How Crane works
From idea to a clearer project.
Six steps, one continuous thread. Crane carries what you learn at each step into the next one.
01
Ask
02
Property
03
Understand
04
Prepare
05
Connect
06
Move forward
The workflow
Ask. Understand. Prepare. Share. Connect.
- 01
Ask
Tell Crane what you want to do.
Describe the project the way you would describe it to a neighbour. Crane asks what it needs, and keeps the whole conversation in one place.
- 02
Property
Add your property so Crane can understand the context.
Your address or area sets the jurisdiction. From there Crane can look at what applies to this property rather than property in general.
- 03
Understand
See what may affect the project.
Setbacks, lot coverage, parking, utilities, overlays and process — laid out in plain language, with the sources behind each finding.
- 04
Prepare
Build a brief, review documents, compare options, and understand likely costs.
Upload what you already have. Crane reviews it, compares realistic directions, and puts a preliminary cost range around the work.
- 05
Connect
Find the professionals who may need to help.
Crane matches the project to the disciplines it actually needs — architect, engineer, contractor, planner — with your context already attached.
- 06
Move forward
Share the project with professionals or prepare for agency conversations.
Everything Crane has assembled becomes a package you can hand over, so the next conversation starts where this one left off.
What stays constant
One project, carried forward.
You should never have to explain the same project from the beginning to every architect, engineer, contractor, planner, or agency staff member. Crane keeps the goal, the property, the documents, the findings and the open questions together — and hands them over in one piece.
How does Crane know which jurisdiction applies?
Crane uses property information to identify the actual reviewing jurisdiction. This is important because a postal city does not always match the government agency responsible for planning, building, or permitting.
What is a Crane Brief?
A Crane Brief is a concise project summary that organizes your property, project goal, possible approaches, preliminary costs, key considerations, likely professional needs, sources, and items that still need verification.
How does Crane determine which professionals I may need?
Crane evaluates the project type, property, jurisdiction, scope, complexity, documents, and likely technical requirements. It may recommend architects, residential designers, engineers, contractors, surveyors, consultants, or other specialists depending on the project.
What drawings might my project need?
The required drawings depend on the project. A project may involve architectural, structural, civil, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, site, landscape, or other discipline-specific drawings. Crane should identify likely document needs based on the project scope.
Can I see the sources Crane used?
Yes. Material findings should identify the source, source type, why it matters, confidence level, and an official link when available.