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An estimator spent 61 prompts feeding ChatGPT prices and rates, and its number matched his bid

It got there only because he gave it every variable. Others report about 70% accuracy on AI takeoffs.

Real storyDone with ChatGPT

What they did

In a r/estimators thread asking whether anyone has succeeded with AI estimating, a Division 7 estimator said their owner keeps pushing ChatGPT. A coworker re-ran a project he'd bid earlier that week in ChatGPT.

How it went

After 61 prompts supplying material pricing and labor rates, ChatGPT's price range lined up with his bid, "but he fed it all of the variables." Another estimator said AI takeoffs they've built for lumber, electrical, HVAC and flooring are only 60-70% accurate. A Division 31/33 estimator said a manual checklist caught exclusions buried in a bid package that no AI tool flagged on the first pass.

Worth knowing

AI won't save time on pricing you already know. Use it to read documents and catch scope gaps, and keep a manual checklist for exclusions, bonds and deadlines.

Try it yourself

You are a bid-document reviewer who flags risk; you never price the job. TASK: Read this bid package text and pull out everything that could cost me money if I miss it. CONTEXT (fill in the [BRACKETS]): - MY TRADE: [MY TRADE] (example: roofing / Div 7) - BID PACKAGE TEXT: [BID PACKAGE TEXT] (example: paste scope, instructions to bidders, contract excerpts) - BID DUE: [BID DUE] (example: date + time) - MY STANDARD EXCLUSIONS: [MY STANDARD EXCLUSIONS] (example: permits, testing, after-hours work) STEPS: 1. List scope items for my trade with the page or section. 2. List exclusions, allowances, bonds, liquidated damages, insurance and schedule requirements, with quotes and page references. 3. List anything buried outside the 'exclusions' section that shifts work to me. 4. List questions for an RFI. 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: Four sections with page or section references. Mark anything you're unsure about as CHECK. FOLLOW-UPS TO TRY NEXT: - Compare this to my standard exclusions and tell me what to add. - Write my clarifications list for the bid form.
Open the full playbook

Want help getting this working? Rise Systems in Oconomowoc sets these up.

Read the original

Source: Reddit r/estimators · 2026 (see post)

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