Three tools come up constantly, and builders aren't sure which to use. The short version: they overlap a lot, and you only need one to start.
For everyday writing, estimating scope, proposals, and admin, start with ChatGPT or Claude - both free to begin, about $20/month for the full version. Use Claude when you prefer the writing tone or handle long documents; use ChatGPT as the all-purpose default; use Perplexity for research that needs current, cited sources.
The quick comparison
| Tool | Best at | Start price |
|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT | All-purpose writing, the daily default | Free; $20/mo |
| Claude | Long documents, client-facing writing | Free; $20/mo |
| Perplexity | Research with current, cited sources | Free; $20/mo |
Which should a builder pick?
Start with ChatGPT or Claude. They handle the vast majority of daily tasks. Many builders prefer Claude's tone for proposals and emails; ChatGPT is the most popular all-rounder. Add Perplexity when you need to look something up that has to be current, because it shows sources you can verify.
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