SammyHelp centre

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. On your phone, tap + New above the bottom navigation on Home or Projects, then choose New estimate. On a computer, use New estimate in the sidebar, or + New in the bottom corner of Home or Projects
  2. You'll be taken to the estimate creation page

The “Tell Sammy about the job” introduction appears before you've created your first estimate. Once you have an estimate, the introduction is hidden to leave more room for the job description and interactive controls.

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."

On your phone, the description box grows as you write, and the Project line above it links the estimate to a project if you want to (it's optional).

Not sure where to start? Tap Thought starters under the photo buttons for example jobs in your trade. On a computer, they're under Try these. Tap one to fill in the description, then change it to suit your job.

Already have the job in ServiceM8 or Simpro? On your phone, tap Import at the top right, then choose where the job is. On a computer, click the import button under the description. Sammy brings in the job's details, notes and files for you.

Copying the Layout of a Past Quote#

If this job should look like one you've already quoted, say so in the description. Name the client, the job or the estimate number:

  • "Same format as the last 2 quotes for RBK"
  • "Set this out like the last bathroom we did"
  • "Same as EST-1042"

Sammy finds that quote and follows it. That means the same groups, the same way of splitting the work into lines and the same scope wording. If the quote is from the last six months, its markup is copied too, so the price stays the same when you reuse its rates. If your description gives a different markup, Sammy uses yours. For an older quote, Sammy keeps your current markup and lets you know its rates may be out of date. Quantities still come from this job's description and plans, and any rates you give for this job come first.

Sammy tells you which quote he followed. If he can't find the one you meant, he says so. Name it in the chat and he'll match it.

Using Voice Notes#

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

  1. On your phone, tap Use voice at the bottom of the screen, next to Create estimate. On a computer, click the microphone icon under the description
  2. Speak naturally about the job details
  3. Sammy writes down your words as you talk. They appear each time you pause
  4. Tap Stop when you're done (on a computer, click the microphone again)

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
  • Specifications
  • Client correspondence

To upload files on your phone:

  1. Under the job description, tap Take photo, Photos & video or Plans & docs
  2. Take the photo, or pick the photos, videos or files you want. The first time, your phone asks if Sammy can use the camera or your photos

If you've scrolled past those buttons, or you're typing, tap the paperclip at the bottom of the screen. It gives you the same choices, plus Record video.

To upload files on a computer: click the + under the description, then choose Site images & video, Site documents or Site plans & drawings.

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. Tap Create estimate. On your phone it's the big blue button at the bottom of the screen
  2. Sammy will analyse your input and create a detailed estimate
  3. This usually takes a few seconds

Generation Mode (Auto / Quick / Thorough)#

Next to the Create estimate button (on your phone, just above it) you'll see a small picker showing the current generation mode. On your phone it tucks away while you're typing, so tap away from the description to see it again. Auto is the default and the right choice for most jobs — Sammy reads the brief and picks the right approach. Big multi-trade jobs (additions, new builds, full-house renovations, commercial fit-outs) are automatically routed through a more thorough planning path.

If your estimates of a certain job type are consistently coming in under-priced, try flipping the picker to Thorough on those briefs. If Sammy has routed your job through the thorough path but you'd rather stick to the fast single-shot approach you've been pricing successfully for years, flip it to Quick.

See Choosing a Generation Mode for the full guide.

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
  • Add notes to items, groups, or the estimate

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"
  • "Add a note to the Rough-In Phase detailing all the practical on-site steps of the phase across all trades"

Starting Again From a New Scope#

If the job changes so much that fixing lines one at a time doesn't make sense, tell Sammy to start again. Paste the new scope (or point at the section of a document you've uploaded) and say something like "Delete this estimate and set it out as option 1" or "Start again from the attached quantities".

Sammy builds the estimate from the new scope only. Your saved rates and any line you've locked carry across; nothing else from the old version does. His reply says what changed on the total and reminds you that the previous version is kept in version history, so the revert icon (↩) on his message puts it back if you change your mind.

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:

More in Getting started

Still stuck?

Ask Sammy about it.

Sammy has read every article here. Log in and he can look at your quotes, jobs and invoices too. If he can't sort it out, he'll pass you to a real person on the team.

support@withsammy.ai