULTING.

In line with its mission to disseminate cost and quantity calculating knowledge, BUILDAID began publishing in 1993 with the release of the BUILDAID Building & Pricing Guide. This publication quickly became a best-seller and has since become an industry standard. Over the years, BUILDAID has published a range of other books, including specialized guides such as the NHBRC Simplified Home Building Manual.

Training has been another core focus for BUILDAID, with the company proudly providing training to Massbuild employees since 2017. Additionally, seminars and radio programs continue to serve as effective platforms to inform the industry.

BUILDAID has also hosted numerous workshops, including ten Homeowner Workshops, with nearly sixty suppliers and manufacturers participating. You can find highlights from these workshops on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@buildaidonline753/videos.