Comparison · Updated August 2026
Groundbook AI vs UpCodes for plan review
Two different centers of gravity: a code-compliance library that reviews drawings, and a full-set QA/QC review that includes the code sources you choose.
Short answer: UpCodes is a code-research platform—a searchable library of locally adopted building codes—whose Plan Review feature checks project drawings against that library and flags plan-spec discrepancies, organized by severity with the governing code section linked. Groundbook AI is a full-set QA/QC review: it cross-checks architectural, structural, MEP, fire-protection, and civil documents against each other, against specifications and checklists, and against building codes, and returns findings linked to the exact file, page, and drawing location. It reads the building codes and amendments that governments publish online, the way a human reviewer does, and uses licensed model codes, such as the I-Codes, NFPA, and ASME, only where a license allows it. If your question is "does this comply with our adopted code?", UpCodes' library is the draw. If your question is "what is wrong across this set?", that is what Groundbook AI was built for. Some teams use both.
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Side by side
Where each tool's center of gravity sits
| Criterion | UpCodes Plan Review | Groundbook AI |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | Code compliance: checking drawings against locally adopted building codes | Full-set QA/QC: coordination, consistency, checklist conformance, and code checks in one review |
| Code sources | UpCodes' searchable library of locally adopted codes | Building codes and amendments that governments publish online, read in a web browser the way a human reviewer does: state amendments, a city's own code site, and national codes published for reuse, such as the UK Approved Documents and Australia's National Construction Code. Model codes and standards that publishers own, such as the I-Codes, NFPA, and ASME, used only where a license allows it; you can upload a copy you're licensed to use. We detect the codes the drawings cite, and you can add or remove codes |
| Cross-discipline coordination | Not the product's focus | Architectural, structural, MEP, fire-protection, and civil documents cross-checked against each other |
| Project input | Project drawings, reviewed against the code library; plan-spec discrepancies flagged | Complete set: drawings, specifications, checklists, reports, and copies of codes you're licensed to use (where your license allows it), with any number of pages |
| Output | Issues by severity and category, linked to the drawing page and governing code section | Findings with severity, discipline, impact, recommended action, and links to the exact file, page, and drawing location |
| Review instructions | The code library drives the review | Built-in construction review instructions plus your own QA/QC, owner, permit, or constructability checklists |
| Pricing | Plan Review is early access on the Enterprise plan, through sales, as of September 2026; Essentials $39 and Professional $59 per user per month cover the code library | Pay as you go from $100 per project; exact price shown before payment |
| Getting started | Talk to sales for Plan Review early access; the code library is self-serve | Set up a review in about five minutes without a sales call; results typically in 20 minutes to 24 hours, depending on project size |
Right tool, right job
When UpCodes is the right tool
UpCodes earned its place in AEC workflows as the searchable code library, and the Plan Review feature extends that strength:
- Researching which codes and amendments a jurisdiction has adopted
- A code-first screen of drawings before permit submittal, with the governing section behind each issue
- Teams that already work inside the UpCodes platform every day
If code research is the daily job and compliance screening is the review you need, the depth of the library is hard to beat.
The rest of the review
When you need Groundbook AI
Most costly drawing problems are not code violations. They are two disciplines describing the same building differently: a slab elevation that disagrees with the mechanical plan, a schedule that conflicts with a plan callout, a note referencing a sheet that does not exist, a spec section the drawings quietly contradict. Reach for Groundbook AI when:
- A milestone review at DD, CD, permit, bid, or preconstruction needs a first pass over every sheet
- Drawings must agree with specifications, schedules, and your firm's or owner's checklists—not only with the code
- You want code checks run against the specific editions and local amendments you consider governing, read online where governments publish them, or from a copy you're licensed to use, where your license allows it
- The deliverable is a findings list your team can verify, assign, and close
See what a full-set review surfaced on a mixed-use residential project—most of the 42 potential findings were coordination and consistency issues no code library would flag.
UpCodes is a trademark of UpCodes, Inc. Groundbook AI is not affiliated with or endorsed by UpCodes. Details verified against public materials in September 2026; confirm current features and pricing with each vendor.
AI-assisted, professional-led
Professional judgment stays with your team
Groundbook AI organizes possible issues and the evidence behind them. Architects, engineers, contractors, owners, code officials, and authorities having jurisdiction retain every professional decision.
- Evidence linked to every possible finding
- Severity, discipline, impact, and recommended action
- Results typically ready in 20 minutes to 24 hours, depending on project size
Keep reading
Related pages
Questions, answered
Frequently asked questions
Is Groundbook AI a replacement for UpCodes?
Not for code research. UpCodes' library of locally adopted codes is a research tool many teams keep. Groundbook AI replaces the manual first pass of QA/QC review: coordination, consistency, checklist conformance, and code checks against codes that governments publish online, plus licensed codes only where the license allows. Some teams use both.
Does Groundbook AI check building codes?
Yes. We read the building codes and amendments that states, counties, and cities publish online, in a web browser, the way a human reviewer does, and we detect the codes your drawings cite. You can add others so the review runs against the specific editions and amendments you consider governing. Model codes and standards that publishers own, such as the International Codes, NFPA, and ASME, are licensed; we use them only where a license allows it, and you can upload a copy you're licensed to use. Each finding cites the section and links to the source. We never copy or distribute code text.
Which tool finds coordination errors between disciplines?
Cross-discipline coordination is Groundbook AI's core: architectural, structural, MEP, fire-protection, and civil documents are cross-checked against each other in one review. UpCodes Plan Review is organized around code compliance.
How much do the two tools cost?
Groundbook AI publishes pay-as-you-go pricing: reviews start at $100 per project, $1 per uploaded drawing page and $0.25 per reference page, with the exact price shown before payment. As of September 2026 UpCodes lists Plan Review as early access on its Enterprise plan through sales; its Essentials and Professional plans are $39 and $59 per user per month.
What if I'm not happy with Groundbook AI's results?
We'll refund you. We're confident we give you the most accurate and thorough plan review results, so if you're not happy with a paid review, email support@groundbook.ai and we'll refund it. Start your next project, so you can judge the results on your own set before you pay.
Review the whole set, not just the code
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