CC
ConstructionConsulting

You're In.
Let's Get You Estimating.

Your files are ready. Download them below, then follow the four steps. You'll run your first estimate today.

Three files. One complete system.

The Skill

This is the AI estimating system. You install it in Claude.

.skill file

Cost Index

Your pricing. Every cost item, ready to update with your numbers.

Cost Index.xlsx

Cost Code Set

36 cost groups and 168 cost items. Your starting structure.

.csv file

There's a fourth file in the folder too. You only need it if you want to run this in ChatGPT or another AI tool. The skill is built for Claude, so most people can ignore it.

Four steps. That's it.

Do them in order. Copy the two prompts below when you get to steps 3 and 4.

1

Download

  1. 1
    Click the yellow Download Your Files button above.
  2. 2
    Save the files from the folder to your computer.
2

Install the Skill

  1. 1
    Go to claude.ai and log in.
  2. 2
    Open Settings → Customize → Skills.
  3. 3
    Click + and upload the .skill file.
  4. 4
    Find the skill in your list and switch its toggle on.

No upload option? Turn on Code execution and file creation under Settings → Capabilities, then try again.

3

Set Your Cost Codes & Pricing

  1. 1
    Start a new chat in Claude.
  2. 2
    Upload the downloaded Cost Index file.
  3. 3
    Paste Prompt 1 below. You'll swap in your own cost codes first, then update the pricing.

One-time setup. It takes a bit of time, but you set it once and the skill uses your pricing forever.

4

Run an Estimate

  1. 1
    Start a new chat.
  2. 2
    Upload your plans (PDF is fine) and your updated Cost Index file.
  3. 3
    Paste Prompt 2 below.

Two prompts. Copy and paste.

Prompt 1 · Set Your Pricing

I just bought the AI Estimating Skill and this is my first time setting it up. I've attached the downloaded Cost Index file. I have my own cost codes, so first help me replace the cost codes in the file with mine. Then walk me through updating the unit costs to match my local pricing. Go one section at a time, ask me one question at a time, and keep it simple. When we're done, update the skill itself so it always uses my cost codes and my pricing on every estimate from now on. Then give me the updated Cost Index file to download as a backup.

Prompt 2 · Run an Estimate

Estimate this project using the AI Estimating Skill. My plans and my updated Cost Index file are attached. Use my Cost Index for pricing. Ask me anything the plans don't tell you, one question at a time.