Capex Estimate Generation
Produces line-item capex estimates for a defined scope using the capex library, labor rates, material costs, and overlay contingency and escalation. Output is a structured estimate suitable for bid leveling, prioritization, or budget inclusion.
Best use case
Capex Estimate Generation is best used when you need a repeatable AI agent workflow instead of a one-off prompt.
Produces line-item capex estimates for a defined scope using the capex library, labor rates, material costs, and overlay contingency and escalation. Output is a structured estimate suitable for bid leveling, prioritization, or budget inclusion.
Teams using Capex Estimate Generation 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
Manual Installation
- Download SKILL.md from GitHub
- Place it in
.claude/skills/capex_estimate_generation/SKILL.mdinside your project - Restart your AI agent — it will auto-discover the skill
How Capex Estimate Generation Compares
| Feature / Agent | Capex Estimate Generation | 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?
Produces line-item capex estimates for a defined scope using the capex library, labor rates, material costs, and overlay contingency and escalation. Output is a structured estimate suitable for bid leveling, prioritization, or budget inclusion.
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
# Capex Estimate Generation
## Workflow purpose
Turn a scope statement into a structured, line-item estimate tied to the capex library. Output feeds `workflows/capital_project_intake_and_prioritization`, `workflows/bid_leveling_procurement_review`, and `workflows/budget_build`.
## Trigger conditions
- **Explicit:** "estimate this capex scope", "unit turn tier estimate", "amenity refresh estimate", "roof replacement estimate".
- **Implicit:** `workflows/capital_project_intake_and_prioritization` requests estimate; bid package prep; draw-review estimate scrub.
- **Recurring:** on demand.
## Inputs (required / optional)
| Input | Type | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope statement | memo | required | assembly / line-item references |
| Capex library | csv | required | |
| Labor rates | csv | required | market-specific |
| Material costs | csv | required | region-specific |
| Duration assumptions | csv | required | for phasing |
| Contingency assumptions | csv | required | overlay |
## Outputs
| Output | Type | Shape |
|---|---|---|
| Line-item estimate | `estimate` | qty, unit_cost, extended, source |
| Summary roll-up | table | by assembly and project |
| Escalation view | table | at estimated execution date |
| Estimate memo | `memo` | assumptions, confidence, risk |
## Required context
Asset_class, segment, form_factor, lifecycle_stage, market.
## Process
1. **Scope decomposition.** Break scope into assemblies and line items; map to library.
2. **Quantity take-off.** Compute quantities per scope; include allowances per overlay.
3. **Unit cost application.** Apply library unit costs; adjust for labor and material references.
4. **Escalation.** Apply overlay escalator to target execution date.
5. **Contingency.** Apply overlay contingency by scope tier.
6. **Assembly roll-up.** Aggregate to assembly, project, and per-unit / per-sf.
7. **Risk memo.** Note assumption confidence, market sensitivities, schedule risks.
8. **Confidence banner.** References surfaced with `as_of_date` and `status`.
## Metrics used
`dev_cost_per_unit`, `dev_cost_per_gsf`, `dev_cost_per_nrsf`, `renovation_yield_on_cost` (if yield is asked), `capex_spend_vs_plan` (feeder).
## Reference files used
- `reference/normalized/capex_line_items__{scope}.csv`
- `reference/normalized/labor_rates__{market}.csv`
- `reference/normalized/material_costs__{region}_residential.csv`
- `reference/normalized/construction_duration_assumptions__{region}.csv`
- `reference/derived/contingency_assumptions__{org}.csv`
## Escalation points
- Estimate magnitude outside overlay band: estimator -> construction_manager -> asset_manager.
## Required approvals
None for the estimate itself (recommendation severity). Downstream approvals live in `workflows/bid_leveling_procurement_review`, `workflows/change_order_review`, etc.
## Failure modes
1. Library without market adjustment. Fix: labor/material references mandatory.
2. No contingency. Fix: overlay contingency mandatory.
3. No escalation. Fix: escalator applied to target execution date.
4. Estimate without risk memo. Fix: risk memo mandatory.
## Edge cases
- **Custom scope (no library assembly):** new line items flagged; note confidence low; propose library update via reference flow if systematic.
- **Tenant-impact scope:** add tenant communication allowance per overlay.
- **Licensed trade with limited local market:** surface market-specific risk.
- **Phased scope crossing fiscal years:** escalate by phase.
## Example invocations
1. "Estimate the roof replacement scope for Ashford Park."
2. "Build the estimate for the Willow Creek unit renovation tier 2."
3. "Amenity refresh estimate for the South End portfolio common areas."
## Example outputs
### Output — Capex estimate (abridged, roof replacement Ashford Park)
**Scope.** Roof replacement per scope statement; decomposed to tear-off, underlayment, shingles, flashing, cleanup.
**Line items.** Quantities and unit costs from library; adjusted for labor market.
**Roll-up.** Per-assembly and per-unit totals.
**Escalation.** Applied to target execution date.
**Contingency.** Applied per overlay tier.
**Risk memo.** Material-cost volatility noted; labor availability confidence medium.
**Confidence banner.** `capex_line_items__roofing@2026-03-31, status=starter`. `labor_rates__charlotte@2026-03-31, status=sample`. `contingency_assumptions@2026-03-31, status=starter`.Related Skills
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