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Create Your First Estimate

Sammy can generate a detailed estimate from a simple job description. The more detail you provide, the more accurate your estimate will be. Here's how to get started.

Starting a New Estimate

  1. Click the Create button in the top navigation
  2. You'll be taken to the estimate creation page

Describing the Job

Writing a Description

Type your job description in the text area. Include as much detail as possible about:

  • What work needs to be done
  • Approximate dimensions or quantities
  • Materials to be used (if known)
  • Any special requirements or conditions

Example description:

"Build a 4m x 3m timber deck at rear of house. Merbau decking on treated pine frame. 3 steps down to lawn. Include balustrade on two sides."

 

Using Voice Notes

Don't want to type? Use voice notes to describe the job:

  1. Click the microphone icon next to the text area
  2. Speak naturally about the job details
  3. Sammy will transcribe your words in real-time
  4. Click the microphone again to stop recording

Your voice transcription is automatically added to the job description.

Tip: Voice notes work best when you speak clearly and include specific details like measurements and materials.

 

Uploading Photos, Videos, and Documents

Visual information helps Sammy understand the job better. You can upload:

Images (up to 10 files, max 50MB each)

  • Site photos
  • Plans or sketches
  • Reference images

Videos (up to 3 files, max 1GB each)

  • Site walkthrough videos
  • Video notes explaining the work

Documents (up to 5 files, max 100MB each)

  • PDF plans (note: Sammy cannot yet read drawings directly, e.g. count doors/windows or wall lengths; but if your plans have door schedules, window schedules, etc he can read those. In any case, we recommend checking Sammy's calculations carefully.)
  • Specifications
  • Client correspondence

To upload files:

  1. Click the dropdown arrow next to the media upload button
  2. Select the type of file you want to upload
  3. Choose files from your device
You can also drag and drop files directly onto the estimate creation screen or the Sammy chat panel. Just drag files from your computer and drop them into the area — Sammy will automatically detect the file type and start processing.
 

Generating the Estimate

Once you've added your job description (and any supporting media):

  1. Click Generate Estimate
  2. Sammy will analyse your input and create a detailed estimate
  3. This usually takes a few seconds

Refining Your Estimate (Ask/Adjust Mode)

After Sammy generates your estimate, you can refine it using the chat panel.

How to Use the Chat

The chat panel appears alongside your estimate. Use it to:

  • Ask Sammy to add or remove items
  • Request changes to quantities or rates
  • Get explanations about specific line items
  • Adjust the scope of work

Example requests:

  • "Add supply and install of LED downlights in the deck area"
  • "Change the decking material to spotted gum"
  • "Remove the balustrade from the estimate"
  • "Increase the deck size to 5m x 4m"

Reverting Sammy's Changes

If Sammy makes a change you don't want, you can revert it. On Sammy's latest response in the chat, click the revert icon (↩) to undo that AI change and restore the estimate to how it was before. See Undo, Redo & Version History for full details.

Quick Adjustments

Sammy may offer pivot options – quick suggestions to increase or decrease the estimate total. These are handy for fast adjustments without typing.

Undo and Redo

Made a mistake? You can undo and redo changes as you work:

  • Desktop: Press Cmd+Z (Mac) or Ctrl+Z (Windows) to undo, and Cmd+Shift+Z / Ctrl+Shift+Z to redo

  • Mobile and desktop: Use the undo/redo buttons in the estimate editor header

Undo works for manual edits like changing quantities, rates, descriptions, deleting items, and more. See Undo, Redo & Version History for full details.

Getting the Best Results from Sammy

Be Specific

The more detail you provide, the better the estimate. Compare these examples:

Less helpful: "Build a deck"

More helpful: "Build a 4m x 3m hardwood deck at the rear of a single-storey brick home. Merbau boards on treated pine frame. 900mm above ground level at highest point. Include 3 steps and balustrade to two sides. Access is good – side gate to backyard."

Include Context

Mention anything that affects pricing:

  • Access conditions (difficult access, stairs, etc.)
  • Site conditions (sloping ground, existing structures)
  • Special requirements (heritage considerations, council requirements)
  • Timeline constraints if relevant

Use Photos and Videos

A picture really is worth a thousand words. Site photos help Sammy understand:

  • Current conditions
  • Exact scope of work
  • Potential challenges
  • Dimensions (especially when you include a reference object)

Review and Adjust

Sammy's first estimate is a starting point. Always review the line items and use the chat to make adjustments as needed.

Saving Your Estimate

Your estimate is automatically saved as you work. You can:

  • Continue editing at any time
  • Close the browser and return later
  • Access saved estimates from the Estimates page in the sidebar

What's Next?

Once you're happy with your estimate, you can: