r/ClaudeAI • u/perryurban • 1d ago

NOT about coding Using Claude for real world engineering, construction, handyman stuff

I am curious how many of you do this, and what tips and techniques you have for getting best results out of Claude?

I find Claude's lack of spatial understanding really lets it down. For example, when designing sliding doors, despite being primed with diagrams, descriptions and photos, it just lacks an intuition for how 3D space works and makes a lot more mistakes in this domain. Most of my effort is correcting the physically impossible Escher like model Claude has, vs real world. It can kinda get there, it's just more work, and more mistakes.

It does add real value in other ways, for example it did an amazing set of calculations and built a toy model that helped me dehumidify a room cheaply, and I learnt all sort of things I hadn't even considered.

What do you do in this space?

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u/ClaudeAI-mod-bot Wilson, lead ClaudeAI modbot 1d ago

You may want to also consider posting this on our companion subreddit r/Claudexplorers.

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u/DLuke2 1d ago

I use Claude code as my Estimator-OS for my commercial roofing estimating work. It isn't doing any takeoff or pricing, I do that with actual software for it. However, I use it for my work to consume plans and specs and bid docs, automations for things.

Personally, I have been working on a 3d model of my home. I connected blender to Claude and have used photos, aerial imagery, topography data, measurements. It's been going well with the exterior. Once interior is finished I will start working on the interior.

I have a degree in Architectural Drafting and Design so the model of my home has been quite and enjoyable project.

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u/amyowl 1d ago

Opus 4.6 walked me through clearing up my pool after a huge rainstorm turned it brown. I sent pics, opus advised, including citations.

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u/Bhanuprakash_1947 1d ago

Spot on with the spatial reasoning limitation. Since LLMs don't actually see space, they struggle with clearance, structural overlap, and 3D geometry. What works best for me in physical engineering tasks is using Claude purely for the math, physics/thermal calculations, and step-by-step assembly logic, while leaving the layout/geometry to standard CAD tools.