Watch Rafael take job cost data, original estimates, change order logs, and project notes - then turn them into a ranked diagnosis of which jobs leaked margin, why, and what is still recoverable.
The workflow uses exported files and a regular AI chat tool. It is meant to help a leader or analyst test the method before any system is connected.
The output connects the cost variance to estimates, change orders, and project notes so the review can separate lessons from money that may still be recoverable.
A one-time chat can help with a quarter-end review, but it does not remember trends, track actions, or run every Monday without someone preparing the files.
The AI surfaces likely causes and evidence. A human still decides whether to chase a change order, coach a PM, revise a bid checklist, or accept that the money is gone.
Get the companion asset for this guide and try a lightweight version of the workflow yourself.
Most margin reviews stop at the variance column. AI becomes useful when it connects the numbers to the narrative — matching cost overruns to field notes, change order gaps, and estimating assumptions to produce an actual diagnosis.
AI can compare job cost summaries, original estimates, change order logs, and project notes to explain which jobs missed margin, what likely caused the variance, and whether any dollars are still recoverable.
The lightweight workflow uses four exports: a job cost summary, original estimates, a change order log, and project notes. Those files usually live across accounting, estimating, project management, and field systems.
No. The AI prepares a diagnosis and evidence trail so leaders can review faster. Finance, operations, and project leaders still decide what to chase, what to fix, and what to change in the next bid.
| Job | Variance | Root Cause | Evidence | Recoverable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memorial Hospital Chiller | −$47,200 | Scope creep | PM note 2/14: "Added drain pan work per owner request." No signed CO in log. | Yes — $38K if CO raised |
| Riverside Office TI | −$31,500 | Labor overrun | Actual labor 1,240 hrs vs. bid 880. Field note: "Rework on ductwork installation." | No |
| District School HVAC | −$22,800 | Schedule delay | PM note 3/2: "AHJ held us up 3 weeks waiting on inspection." Premium labor to compress. | No |
Example data shown. Actual output will be based on your job cost data, estimates, and project notes.
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