Sample № 03 — plumbing estimate review

A contractor quote, audited line by line.

A worked example. Copy the prompt, paste it into the AI tool you use, and follow what it asks back.

The homeowner problem

“I have a plumbing estimate. What's missing or vague?”

Guide · Estimate Review

What the AI will produce

Per-category labels: clear / vague / missing / red flag.
A specific list of vague language to clarify (e.g. "as needed," "customer's choice," "unforeseen conditions").
Missing categories the contract should address — permit, lien waiver, change-order process, warranty terms.
Red flag indicators — cash-only payment, large up-front deposit, no written contract, refusal to provide license number.
Numbered questions to ask the contractor before signing.
Questions to verify with the local building department.

Example interaction

What the AI flags

“Replace water heater” is vague — needs fuel type, capacity, brand, model, energy factor. “Permit included” is missinga sub-clause on who schedules and meets the inspection. “Warranty: as per manufacturer” is a red flag — the contractor should also warranty their installation work for at least 1 year. A demand for 50% deposit is a red flag — industry standard is 10-25% with progress payments.

What you ask back

Brand and model of the proposed unit? Is the existing T&P valve being replaced? Pan + drain line included? Earthquake straps if required by local code? Sediment trap on gas line? Who pulls the permit and who is there for the inspection? Total duration including code-required components?

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]

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