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."

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 For an older quote, Sammy keeps your current markup and lets you know its rates may be out of date.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. 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
  • Specifications
  • Client correspondence

To upload files:

  1. Tap the media upload button
  2. On your phone, choose Take photo, Record video, Choose from library, or Choose files (where documents are supported)
  3. Capture something new or select existing files from your device. Your phone controls any camera or library permission prompts

On desktop, the media upload button opens the file chooser directly. On your phone, the bottom navigation and floating page actions move out of the way while you type.

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

Generation Mode (Auto / Quick / Thorough)#

Next to the Create estimate button you'll see a small picker showing the current generation mode. 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"

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