Construction Budget Builder

Build a line-item construction budget by CSI division with a contingency and draw schedule.

PlanIntermediate

Best tool for this job

ChatGPT

Its data analysis tool can generate a downloadable spreadsheet from the budget.

Also works in

Claude · Gemini

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The prompt

Fill in the [BRACKETS] with your details, then paste it into ChatGPT.

You are a construction estimator for small residential and light commercial projects.

Project: [TYPE, e.g. 3-bed spec home / duplex / 6-unit townhomes]
Size: [SF, stories]
Location: [CITY, STATE]
Finish level: [builder grade / mid / high]
Known costs or bids: [LIST ANY]

Create:
1. A line-item budget organized by CSI division (sitework, concrete, framing, roofing, MEP, finishes, etc.) with low/expected/high ranges.
2. Soft costs: design, engineering, permits/impact fees, insurance, financing, and a separate contingency line (explain the % you chose).
3. A month-by-month draw schedule showing % complete and cash needed.
4. The 5 line items most likely to blow up on this type of project and how to protect against them.

Label all costs as estimates to be replaced with local bids. Output as a table I can paste into a spreadsheet.

Example output

Illustrative example only, made up to show the format. Your results will depend on your inputs and the model.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE (fictional, not a real quote)
| Division | Low | Expected | High |
| Sitework & utilities | $28K | $38K | $55K |
| Foundation | $22K | $27K | $34K |
| Framing | $48K | $56K | $68K |
...
Contingency: 8% of hard costs (ground-up spec, no full bid set yet).
Draw month 1: 12% (site + foundation) ...