Construction manager vibe codes paperwork tool, accidentally breaks it
Pawel Mniszak, a construction superintendent from Vancouver, recently shared his experience of developing a unique tool to streamline paperwork on construction sites. His journey into “vibe coding” not only helped him manage field-level risk assessments but also taught him valuable lessons about coding securely.
Background: From Construction to Programming
Pawel’s roots in the construction industry run deep. Growing up, he assisted his father, who specialized in tower construction and struggled with dyslexia. Pawel would often translate and copy drawings for his father, which ignited his interest in the industry. Despite his passion for construction, his parents encouraged him to pursue higher education. He obtained a degree in programming and business management from Douglas College.
Although he initially sought a career in programming, Pawel found that he was more adept at understanding the business side of things than at coding itself. His attempts to freelance as a web developer were met with challenges, as clients often underestimated the time and effort required to create quality websites. Consequently, he decided to focus on construction, where he felt more competent.
The Birth of Vibe Coding
Two years ago, after the birth of his second child, Pawel embarked on his “vibe coding” journey. He began to explore coding while caring for his baby during the evenings. With the help of AI tools like ChatGPT and Cursor, he found a way to learn and experiment with programming without the need to memorize complex languages.
Recognizing the burdensome paperwork involved in construction management, Pawel envisioned a tool that could simplify the process of filing field-level risk assessments. On construction sites, the paperwork often falls on the superintendent, which can be overwhelming, especially with a large workforce. His goal was to create a solution that would enable workers to complete their risk assessments efficiently.
Creating the Tool
Pawel developed a web-based tool hosted on Vercel that allowed workers to fill out risk assessment forms, convert them to PDFs, and submit them via email. He kept his project under wraps, sharing it only with his team, who were impressed by his initiative. As he gained confidence, he added a supervisor layer to the tool, allowing for review and auditing of the submitted forms.
However, in his eagerness to enhance the tool, Pawel integrated a payment system through Stripe, hoping to monetize his creation. He shared the project on Reddit, seeking feedback and validation. Unfortunately, the response was less than favorable, as users quickly pointed out various issues, including security vulnerabilities.
The Security Breach
One of the most significant lessons Pawel learned from the Reddit feedback was the importance of security in coding. A user exploited a vulnerability in the tool, sending a message to all workers that read “AI slop.” This incident was a wake-up call for Pawel, prompting him to reevaluate his approach to coding and security.
Despite the setback, Pawel engaged with the user who discovered the flaw, expressing gratitude for the feedback. This interaction opened his eyes to the broader world of coding security and the need for robust measures to protect user data and functionality.
Lessons Learned and Future Plans
After the incident, Pawel decided to start anew. He retained the old version of the tool for personal use but began rebuilding with a focus on security and stability. His new vision for the tool is to combine elements of LinkedIn with construction management software like Procore and SiteDocs, creating a comprehensive platform for construction professionals.
Pawel’s journey highlights the intersection of construction and technology, showcasing how innovative solutions can emerge from personal experiences and challenges. His story serves as an inspiration for others in the industry to explore how technology can enhance efficiency and safety on job sites.
Conclusion
Pawel Mniszak’s experience with vibe coding a paperwork tool illustrates the potential for innovation within the construction industry. As he continues to learn and adapt, his story emphasizes the importance of security, user feedback, and the willingness to start over. By combining his construction expertise with programming skills, Pawel is paving the way for a more efficient future in construction management.
Note: This article is based on the experiences of Pawel Mniszak and highlights the challenges and successes faced in the development of a construction management tool.
