cost-database-interface

Construction cost database interface skill for unit costs, productivity, and regional adjustments

509 stars

Best use case

cost-database-interface is best used when you need a repeatable AI agent workflow instead of a one-off prompt.

Construction cost database interface skill for unit costs, productivity, and regional adjustments

Teams using cost-database-interface should expect a more consistent output, faster repeated execution, less prompt rewriting.

When to use this skill

You want a reusable workflow that can be run more than once with consistent structure.

When not to use this skill

You only need a quick one-off answer and do not need a reusable workflow.
You cannot install or maintain the underlying files, dependencies, or repository context.

Installation

Claude Code / Cursor / Codex

$curl -o ~/.claude/skills/cost-database-interface/SKILL.md --create-dirs "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/a5c-ai/babysitter/main/library/specializations/domains/science/civil-engineering/skills/cost-database-interface/SKILL.md"

Manual Installation

Download SKILL.md from GitHub
Place it in .claude/skills/cost-database-interface/SKILL.md inside your project
Restart your AI agent — it will auto-discover the skill

How cost-database-interface Compares

Feature / Agent	cost-database-interface	Standard Approach
Platform Support	Not specified	Limited / Varies
Context Awareness	High	Baseline
Installation Complexity	Unknown	N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this skill do?

Construction cost database interface skill for unit costs, productivity, and regional adjustments

Where can I find the source code?

You can find the source code on GitHub using the link provided at the top of the page.

SKILL.md Source

# Cost Database Interface Skill

## Purpose

The Cost Database Interface Skill provides access to construction cost databases for unit costs, crew productivity rates, and regional cost adjustments.

## Capabilities

- RS Means database integration
- Unit cost lookup
- Regional cost adjustments
- Crew productivity rates
- Equipment rental rates
- Material price indices
- Historical cost trending
- Location factor application

## Usage Guidelines

### When to Use
- Developing cost estimates
- Benchmarking project costs
- Adjusting for location
- Forecasting costs

### Prerequisites
- Database access configured
- Cost categories identified
- Location factors known
- Time period specified

### Best Practices
- Use current data
- Apply appropriate factors
- Verify for local conditions
- Document cost sources

## Process Integration

This skill integrates with:
- Construction Cost Estimation

## Configuration

```yaml
cost-database-interface:
  databases:
    - rs-means
    - dodge
    - eni
  data-types:
    - unit-costs
    - productivity
    - equipment
    - materials
  adjustments:
    - location
    - time
    - size
```

## Output Artifacts

- Cost data extracts
- Location factors
- Productivity data
- Cost indices