To set up cost codes, go to Settings > Cost codes, select Set up, and choose NAHB cost codes, Import from file, or Create manually. You then assign a code to each estimate line item.
Available on the Pro and Scale plans. You need permission to edit Company settings to manage the library. Works on desktop and in the mobile app.
Build your cost code library
Go to Settings > Cost codes.
Select Set up.
Choose NAHB cost codes, Import from file, or Create manually.
A new account starts with no codes, and you can mix the three options.
The Cost codes list shows each code's Code, Name, Status, Source, and Last updated. Status is Assigned or Unassigned. Source is Manual, Upload, QuickBooks, or NAHB.
Import the NAHB cost codes
Select Set up > NAHB cost codes.
Search the list to review the codes.
Select Import library.
Handoff imports the whole library. If you already have an active code with the same code number, Handoff archives yours and uses the NAHB version.
Import cost codes from a file
Select Set up > Import from file.
Upload a spreadsheet, PDF, image, or Word document with a Code and a Name for each row. The file must be under 5 MB.
Review the Cost codes preview. Rows that match an active code are marked Duplicate and are skipped.
Select Import to add the codes.
On desktop, the import opens as a window. In the mobile app, it opens as a full screen.
Create a code and nest codes
Select Add cost code.
Enter a Code and a Name.
To place it under another code, choose a Parent cost code (optional). The default is Top level.
Select Save.
Each code must be unique among your active codes.
Deleting or archiving a parent also deletes or archives the codes under it. Handoff won't delete a code that is assigned to an estimate.
Archive a code to hide it from new assignments. Select Show archived to see archived codes, then Unarchive to restore one.
Assign a cost code to an estimate line item
You need permission to edit estimates, and the estimate must still be editable.
Open the estimate.
In the Cost code column, or the Cost code field in the item or section form, open the selector.
Search for a code and select it. Select None to clear it.
Every code, including parents, can be assigned. On desktop, select Edit columns if the Cost code column is hidden. Selecting Manage cost codes in the selector takes you back to the library.
Expenses and timesheet hours don't carry a cost code of their own. They use the code of the budget line item they are attached to.
The Budget tab shows the code beside each line. Codes are labels, not totals.
To let Handy (Handoff's AI assistant) suggest codes, select Apply codes in the Apply cost codes to this estimate banner.