Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Log into the Builder Signal Dashboard as a Builder Admin
Ensure you’re logged into the web application with your admin credentials. Only Builder Admins can add new homes and edit existing homes. - Navigate Homes > Import from CSV
To import multiple homes at one time, click Homes from the navigation tools at the top of the screen and then Import Homes from CSV. - Download the CSV Template
The Template includes a sample data row demonstrating the required formats. Add a new row for each home you wish to import.
Required Fields
- address1
- city
- state
Optional Fields
- address2
- zip
- community
NOTE: If the community has previously been created in Builder Signal, entering its name in the community field will auto-populate that value when the homes are created from the CSV file. If the community does not exist, the CSV Import will not generate a new community. To add a new community, navigate to Settings > Communities > Add Community. For more information, see our article, How to Add and Edit Communities in Builder Signal. - Import Homes
Confirm that all home data in your CSV is accurate and that the file size does not exceed the 2MB maximum. Remove the sample row before proceeding. Locate the CSV file on your computer or drag it into the Drag or Select a File area. Then select Import Homes. A confirmation message will appear in the lower right-hand corner of your screen indicating completion and showing the number of homes that were imported or skipped. If any homes are skipped, review your CSV to ensure all required fields are filled and re-upload those homes.
Complete Home Setup
- Navigate to Home > Actions > Edit Home
- Assign the Homeowner to the Home (optional)
If a Homeowner exists for that property, select their name from the drop-down menu. The email address associated for that Homeowner, as configured in the setup of the Homeowner User, is where the email notifications go when updates are sent. If the Homeowner is not listed in the drop-down, see our article, How to Set Up and Manage Users in Builder Signal.
The Homeowner field is optional so builders can still make a timeline of updates for their inventory or "spec" homes they haven't sold yet. Many use the Builder Signal website link for inventory homes in their marketing, sales and follow-up efforts. Once the home is purchased, you can share the link with the Homeowner so they can see the construction of their home from start-to-finish. - App User (required)
Assign the Builder App User that will be making updates to the home (e.g., the construction manager, sales agent, project manager, etc.). Multiple App Users can be assigned to make updates to the same home. If the App User is not listed in the drop-down, see our article, How to Set Up and Manage Users in Builder Signal.
You will not be able to save the Home without assigning an App User. Be sure all necessary Users are created prior to setting up Homes. Remember, people build homes - add Users before creating Homes. - Additional Email Recipients
Use the Additional Email Recipients field to add any people, other than the Homeowner, that would appreciate receiving construction updates for the home. These Additional Email Recipients will receive the same email notifications when updates are made, just like the Homeowner. Other interested parties frequently included are spouses, partners, relatives, Realtors, lenders and even internal builder staff. - Upload Elevation Image (optional)
An image uploaded here will appear on the Homeowner's website. This can be a rendering of the home elevation, a photo of the buyers at contract signing, or any other imagine specific to that Homeowner. If no image is uploaded, the default image assigned by the builder will be displayed. That image can be found at Menu > Settings > Branding. - Review and Edit Home Details
• Home Address. Address 1 (required). Address 2 (optional). Some builders use Address 1 for the street address and Address 2 for community/lot information, or vice versa, depending on their process. The address field(s) entered will be displayed on the Homeowner's personalized website and in the App User's list of homes.
Some builders take a creative approach with the address fields by placing the buyer's name in the Address 1 field and their street address in the Address 2 field, resulting in the homeowner's personalized website showing: The Robinson Residence / 4255 Trinity Court.
• City and State (required)
• Zip Code (optional)
• Community (optional). If the you are not seeing the Community name from your CSV in the drop-down menu, you'll need to create that Community in Builder Signal before assigning the home to that Community. For step-by-step guidance, see our article, How to Add and Edit Communities in Builder Signal. - Site slug (URL)
The Site Slug is the unique URL for the Homeowner Website. It will be displayed in their web browser when they click on the link to view their updates. By default, the Site Slug (URL) uses the value entered in the Address 1 field. It can be personalized by entering a unique value of your own choosing. - Construction Status
The Construction Status setting controls a line of copy that displays on the home's website, "Coming soon to CITY " (per the City field in the home details). Builders with inventory homes often prefer having the "Coming Soon to CITY" designation displayed on the website. By default, the "Coming Soon" message is displayed. To remove it, select "Construction Complete." - Home Status
The status is Active by default. You should only Archive homes when you're sure no further updates are necessary. This could be soon after closing, but for builders who use Builder Signal to update customers on progress of service work during their Warranty period, it may be much later. The Homeowner will still have access to their website even once the home is in Archived status. - Review and Confirm
Double-check all the information you’ve entered. Make sure the app user, home details and additional email recipient addresses are accurate. - Save the Home
At the top of the page click Save to finalize the setup. The home is fully configured and will appear in the assigned and app user(s) list of homes, allowing them to begin sending updates immediately.
Common Issues:
- Can’t Find the ‘Add New Home’ Button?
Make sure you have the correct Builder Admin permissions. Only Builder Admins can add new homes. - Can't Find the App User in the Drop-Down Menu?
Assigning an App User is a requirement in the Add Home process. Be sure to create user(s) before adding a home. To add a New User, see the article: How to Set Up and Manage Builder Users in Builder Signal. - Homeowners Not Receiving Updates?
Review the email addresses for the Homeowner in User Setup, and the Additional Email Recipients fields. If email addresses are entered incorrectly, they won’t receive update notifications. Also, have Homeowners and Additional Email Recipients check their Junk/Spam folders.
Next Steps:
Besides setting-up Homes, you must also configure Users and Building Phases to begin making updates. See our articles:
How to Set Up and Manage Users in Builder Signal
How to Add and Edit Building Phases
Learn more about how to send updates in our articles, How to Send Updates in Builder Signal:
For Builder Admins Using the Web Version