Specialty Contractor Prompting Guide

❌Weak Prompt

✅ Powerful Prompt

“flexible duct”

“What are the specifications for flexible ductwork including maximum length limitations, insulation requirements, support spacing, and installation standards? Are there restrictions on where flex duct can be used?”

“tedlar”

“Are Tedlar or other specific vapor barrier materials specified for this project? Include thickness requirements, installation methods, sealing details, and any testing or certification requirements.”

“retention”

“What is the retainage rate for my trade-specific work, when is it released, and are there any provisions for early release upon completion of my scope or substantial completion milestones?”

“Mark up”

“What markup percentages are allowed on change order work for labor, materials, and equipment? Are there different rates for emergency work or work performed outside normal hours?”

❌Weak Prompt

✅ Powerful Prompt

“Is MC Cable allowed?”

“Is MC cable allowed in this project, and if so, what are the specific installation requirements, support spacing, and restrictions on where it can be used versus other wiring methods?”

“Are aluminum conductors allowed?”

“Are aluminum conductors allowed for this project, what size limitations apply, and what special connection requirements or termination methods are specified?”

“Is Megger Testing required?”

“Is Megger testing required for this project, what voltage levels and acceptance criteria apply, and who is responsible for performing the tests and providing documentation?”

“Are Deflection fittings required?”

“Are deflection fittings required for this installation, what specific applications require them, and what are the installation and testing requirements?”

❌Weak Prompt

✅ Powerful Prompt

“find backsplash”

“What are the backsplash specifications including material requirements, installation methods, electrical outlet coordination, and any special cutting or fitting requirements around fixtures?”

“Find UGB 2-1”

“What does section UGB 2-1 specify for my trade work, including any technical requirements, coordination needs, or installation standards that affect my scope?”

“show me signatures”

“What signature and approval requirements apply to my trade work including submittal approvals, inspection sign-offs, and completion certifications?”

❌Weak Prompt

✅ Powerful Prompt

“Electrical wire, cable, conductor types”

“What are the specific requirements for electrical wire, cable, and conductor types including acceptable manufacturers, insulation ratings, voltage classifications, and installation methods for different applications?”

“roof is leaking, what am I required to do”

“If there’s a roof leak affecting my electrical work, what are my immediate responsibilities for equipment protection, work stoppage, and coordination with other trades according to this contract?”

❌Weak Prompt

✅ Powerful Prompt

“Where are ground bushings required?”

“Where are ground bushings required according to the specifications, what types are specified for different applications, and what installation standards apply for proper grounding continuity?”

“Where is grc required”

“Where is GRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) conduit required, what are the installation specifications, and how does it coordinate with structural and architectural elements?”

❌Weak Prompt

✅ Powerful Prompt

“what about Additional Warranties”

“What about Additional Warranties - which electrical equipment requires extended warranties beyond standard coverage, what documentation is required, and what are my responsibilities for warranty administration?”

“what about the client compensating us for repairs”

“What about client compensation for repairs - under what conditions does the owner pay for repairs to my work caused by other trades, weather, or unforeseen conditions, and what documentation is required?”

❌Weak Prompt

✅ Powerful Prompt

“BIM Modeling required”

“What level of BIM detail is required for electrical work including specific LOD requirements, clash detection participation, model delivery formats, and coordination meeting schedules? What software platforms must be used?”

“material specifications”

“What are the exact material specifications for [specific electrical component] including acceptable manufacturers, performance ratings, certification requirements, and any required testing or documentation?”

“connections”

“What are the connection requirements between electrical systems and [specific trade/equipment], including grounding methods, conduit coordination, and any special installation sequences required?”