Overview

Speed and accuracy matter more than ever in project estimating. So we've built an even faster way to build estimates, powered by the same exhaustive pricing research you already know and trust.

Our new AI-powered Scope Assistant helps you build a preliminary estimate in minutes by matching your job to our library of accurate, local remodeling costs and 20+ years of real project data. 

The process is the same, just faster. Instead of building your estimate line by line, just describe your project in detail and the AI Scope Assistant will find the best matching parts to get you started.

Now you have a detailed preliminary estimate faster than ever, and you can fine tune in the last steps.

You control the final results

The Scope Assistant takes the leg work out of assembling your project, but you'll be able to fully edit and revise your final proposal the same as always. 

This way you can quickly generate a detailed preliminary estimate to qualify leads fast, and you'll still own and manage the final output. 

How it works 

From Home, click New Project. 

This will take you to the new Create a Project page. 

Next select a customer (or create a new one) and title your project.  

Now add a detailed project description with specific measurements, and include as much detail as possible.

For example:

Full kitchen remodel including new countertops, backsplash, economy appliances, and all new cabinets. The kitchen is about 220SF. Then I need to replace the hardwood in the living room, about 400SF.

Click next, then choose how to start your project. 

Click Start with AI to launch the Scope Assistant (you can also start with templates, or start with a blank project like before). 

Now the Scope Assistant will ping our library of thousands of cost items and similar customer projects. 

Once finished, you'll be able to review the response from AI:

Here we see the AI has built two project sections, one for kitchen remodel and another for living room flooring replacement. 

We aren't done yet - we still want to review our results. 

We can adjust specific part quantities from the qty column, or uncheck any parts we don't need for our project. 

After the project is created, we'll be able to: 

• Fine tune part descriptions 
• Edit part costs 
• Add more parts / templates
• Adjust markups and other settings
   

Once you've reviewed your estimate, click Create Project. 

The Scope Assistant instantly creates your project and brings all the same data into the normal estimating environment where you have deeper control over the final proposal.

(Note: multiple project sections will be added as components).   

Now you instantly have a detailed preliminary quote to qualify jobs with no wasted time, and you can focus on making revisions rather than building from scratch. 

Pro Feature: Image upload / Plan takeoffs

Starting April 6th, Clear Estimates Pro users can also create estimates by uploading plans, blueprints or job site photos into the Scope Assistant. 

1. Upload one or more images of the project (plans, drawings, or photos)
2. Add a brief description of the work to be performed
3. The AI analyzes your inputs and matches them to relevant cost items from our library
4. A detailed estimate is generated based on your project details and local pricing 

See How It Works.

Supported file types 

The following file types can be uploaded:

.jpg / .jpeg 
.jpe
.png 
.webp
.pdf

Tips for best results

• Include a short description: Even a sentence or two helps the AI understand scope, materials, and intent (e.g., “Build this deck with composite decking and railing”)
• Use clear images: Use high quality photos and legible plans / drawings for the best results
• Upload complete views when possible: Full project context (not just close-ups) improves accuracy

The AI will identify relevant components from your images and description, then build an estimate using Clear Estimates’ localized cost database. You can review and edit all line items before finalizing your estimate.

Add More with AI

Starting April 6th, you'll be able to add AI estimate results to an existing estimate, instead of just new ones. 

Within any project you'll find an Add with AI option at the top of the main Projects page: 

Click Add with AI and you'll be able to input a new description of the work. Pro users can also attach files at this step. 

When you've input your details, click search with AI to create new estimate section(s). 

Results here will add to your project as a component, or multiple components. You can always make adjustments after the parts are added. 

Notes for customized part libraries

This beta version matches to the standard Clear Estimates cost library by default.  

• If you’ve customized a default part, your customized version will be used in the project. You can always change anything you'd like about the parts once your project is created.
   
• If you’ve deleted some of our parts or categories, it will automatically restore those parts / categories when you create your project. You'll be able to see which categories and parts will be restored.
   
• You'll be able to match to your own custom parts in future versions. 

What's next? 

Now we've brought all that same data into our project, where we have deeper control over our cost items and descriptions. 

The AI Assistant built a detailed initial scope that we own and manage, but we can revise our estimate as we see fit and send a detailed formal proposal - wasting no time in between. 

Notes

This feature is currently in beta (version 2.0).

Trial users are limited to five (5) AI requests. Active accounts have unlimited AI tokens. 

We'll be improving this tool over time and based on customer feedback. Reach us at support@clearestimates.com with your thoughts & suggestions!