Comparison
Buildable area, and beyond — Envelope vs. Buildout
Buildout automates NYC zoning to surface a property’s hidden buildable area and ADU potential quickly. Envelope covers the same as-of-right capacity question and extends it into the full architect-and-underwriter deliverable.
The short version
Buildout is a fast, focused way to see a lot’s buildable area and ADU potential. Envelope answers the same question and then builds the massing, drafts typical-floor sketch plans, values the result, and lets you run a pro forma — one report instead of a chain of tools.
| Capability | Envelope | Buildout |
|---|---|---|
| Instant buildable SF / as-of-right FAR | ||
| ADU / added-unit potential | ||
| Air rights & assemblage analysis | — | |
| 3D massing model | — | |
| Typical-floor sketch plans & unit mix | — | |
| City of Yes programs integrated | ||
| Income-approach valuation | — | |
| Development pro forma builder | — | |
| Comparable sales & leases | — | |
| Single report, no subscription | $149 | — |
Based on publicly available information as of July 2026. Features change — verify current capabilities with each vendor.
Where Envelope wins
- Doesn’t stop at buildable area — it masses the building, drafts typical-floor sketch plans, and produces a unit mix.
- Income-approach valuation and a development pro forma from the same zoning inputs.
- Air-rights and assemblage modeling for multi-lot deals.
- 48+ zoning programs, including City of Yes, evaluated on every lot.
- A single architect-grade report for $149, no subscription required.
Where Buildout is stronger
- A clean, fast way to surface buildable area and ADU potential for a single lot.
- Approachable for owners and agents who want a quick capacity read.
- Focused NYC zoning automation without a heavy learning curve.
Frequently asked
Is Envelope a Buildout alternative?
Yes. Both automate NYC zoning to compute buildable area. Envelope goes further, producing a 3D massing with typical-floor sketch plans, an income-approach valuation, and a development pro forma from the same inputs.
Does Envelope handle ADUs and City of Yes?
Yes. Envelope evaluates City of Yes programs — including added-unit and ADU pathways — as part of the 48+ zoning programs it checks on every lot.
What’s the fastest way to compare the two?
Run the same NYC address through both. Envelope’s single report ($149, no subscription) lets you see whether the added massing, sketch plans, valuation, and pro forma are worth it for your workflow.
See what Envelope shows on your lot.
An architect-grade zoning report — as-of-right FAR, 3D massing, typical-floor sketch plans, and an income-approach valuation — starts at $149, no subscription required.