◆ Excel · formulas

Cost Estimation

Compute material and labour cost estimates for erosion-control options: build a sheet that sums material and labour pe…

2heights

6tasks

2roles do it

The same job, four heights

do it · improve it · decide · become

AExecute — “help me do it”Compute material and labour cost estimates for erosion-control options: build a sheet that sums…+

Compute material and labour cost estimates for erosion-control options: build a sheet that sums material and labour per design using SUMIFS, produce totals per hectare, and present alternate total costs so landowners can compare feasible options.

when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

BImprove — “do it better”Before presenting options to landowners, make cost trade-offs transparent: show unit rates and…+

Before presenting options to landowners, make cost trade-offs transparent: show unit rates and assumptions, add a what-if table for changing labour days and material prices, flag options that exceed the project budget, and provide a short sensitivity note about the main cost drivers.

when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

The real tasks

3 of them

Compute material and labour cost estimates for alternative erosion-control designs so landowners can choose a feasible option.

Build a simple cost checklist for each design iteration so I can confirm we haven't missed any recurring production fees.

Estimate production costs under different material choices so we can pick a finish that hits the target retail price.

Who does this

2 roles

Industrial DesignerConservation Scientist

Questions people ask

honest answers

Because you rarely think 'I want the redaction tool'. You think 'I have to share this without leaking the client's details'. Start from the need, and the feature finds you.

Real. Every job here was drawn from what people in real roles were actually seen doing in Excel — not a feature checklist.

No. Each page gives you a ready prompt you can paste into an AI assistant, plus the plain steps to do it yourself. Start with either — the goal is the finished job, not the tool.