How to generate a proposal with AI
Use Kaliun's built-in Claude assistant to draft line items from a plain-English scope description.
If you know what you're going to build but don't want to type out every line item by hand, Kaliun can draft them for you. You describe the job in plain English, Claude generates a structured line-item list, you review and tweak.
Open a proposal in edit mode
Create a new proposal or open an existing draft.
Click "AI Assist"
The button is in the top-right of the line items section. A panel opens with a prompt box.
Describe the job
Type a natural description of what you're building. The more detail, the better. Example:
Complete kitchen gut and remodel. ~300 sqft. Remove cabinets, countertops, and flooring. New drywall where needed. Install new cabinet boxes (client picking style). Quartz counters. LVP flooring. Add island with sink — needs plumbing rerun. Electrical work: new subpanel, 4 recessed lights, relocate 3 outlets, hardwire under-cabinet lighting. Paint walls + trim. Install backsplash tile. Client providing appliances. Standard finishes.
Things to include:
- Room sizes and ceiling heights
- What's being demoed vs. kept
- What the client is providing (so you don't price it twice)
- Finish grade (standard / mid / luxury — this swings costs 2-3×)
- Unusual conditions
Click "Generate"
Kaliun sends the prompt to Claude. In about 15 seconds, you see a structured breakdown:
- Categories (Demo, Electrical, Plumbing, Drywall, Cabinets, etc.)
- Line items under each
- Suggested cost, markup, and cost code for each item
Review, edit, and accept
Look at every line. The AI is good at structure and pretty good at quantities, but its pricing won't match your local rates — always review and adjust.
Tap any item to edit in place. Uncheck items you don't want. When you're happy, click Add to Proposal.
The items are added into the proposal as if you'd typed them yourself. Everything is fully editable afterward.
Tips for better output
- Include room dimensions — helps with quantities
- Name the finish grade — "builder-grade", "mid-grade", "luxury"
- List exclusions — "client handling cabinets", "subs providing materials"
- Use trade names — "rough-in", "punch list", "GC" — Claude knows contractor-speak
- Start over if needed — click Try Again with a refined prompt, or regenerate individual items
Privacy
Every generation sends just your prompt plus your workspace's cost codes. Nothing about your other proposals, client list, or pricing history is sent. Kaliun has a zero-retention agreement with Anthropic, so your data is never used for model training.