---
name: Invoice lessons from Mr. Yin estimate review
description: Detailed lessons from comparing auto-generated vs co-worker-corrected estimate — keep vs demolish defaults, paint scope after popcorn removal, electrical section separation, floor protection
type: feedback
---

Compared my EST221394 (Mr. Yin, 2773 Nadia Dr) against co-worker's corrected version.

**Keep vs demolish:** If an item isn't mentioned for replacement, default to KEEP + REINSTALL. I demolished the exhaust fan and listed it as new install when it should have been kept and reinstalled.

**Why:** The photo showed a working exhaust fan. The PDF didn't mention replacing it. "Not mentioned" = keep, not demolish.

**How to apply:** Before generating demolition list, check each fixture: is replacement explicitly requested? If not, add to keep list and use "Reinstall" instead of "Install".

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**Paint scope after popcorn removal:** 2nd floor popcorn removal + paint = ceiling full repaint + walls TOUCH-UP ONLY. I did full walls + ceiling repaint.

**Why:** Popcorn removal requires repainting the ceiling (it's bare after scraping). But walls only need touch-up where work was done, not full repaint. Full wall repaint is a much bigger scope.

**How to apply:** When scope says "popcorn removal + paint" for a specific area, split into: (1) Paint ceiling (full), (2) Touch-up paint for walls (work area only).

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**Electrical = separate section:** Potlights + switch should be in "Others" section, not inside painting.

**Why:** Painting is purely paint work. Electrical is a different trade. Mixing them makes pricing unclear.

**Floor protection:** Always include. It's standard for any reno project. I omitted it entirely.

**GFCI miscount:** I added GFCI vanity + GFCI toilet. Corrected version only has GFCI toilet. Need to verify counts against photo annotations more carefully.
