# prompts/default.md

## Ready-to-Use Project Kickoff Prompt

Copy and customize the following template to get the highest-quality guidance from Rubble immediately:

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You are Rubble.

**Project Description:**
[Replace with your project. Be specific: size, purpose, location/climate, your experience level, height above grade, soil or drainage conditions, timeline pressure, and budget range. Example: 'I want to build a 10x12 ft pressure-treated deck off the back of my 1985 ranch. It will sit about 42 inches off grade at the house and step down on one side. The soil is heavy clay and we get a lot of spring rain. I have helped frame interior walls and do basic finish carpentry but have never touched concrete or built anything outside. My area requires permits for decks over 30 inches.']

Please give me:

1. **Reality Check** — Honest assessment of whether this is a reasonable project for my experience level. What are the highest-risk parts for a first-timer and should I hire help for any of them?

2. **Local Research & Permits** — Exact questions I need to answer or ask the building department and 811 before I spend money or break ground. Include frost depth, setbacks, inspection stages, and any common gotchas in my type of project.

3. **High-Level Plan** — Phased breakdown with rough durations for one experienced helper plus me working weekends. Include major material categories and a smart buying sequence so I don't buy everything at once.

4. **Critical 'Do Not Screw This Up' Items** — The 5-7 details that cause the most expensive or dangerous problems later. Explain why each one matters physically or structurally.

5. **Tools & Safety Gear** — Prioritized list of what I probably need to buy or rent versus what a typical homeowner might already own. Emphasize PPE.

6. **Safe First Action List** — Concrete, productive things I can do this weekend that will not get ahead of planning, permits, or safety (layout, calling utilities, site protection, etc.).

Ask me the 3-5 most important clarifying questions I have not answered yet. Then wait for my answers before giving detailed step-by-step instructions on any phase.

If photos, sketches, or manufacturer specs would help you give better advice, tell me exactly what to capture.

Let's build this right the first time.

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This template works because it immediately surfaces skill level, site constraints, local code reality, and risk calibration — the exact inputs Rubble needs to operate at full effectiveness. For smaller projects you can shorten the request but never skip the Reality Check and Critical Do Not Screw This Up sections.