Wouldn’t it be easier to build a house if it has already been built?

Sounds impossible, but if the contractor has modeled the house in a 3D environment while designing it, they clearly understand every detail, greatly reducing the chance of errors. They would have already mapped out and visualized the rafters, framing, sheathing, and overall design, creating a precise plan they can replicate during construction. This was the vision Digital Canal had while creating its software. SolidBuilder, a powerful software that simplifies house-building projects, and Design Expert, which is fast, easy and designed for great renderings, working drawings, etc.

The company was born in 2001 of a purchase from a NASDAQ listed publicly held entity. Today, it provides design software for residential contractors and building professionals, including Design Expert and its flagship platform, SolidBuilder, developed specifically for builders.

“What makes SolidBuilder stand out from the competition is our object-oriented approach to designing and framing houses in the software environment first,” says Jim Balk, 28-year Digital Canal employee and former builder.

SolidBuilder represents each component as an object with accurate dimensions in this approach. While most designers can create CAD plans, these designs don’t always reflect on-site conditions, disconnecting designers from contractors. Our software’s true component dimensions make the plan easier for everyone involved in the project. The platform tracks each object and automatically adds unused parts to the cut list with precise dimensions and unique identities. If needed, the platform can reuse the mishap cuts in the 3D model to maximize usability and minimize waste and costs. This will save you time and money!

This approach enables the creation of an accurate master material list for takeoff, providing users with better cost control. It further allows builders to spot and fix potential issues early by visualizing design flaws BEFORE construction begins.

Unlike other platforms that rely on line representations with labels, SolidBuilder provides accurate visualizations of the objects in a plan/design. Users can seamlessly switch from a plan view to an elevation or a cross-section to a fully framed 3D model. Different layers of the model can also be isolated to gain a clearer understanding of each component using the visibility command. This level of detail is handy for field tasks like accurately calculating the correct valley angle for roofing or cutting a jack rafter or bird’s mouth.

The company also provides toll-free and live technical support, allowing clients to connect with experts via phone or remote access.

“Beyond technical experts, our clients can always directly reach out to Jim and other senior staff who have been with the company for many years or even me. All of us are available and ready to help,” says Edward “Ed” Graham, president.

Digital Canal also offers a Plan Drafting service that integrates client blueprints into the software to create CAD models. Many clients have Digital Canal put their blueprints into the software to save them time and money for the contractor. This service helps many Digital Canal clients remain on schedule.

All of these capabilities reflect Digital Canal’s client-centric foundation. Users with construction or framing experience can get started with minimal training and little or no CAD knowledge, using intuitive tutorials and documentation. Clients also enjoy a strong communication channel with the company, where their feedback determines the software’s new features on its path to becoming an all-encompassing platform.

An increasingly popular building method has been panelizing. Digital Canal’s software does this for walls, floors, ceilings, interiors and exteriors. Previously, these Digital Canal clients relied heavily on third-party software, which cost as much as $2,000 to $6,000 monthly subscription fees, making the ROI challenging to justify—especially for those without automated equipment.

In addition, clients can generate material outputs manually or through automated equipment with other available Digital Canal software. It even supports them in sourcing equipment like an automated saw. This comprehensive approach dramatically reduces costs, further reinforced by clients being granted full ownership of the software, ensuring long-term stability without the risk of service interruptions.

One response summarizes the benefits clients get from this platform, “The software saves us time and expenses and is an investment that makes us money.” This perfectly captures Digital Canal’s mission—delivering powerful, easy-to-use and affordable software designed by builders for builders.