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AI: Chat

Have a full conversation with Handoff's AI as if it was your personal estimator, to generate more accurate estimates the first time.

Written by Handoff Support
Updated over 2 weeks ago

Computer walkthrough:

Phone walkthrough:

How to Use AI Chat

Overview

AI Chat helps you quickly create and refine estimates using natural language. You can describe your project, make changes in real time, and restore previous versions when needed.

This guide explains how to access AI Chat, interact with it effectively, and troubleshoot common issues.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Access the AI Chat

  1. Open any estimate.

  2. Locate the Use Handoff AI bar at the bottom of the screen.

  3. Tap or click the bar to open the chat panel.

2. Start Your Estimate

  1. Type your project description directly into the chat input field.

Or:

  1. Tap a quick-start prompt card.

  2. Edit the pre-filled description to match your project.

  3. Send the message to generate your estimate.

3. Interact With the AI

  1. Review the generated estimate.

  2. Answer any clarifying questions the AI asks.

  3. Respond in plain language. No special formatting is required.

4. Refine Your Estimate

  1. Send follow-up instructions in the chat.

Examples:

  • Remove the painting.

  • Break this down by trade.

  • Add demolition.

The AI remembers the entire conversation and updates the estimate accordingly.

5. Use Voice Commands

  1. Tap the microphone icon in the chat.

  2. Speak your instructions clearly.

  3. Send the message once transcription appears.

This is useful when working on-site or when typing is not convenient.

6. Review Version History

  1. Scroll through the chat to find version cards.

  2. Tap a version card to preview a previous estimate.

  3. Select Use This Version to restore it.

Each version acts as a checkpoint, allowing you to revert at any time.

Key Features

  • Conversation history
    All messages between you and the AI are saved and visible in the chat.

  • Version history
    Restore any previous estimate version at any time.

  • Quick-start cards
    Pre-built project descriptions to help you get started quickly.

  • File attachments
    Attach blueprints, receipts, or photos for the AI to analyze.

  • Voice to text
    Tap the microphone to speak instructions from any device.

  • Markdown rendering
    AI responses support bold text, lists, and structured formatting.

Troubleshooting

Network Issues

Error: "Network Unavailable. Please Wait."

Cause: Temporary connectivity issue.

Fix:

  1. On Desktop, refresh the page.

  2. On Mobile, close and reopen the app.

No data is lost. The issue typically resolves within a minute.

Non-Responsive AI

Symptom: Loading bars appear with no response after one minute.

Try the following:

  1. Refresh the app.

    • Desktop: Refresh the page.

    • Mobile: Close and reopen the app.

  2. Send a short prompt such as:

    • Please create the estimate.

  3. Log out and log back in.

    • Tap your avatar.

    • Scroll down.

    • Select Log Out.

  4. Switch devices.

    • Try mobile if you are on desktop, or desktop if you are on mobile.

  5. Start a new estimate and paste your instructions to begin a fresh chat session.

Unwanted Estimate Versions

  1. Scroll up in the chat to find previous version cards.

  2. Tap a version card.

  3. Select Use This Version to revert to that estimate.

Additional Notes

  • Sending a follow-up message while the AI is loading can help restart processing.

  • If issues persist, contact support and include a screenshot or screen recording.

  • On mobile, if all else fails, fully uninstall and reinstall the app.

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