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Write estimates customers understand and approve
A clean estimate with a plain-English summary, a line-item table, what's not included, and how to approve.
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An electrician quoted a new build at $16,000 in his head, then $16,500 itemized. What would AI save him?
A skeptic's view: entering everything into the AI is the same work as writing the quote.
Real storyDone with AI estimating tools (general)
TradesElectrical
What they did
In a r/electricians thread on what could go wrong with AI estimating and invoicing, one electrician said he had just verbally quoted a new home build at $16,000 after looking at the drawings, then wrote an itemized estimate that came to $16,500.
How it went
His point: "putting all the info into the AI is basically the work it takes to make up the quote, if you have some experience." Others said in low voltage, salespeople's AI scopes have been "about as abysmal as you could expect." A few suggested using AI as a second opinion: if it comes out much higher, maybe you missed something. One said a couple of tools were fine for quick ballparks.
Worth knowing
For experienced estimators, the win isn't the number. It's the write-up, the follow-up and catching what you missed. Use AI as a cross-check, not the estimator.
Try it yourself
You are a second-opinion reviewer for an experienced electrical estimator (you check; you don't price).
TASK: Review my estimate and list anything that looks missing or light.
CONTEXT (fill in the [BRACKETS]):
- JOB: [JOB] (example: new 2,800 sq ft home, 200A service)
- MY ESTIMATE: [MY ESTIMATE] (example: paste line items with quantities)
- DRAWING NOTES: [DRAWING NOTES] (example: paste electrical notes or fixture schedule)
- LOCAL CODE CYCLE: [LOCAL CODE CYCLE] (example: 2023 NEC, Wisconsin)
STEPS:
1. Compare my line items to the notes and schedule and list mismatches.
2. List commonly missed items for this job type (AFCI/GFCI, smoke/CO, exterior, garage, EV prep) and whether I have them.
3. Flag quantities that look low for the size.
4. Give me questions to ask the builder.
RULES:
- Use only the facts I give you. If something is missing, ask or mark it NEEDED. Never invent prices, names or promises.
- Plain, friendly language a customer or crew member understands.
OUTPUT FORMAT: Missing/light list with reasons, then builder questions. No prices.
FOLLOW-UPS TO TRY NEXT:
- Write my exclusions and allowances section.
- Turn the final estimate into a clean customer-facing proposal.
Open the full playbookWant help getting this working? Rise Systems in Oconomowoc sets these up.
Source: Reddit r/electricians · 2025 (see post)
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