Plan your next DIY project in an evening, not a month
25 fill-in-the-blank AI prompts plus a Google Sheets tracker for scoping, measuring, estimating materials and staying on budget. Made for people who build decks, patios, raised beds, shelves and tank stands.
What's included
📋 AI Prompt Pack
- 25 fill-in-the-blank prompts in 5 parts: scoping, measurements & takeoffs, budgets & buying, doing the work, tracking
- Cut lists, sheet-goods layouts, paint coverage, bulk vs bagged break-even, contractor quote comparison
- Every estimate prompt makes the AI show its math
- PDF + Markdown (copy-paste friendly)
📊 Project Tracker
- Project: summary with live totals, % complete, remaining budget
- Materials: raw qty + waste % → packs to buy and cost, auto-calculated
- Budget: planned vs actual with variance
- Tasks: status, due dates, estimated vs actual hours
- .xlsx for Google Sheets/Excel + CSV per tab, with a worked paver-patio example
Preview: 4 prompts from the pack
1. Project brief builder
I want to [PROJECT, e.g. build a 10x12 ft paver patio] at my [home type] in [climate/region]. My skill level is [beginner/intermediate/advanced], I have [tools I own], and my budget is about $[X]. Ask me up to 8 clarifying questions, one batch at a time, then write a one-page project brief covering: goal, dimensions, materials approach, main risks, permits that may apply, and a realistic DIY vs hire-out recommendation.
7. Material takeoff from dimensions
Here are my dimensions: [L x W x D, number of items, openings to subtract]. Create a material takeoff for [PROJECT]: each material, the formula used, the raw quantity, the waste factor you applied and why, and the final quantity rounded up to purchasable units (bags, boards, boxes, sheets). Show the math so I can check it.
10. Lumber cut list
I'm building [ITEM] with these parts: [LIST PARTS AND LENGTHS]. Using [8/10/12 ft] boards of [SIZE, e.g. 2x4], create a cut list that minimizes waste, assuming a 1/8" saw kerf. Show which cuts come from each board, the offcut lengths, and the total boards to buy. Remind me of actual vs nominal lumber sizes.
17. Bulk vs bagged comparison
I need [QUANTITY] of [MATERIAL, e.g. topsoil, mulch, gravel, concrete]. Bagged costs $[X] per [BAG SIZE]; bulk costs $[Y] per [cubic yard/ton] plus $[DELIVERY] delivery. Calculate the cost of each option, the break-even quantity, and non-price factors (access, storage, labor).
Replace the [BRACKETS] with your details. Full pack has 25.
Pricing
AI Prompt Pack
25 prompts · PDF + Markdown
Plan, estimate and budget any project with ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini.
Buy AI Prompt Pack for $7Bundle: Prompts + Tracker
Everything · save $2
The prompts plan it; the tracker keeps it on budget.
Buy Bundle for $14Project Tracker
Google Sheets / Excel · 4 tabs
Materials, budget vs actual and tasks, with formulas built in.
Buy Project Tracker for $9One-time payment, instant download, no subscription. Prices in USD; tax may be added at checkout. 14-day refund policy.
FAQ
What AI tool do I need?
Any chat assistant works: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot, including free tiers. The prompts are plain text.
Does the tracker work in Google Sheets?
Yes. Import the .xlsx in Google Sheets (File → Import → Upload) and all four tabs and formulas come across. It also opens in Excel and LibreOffice. One CSV per tab is included too.
How do I get the files?
Right after checkout, Polar shows a download link and emails you a copy.
Can AI get my measurements wrong?
Yes, which is why every estimating prompt asks it to show the math, and prompt 8 is a dedicated "check my math" prompt. Always verify quantities, follow product labels and check local codes.
Can I share it?
It's licensed for personal use. Please don't resell or repost the files.