Getting Started

BuildNFO works through a simple shortcode. After activating the plugin, place any calculator on a page or post using its ID:

[buildnfo id="concrete-volume"]

The calculator renders automatically with an input form and a Calculate button. Results are computed instantly by the BuildNFO engine — no page reload needed.

Installation

1. Upload the plugin ZIP via Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin.
2. Activate BuildNFO (Pro/Enterprise bundles include the Core Engine automatically).
3. Add [buildnfo id="..."] shortcodes anywhere on your site.

Using Calculators

Each calculator has a unique ID. Use the full reference below to find the ID for any calculator. You can place multiple calculators on the same page:

[buildnfo id="concrete-volume"]
[buildnfo id="bricks-needed"]
[buildnfo id="cost-estimator"]

Developer API

Every calculator is also available via a REST endpoint for custom integrations:

POST /wp-json/buildnfo/v1/compute/{calculator-id}
Content-Type: application/json

{ "length": 5, "width": 4, "thickness": 0.15 }

The response returns the computed result as JSON. All calculations run server-side.

Saved Calculators

Build a reusable calculator card once and place it anywhere unlimited times. Go to BuildNFO → Saved Calculators → Add New, choose a source calculator, then use the generated shortcode:

[buildnfo_saved id="123"]

Branded Client Reports

Make every exported estimate look like it came from your company. Under BuildNFO → Branding, add your company name, logo, brand color and report footer — these appear on PDF and shared client reports. (Pro & Enterprise)

Estimate History

Every estimate your visitors or team save is stored on your server, so nothing is lost when a browser is cleared. View the full list under BuildNFO → Estimate History with date, calculator, title and result.

Import / Export

Move your Saved Calculators between sites. Under BuildNFO → Import / Export, download all Saved Calculators as a JSON file, then upload that file on another site to import them.

Sample Data & AI Calculator Generation

Under BuildNFO → Setup & Sample Data, click Install sample data to create a ready-made demo page instantly. You can also describe a calculator in plain English (for example, “a fencing calculator with length, panel width and price per panel”) and BuildNFO drafts a working calculator for you, using your connected AI provider when available with a deterministic builder as fallback. (Enterprise)

AI Assistant

The optional BuildNFO AI Assistant answers construction and estimating questions inside your site. A built-in local assistant works for everyone with no API key; Pro and Enterprise can connect OpenAI or Anthropic Claude using your own API key. Keys are stored and used server-side only and never exposed to the browser, and responses are restricted to construction and plugin-usage topics.

Complete Calculator Reference

All 180 calculators organised by version and category. The id is what you use in the shortcode.