TradesPro

An MCP (Model Context Protocol) server that gives AI assistants access to skilled trades knowledge — building codes, material pricing, job scoping, and permit requirements for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work.

TradesPro MCP server

Why This Exists

AI assistants (Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor) can't look up building codes, estimate materials, or scope trade jobs accurately. This MCP server fixes that by giving agents structured, queryable access to:

• NEC 2023 electrical codes (GFCI, AFCI, wire sizing, panel requirements)
• UPC 2024 plumbing codes (drain sizing, venting, water heater sizing)
• IRC Mechanical HVAC codes (duct sizing, refrigerant lines, efficiency standards)
• Material pricing — 40+ common trade materials with national average prices
• Job templates — 8 standard residential jobs with labor, materials, and total pricing
• Permit checker — Determines if a described job likely requires permits

Quick Start

Install

pip install fastmcp

Run locally (stdio)

python server.py

Run as HTTP server

fastmcp run server.py:mcp --transport http --port 8000

Test with FastMCP Inspector

fastmcp dev server.py:mcp

This opens a web UI at http://127.0.0.1:6274 where you can test all tools interactively.

Connect to AI Clients

Claude Desktop

Add to ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "trades-pro": {
      "command": "python",
      "args": ["/path/to/server.py"]
    }
  }
}

Cursor

Add to ~/.cursor/mcp.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "trades-pro": {
      "command": "python",
      "args": ["/path/to/server.py"]
    }
  }
}

Remote (HTTP)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "trades-pro": {
      "url": "http://localhost:8000/mcp"
    }
  }
}

Available Tools

Tool	Description
lookup_building_code	Look up specific code requirements (trade + topic)
list_code_topics	List all available code topics for a trade
estimate_materials	Get itemized material list and costs for a job
scope_job	Full job scope: labor, materials, price range, permits
list_available_jobs	Browse job templates, optionally filtered by trade
lookup_material_price	Search material pricing by keyword
check_permit_requirements	Check if a job description likely requires permits

Example Queries

Once connected, ask your AI assistant:

• "What are the GFCI requirements for a kitchen remodel?"
• "Scope out a 200A panel upgrade — labor, materials, and total cost"
• "Do I need a permit to install an EV charger?"
• "What size wire do I need for a 50A circuit?"
• "Estimate materials for a bathroom rough-in"

Authentication & Pricing

TradesPro uses API key-based authentication with two tiers:

Free Tier (default)

• Access to all 7 tools — try everything before buying
• 10 calls per hour rate limit
• Use demo key trades_demo_2026 or connect without any key
• Responses include a small footer with upgrade link

Pro Tier

• Unlimited access to all tools
• No rate limiting
• No footer messages
• Get your API key at bluecollar.run/pro

Configuring Your API Key

Claude Desktop

Add to ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "trades-pro": {
      "url": "https://your-server-url.com/mcp",
      "headers": {
        "X-API-Key": "pk_your_api_key_here"
      }
    }
  }
}

Cursor

Add to ~/.cursor/mcp.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "trades-pro": {
      "url": "https://your-server-url.com/mcp",
      "headers": {
        "X-API-Key": "pk_your_api_key_here"
      }
    }
  }
}

Free Tier (no key needed)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "trades-pro": {
      "url": "https://your-server-url.com/mcp"
    }
  }
}

Environment Variables

Variable	Description	Default
API_KEYS	JSON string mapping API keys to tiers, e.g. {"pk_abc123": "pro"}	"" (free tier only)
PORT	HTTP server port	8000

Additional Monetization Options

xpay (Pay-per-call, zero code changes)

1. Deploy the server as an HTTP endpoint
2. Register at xpay.sh
3. Set per-tool pricing ($0.01–$0.25 per call)
4. Share the proxy URL instead of your direct server URL

B2B Retainer

Bundle this server with a custom AI agent for trade businesses:

• Charge $500–$2,000/month per client
• Customize data for their local market (local pricing, local codes)
• Add features: scheduling integration, invoice generation, CRM

Publishing to Smithery

npm install -g @smithery/cli
smithery mcp publish https://your-server-url.com/mcp -n your-org/trades-pro

Extending the Server

Add local pricing

Replace the MATERIAL_PRICES dict with data from local suppliers. The structure is simple:

"Item name": {"price": 0.00, "unit": "each", "category": "electrical"}

Add local code amendments

Many jurisdictions amend national codes. Add a local_amendments dict and modify lookup_building_code to layer local rules on top.

Add more job templates

Follow the JOB_TEMPLATES structure to add new jobs. Each template needs: name, trade, description, labor hours, materials list, permit info, and notes.

Hosting Options

Option	Cost	Best For
Local (your machine)	Free	Development, personal use
Railway.app	~$5/month	Cheap always-on hosting
Fly.io	~$5/month	Edge deployment
Prefect Horizon	Free tier	FastMCP native hosting
Docker on VPS	~$5-10/month	Full control

License

MIT