Pack 02 · Decision Framework

Build vs. Buy Evaluator

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.

Claude ProClaude TeamClaude Max

Instant download · Works with Claude Pro, Team & Max · 30-day guarantee

The Problem

Why operators buy this pack.

  • 01

    Your team wants to build a custom Excel tool because the off-the-shelf option "doesn't fit how we work."

  • 02

    Or worse — you bought the platform, paid for the implementation, and 8 months later the PMs still use spreadsheets.

  • 03

    Every build vs. buy debate ends in a hallway argument, not a defensible decision.

  • 04

    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.

What's in the Pack

6 components. One outcome.

01

Decision Framework Skill

Walks any tool or workflow investment through a structured build vs. buy evaluation.

02

True Cost of Ownership Calculator

Quantifies build cost, maintenance, opportunity cost, and 3-year TCO.

03

Field Adoption Risk Scorer

Scores likelihood of field/office adoption based on workflow fit and change load.

04

Integration Complexity Mapper

Maps required integrations and surfaces the ones likely to break.

05

Recommendation Summary Generator

Produces a clear build / buy / hybrid recommendation with reasoning.

06

Decision Memo Template

One-page memo format ready for owner, board, or PE sponsor review.

6 components · Instant download
How to use this pack

Install. Input. Output.

01

Step 01Install

Upload the skill file to Claude using the Projects feature. Takes under 5 minutes.

02

Step 02Input

Paste in your situation using the included input template. No technical knowledge required.

03

Step 03Output

Claude returns a structured, consultant-grade deliverable you can act on immediately.

Sample Output

What you actually get back.

Input
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.
Output
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.

Who this is for

Built for three operators.

Persona 01

Owner-Operator

Pain

Tempted to build because everything custom feels cheaper at first.

How this helps

Surfaces the real 3-year cost in 20 minutes.

Persona 02

Operations Manager / COO

Pain

Needs to defend the decision to the owner or board.

How this helps

Outputs a one-page memo that ends the debate.

Persona 03

Technology Consultant

Pain

Clients keep asking for build vs. buy guidance.

How this helps

Run the framework on any engagement and brand the output.

Everything included

No upsells. No add-ons.

  • Claude skill file (one-click install)
  • Installation guide (PDF)
  • Decision matrix template
  • True cost of ownership calculator inputs
  • Sample build vs. buy memo
  • Free updates for 12 months
Get the Pack

Build vs. Buy Evaluator.
$99 USD.

One-time purchase. Instant download. 30-day guarantee.

  • Replaces gut-feel decisions with a 3-year TCO model
  • Scores field adoption risk explicitly
  • Outputs a one-page decision memo
30-day guarantee
Common Questions

Questions about this pack.