Samples · Contractors & Estimates
AI prompts for hiring smart and reviewing bids.
A contractor estimate is the only document between you and a much larger problem later. These workflows help you review quotes, compare bids, and pick the right trade for the job.
Review a plumbing estimate
“I have a plumbing contractor quote — what's missing?”
Use when
- You have a written estimate in hand.
- Before signing or paying a deposit.
- You want to know what to ask the contractor before agreeing.
What H0U53 produces
- Per-category labels: clear / vague / missing / red flag.
- Vague language to clarify.
- Missing categories (permit, lien waiver, change-order process).
- Red flag indicators (cash-only, large deposit, no contract).
- Numbered questions to ask before signing.
prompt
Review this plumbing contractor estimate and tell me what's missing, vague, or worth questioning. For each category below, label items clear / vague / missing / red flag: - Scope of work - Materials specified (brand, model, size) - Labor included - Exclusions - Permit responsibility (who pulls? who pays?) - Inspection responsibility - Demo and disposal - Access assumptions - Patch / paint / restoration - Warranty (materials, labor, duration) - Timeline - Payment schedule - Change-order process - License + insurance + workers' comp - Lien waiver upon final payment - Anything else that looks like a red flag Then give me a numbered list of questions to ask the contractor before signing. Use "ask," "verify," "possible." Don't invent code requirements — flag what I need to check with my local building department. Estimate: [paste your estimate here]
Compare two contractor quotes
“I have two quotes for the same job and they're very different.”
Use when
- Two or more quotes for the same project.
- Significant price difference that you can't explain.
- Trying to figure out which is the better value, not just the cheaper one.
What H0U53 produces
- Side-by-side comparison by category.
- What each quote includes that the other doesn't.
- Pricing apples-to-apples adjustments.
- Questions for each contractor to bring the quotes into parity.
- Red flags specific to comparing bids.
prompt
I have two contractor quotes for the same job and they're very different. Help me compare them apples-to-apples. For each quote, label the same categories as clear / vague / missing / red flag: - Scope of work - Materials (brand, model, size) - Labor included - Exclusions - Permit responsibility - Warranty - Timeline - Payment schedule - Change-order process - License + insurance Then build a side-by-side comparison: - What's covered in Quote A but not Quote B (and vice versa) - Where each quote is vague — questions I need to ask to bring them into parity - Why the price difference exists, if you can tell from what's documented - Red flags specific to one quote that the other doesn't have Don't pick a winner. Help me make the comparison fair so I can decide. Quote A: [paste] Quote B: [paste]
Pick the right trade for an unknown problem
“Something's wrong with my house but I don't know who to call.”
Use when
- Symptoms span multiple systems (water + electrical, smell + structure).
- You've called one trade and they said "it's not us."
- Insurance or warranty needs the right specialist first.
What H0U53 produces
- Most likely trade(s) based on symptoms.
- Why other trades may be a wasted call.
- Licensure questions for the trade in your jurisdiction.
- What to say on the first call.
- Order of escalation if the first trade can't resolve.
prompt
I have a problem with my house but I don't know what kind of contractor to call. Help me figure out the right trade. Ask me first: - What I'm observing (symptoms, not causes) - Where in the house (room, system, fixture) - When it started and what changed recently - Whether I've already called anyone Then output: - Most likely trade(s) — plumber, electrician, HVAC tech, roofer, structural engineer, general contractor, handyman, appliance tech, or specialist (mold, lead, asbestos) - Why other trades are NOT the right call - Licensure I should verify in my jurisdiction - What to say on the first call (the contractor-ready summary) - Order of escalation if the first trade can't resolve Use "possible," "likely," "ask," "verify." Don't invent license requirements — flag what I need to check with my local authority having jurisdiction.