Design-build projects need scope split by trade (hardscape, electrical, gas, irrigation, planting) before you request sub bids. Short answer: use Claude (general assistant that handles long pasted documents and structured tables well enough for this task; no landscaping-specific tool in our directory does it). Free option: ChatGPT. The workflow has 4 steps and 2 copy-paste prompt(s); expect a trade-by-trade table with plan references and RFIs, plus a draft sub bid request. Main caution: Treat AI quantities as rough; reading dimensions from plans is error-prone. Do your own takeoff.
The problem
Design-build projects need scope split by trade (hardscape, electrical, gas, irrigation, planting) before you request sub bids.
Recommended tools
ClaudeGeneral assistant that handles long pasted documents and structured tables well enough for this task; no landscaping-specific tool in our directory does it.
Free; Pro $20/mo ($17/mo annual); Max from $100/mo
ChatGPTFree plan works for smaller plan sets.
Free; paid plans per user - see https://chatgpt.com/pricingEditorial opinion based on the vendor capabilities and prices listed in our tools directory. Not paid placements; prices as checked Oct 2026 and may change. Compare all use cases →
All tools mentioned
Step-by-step workflow
- Upload the plan set and written scope.
- Ask for a trade breakdown and the items each sub must price.
- Ask for rough linear/square-foot quantities only as a cross-check against your own takeoff.
- Write sub bid requests from the breakdown and attach the relevant sheets.
Copy-paste prompts
From these design-build plans and scope [upload/paste], create a trade breakdown table: trade, scope items, sheets/details referenced, items needing clarification (RFI), and owner-supplied items. Don't invent specs.
Draft a bid request to a [low-voltage lighting / gas / electrical] subcontractor using only this trade scope [paste]. Include bid due date [ ], site visit [ ], and required inclusions/exclusions.
What to expect
A trade-by-trade table with plan references and RFIs, plus a draft sub bid request.
Limits & safety
- Treat AI quantities as rough; reading dimensions from plans is error-prone. Do your own takeoff.
- Permits, code compliance and licensed trades (gas, electrical) remain your responsibility.