DOABLE · DECISIONS AND PAPERWORK
Use AI to Check an Estimate Before You Sign
A polished estimate can still hide vague wording, missing scope, surprise charges, weak warranty language, or terms that are not in your best interest. Use this prompt with your own contractor or service estimate before you agree to anything.
THE REAL-LIFE PROBLEM
What this guide helps you do
A written estimate can look polished while leaving out scope, costs, protections, or terms you need to understand before signing.
WHEN THIS HELPS
Use it when you have a contractor or service estimate and want a plain-English review, a red-flag list, and questions to ask before comparing or signing.
WHEN TO SKIP IT
Do not use it as a substitute for a licensed professional, legal advice, an official inspection, or a direct conversation with the contractor or service provider.
ONE CRIT PROMPT, ONE CAREFUL REVIEW
Ask AI to review the estimate from the consumer's point of view
COPY, PASTE AND USE WITH YOUR OWN ESTIMATE
CONTEXT You are helping me review a written contractor or service estimate. I want help understanding what is included, what may be missing, what sounds vague, and what may not be in my best interest before I agree to anything. ROLE Act as a consumer-first estimate reviewer and plain-English advisor. Your job is to help me understand the estimate, spot red flags, and prepare smart follow-up questions. INTERVIEW Before reviewing the estimate, ask me up to 5 questions, one at a time, about: 1. What kind of estimate this is 2. Whether I have one estimate or several 3. What already feels confusing or concerning 4. My priorities, such as price, quality, warranty, or speed 5. Any special constraints, such as insurance, budget, timing, or property issues Wait for my answers before reviewing the estimate. TASK After I answer and provide the estimate: 1. Summarize it in plain English 2. Break down the scope, materials or services, timeline, payment terms, warranties, exclusions, and unclear areas 3. Identify red flags, vague wording, missing items, and anything not in my best interest 4. For each red flag, give: - label - why it matters - risk to me - what to ask next 5. Create a checklist I can use before signing 6. Give a final rating: - Safe to compare - Needs clarification before signing - High risk, consider walking away Use short sections and simple language.
USE THE ESTIMATE YOU ACTUALLY RECEIVED
How to use this guide
- Make a private copy and remove personal information.
- Copy the CRIT prompt below into ChatGPT or Claude.
- Upload your own contractor or service estimate. A clear PDF, photograph, or screenshot can work.
- Answer the interview questions one at a time.
- Use the result to prepare questions. Confirm important answers with the contractor, service provider, insurer, or appropriate public agency.
BEFORE YOU ACT
Use AI to notice. Use people to confirm.
AI CAN HELP YOU NOTICE
- Scope or wording that is vague
- Missing services, materials, dates, or charges
- Weak warranty language or unclear exclusions
- Payment terms and questions worth asking before you sign
A PERSON MUST CONFIRM
- What local laws, permits, or codes require
- Whether licensing and insurance are current
- Whether the price is fair for the work and your area
- Every change or promise you plan to rely on in writing
Know who to call
Ask about anything unclear in the scope, materials or services, warranty, timeline, exclusions, or price. Get important changes in writing before you sign.
Licensing and complaint records vary by trade and location. For contractors, the national directory of state contractor licensing agencies can help you find the right office.
If the estimate involves covered damage or an insurance claim, confirm the process before agreeing to work or signing anything related to payment or your deductible.
Sources and disclaimer
- Federal Trade Commission: Avoiding scams after weather emergencies
- NASCLA: State contractor licensing agency directory
- NAIC: State insurance department directory
Last checked: August 4, 2026