Decision Framework Skill
Walks any tool or workflow investment through a structured build vs. buy evaluation.
A structured build vs buy framework for construction operators — evaluate true cost of ownership, field adoption risk, and integration complexity before you spend a dollar.
Instant download · Works with Claude Pro, Team & Max · 30-day guarantee
Your team wants to build a custom Excel tool because the off-the-shelf option "doesn't fit how we work."
Or worse — you bought the platform, paid for the implementation, and 8 months later the PMs still use spreadsheets.
Every build vs. buy debate ends in a hallway argument, not a defensible decision.
You have no way to put a real number on internal build cost, maintenance burden, or adoption risk.
This pack replaces the hallway argument with a structured construction software decision tool that produces a one-page memo.
Walks any tool or workflow investment through a structured build vs. buy evaluation.
Quantifies build cost, maintenance, opportunity cost, and 3-year TCO.
Scores likelihood of field/office adoption based on workflow fit and change load.
Maps required integrations and surfaces the ones likely to break.
Produces a clear build / buy / hybrid recommendation with reasoning.
One-page memo format ready for owner, board, or PE sponsor review.
Upload the skill file to Claude using the Projects feature. Takes under 5 minutes.
Paste in your situation using the included input template. No technical knowledge required.
Claude returns a structured, consultant-grade deliverable you can act on immediately.
We're thinking about building a custom job costing dashboard in Excel vs. buying a module in our ERP. We have 2 PMs and a controller. The ERP add-on is $800/month.
BUILD vs BUY — JOB COSTING DASHBOARD RECOMMENDATION: BUY (ERP add-on) Confidence: HIGH KEY DRIVERS • 3-yr TCO — Build: ~$72K (40 hrs build + 6 hrs/mo maintenance @ $150) • 3-yr TCO — Buy: ~$28.8K ($800/mo, native integration) • Adoption risk — Build: HIGH (single-owner dependency on Excel author) • Adoption risk — Buy: LOW (in-app, no second system) RED FLAGS IF YOU BUILD 1. Controller becomes the bottleneck for any change request. 2. Loss of audit trail vs. ERP-native costing. 3. Reporting won't roll up to your existing dashboards. DECISION GATE Proceed with ERP add-on. Pilot with 1 PM for 30 days before full rollout.
Actual output format. Content varies based on your inputs.
Tempted to build because everything custom feels cheaper at first.
Surfaces the real 3-year cost in 20 minutes.
Needs to defend the decision to the owner or board.
Outputs a one-page memo that ends the debate.
Clients keep asking for build vs. buy guidance.
Run the framework on any engagement and brand the output.
One-time purchase. Instant download. 30-day guarantee.
A consultant-grade construction technology audit you can run yourself — diagnose your current software stack, eliminate redundant tools, and get a prioritized 90-day replacement roadmap.
A complete construction vendor evaluation template — RFP, demo scripts, scoring rubric, and reference-check kit built specifically for contractor RFPs.