Setting Up Your First Project
Getting your first project into ProAI Builder takes about five minutes. Here is the full setup process.
Step 1: Log In
Navigate to proaibuilder.com and log in with your account credentials. If you do not have an account yet, sign up for a free 14-day trial.
Step 2: Create a New Project
From the dashboard, click New Project. You will see a form with the following fields:
- Project Name — A descriptive name (e.g., "Smith Kitchen Renovation" or "45 Oak Street New Build")
- Address — The physical location of the project
- Client — The homeowner or client name and contact information
- Start Date — When work begins or began
- Estimated End Date — Your target completion date
- Budget — The total project budget (you can refine line items later)
- Project Type — New build, renovation, addition, repair, or other
Step 3: Add Team Members
If you are working with a team, add them under the Team section. Each team member gets a role (project manager, site supervisor, estimator, etc.) and can be assigned tasks and daily log responsibilities.
Step 4: Set Up Budget Line Items
Navigate to the Budget tab and start adding line items. Common categories include:
- Demolition
- Foundation and concrete
- Framing and structure
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- HVAC
- Insulation and drywall
- Flooring
- Cabinets and countertops
- Painting and finishing
- Landscaping and exterior
Each line item can have a cost code, estimated cost, and allowance amount. As the project progresses, you will track actual costs against these estimates.
Step 5: Start Logging
Your project is ready. The most important habit to build is daily logging. Every day on site, create a daily log entry. Even a quick voice note about what happened is better than nothing. Consistent logging builds a project history that protects you legally, helps with invoicing, and makes the AI assistant far more useful.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Project
- Upload documents early — Add contracts, permits, and drawings to the project file hub so everything is in one place
- Use voice input on site — It is faster than typing, especially in the field
- Tag expenses immediately — Scan receipts with document intelligence as they come in, not at the end of the month
- Check in with Arbor — Ask the AI assistant for project summaries, budget status, or help drafting communications