Build an estimate with AI Estimate Builder

Use AI Estimate Builder to turn a description of the job into an estimate draft, or to help revise an estimate you have already started. It works with the estimate you have open, so you can check the result against the job as you go.

Build a first draft

1. Open the project’s Estimate tab and create or open an editable estimate.
2. On an empty estimate, describe the job in Describe your project…, then select Build estimate. You can also open the AI Estimate Builder panel.
3. Include the work, measurements, materials, and any prices you already know. Attach relevant files with the attachment action, or use dictation where available.
4. Answer any follow-up questions. On an empty estimate, the initial generated items can be added to the draft automatically.
5. Review the estimate itself. Check categories, descriptions, quantities, units, prices, taxes, discounts, and the total. Correct anything missing or inaccurate.

For example: “Draft an estimate to replace 20 feet of damaged fence. Include removing the old sections and installing cedar boards. Show labor and materials separately.” Supply your own rates and costs where you know them; check any suggested pricing before using it.

Refine an existing estimate

Open AI Estimate Builder and describe the change you want, such as adding a missing task, changing a material, or improving a line-item description. You can also ask it to summarize the estimate or point out gaps in the scope.

When proposed changes appear, review them and accept or reject them using the controls shown. Resolve pending changes or answer follow-up questions before continuing the conversation. Reopen AI Estimate Builder if its panel has collapsed.

Review and send

AI output is a starting point for your review. Confirm the customer, job scope, quantities, pricing, taxes, and contract details. When the estimate is ready, use Review & Send and follow the send an estimate steps. Building a draft does not send it to the client.

If you cannot edit the estimate or the builder is unavailable, check your access, whether the project is archived, and the estimate’s status. Follow the editing action available for that document, or ask your admin for help. You can also build the estimate manually.