How the Construction Industry Is Using and Can Continue Using AI
Key Takeaways
- AI Adoption Is Accelerating: In construction, firms are increasingly using AI to improve efficiency, reduce manual work, and gain insights across projects.
- Research Before Investing: By evaluating AI platforms, integration capabilities, costs, and limitations, a company can ensure the platform they select aligns with company needs and existing technology.
- Focus on Practical Use Cases: Job cost estimating, project performance analysis, contract review, predictive analytics, and bid creation to maximize value are practical use cases to consider.
- AI Is a Tool – Not a Replacement for People: Success depends on combining AI with employee expertise, proper training, and human oversight to drive better business outcomes.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not a new topic, but it has been continuously developing and an ever-growing topic for businesses over the years. Based on an industry analysis by Fortune Business Insights, the use of AI within the construction industry is expected to grow over $29 billion from 2026 to 2034. As AI continues to expand, it’s up to each company to decide what to embrace. The current use of AI within the industry is lower than others at 27%, based on a survey of 1,000 AEC firms globally, but of those firms who adapted AI processes, 94% noted the intention to increase usage going forward. When it comes to the decision to adopt AI as part of company operations, there are two main focus points to keep in mind.
Invest in Research
The market for AI continues to grow. There are many platforms on the market, and each one has different capabilities and limits.
- Integration vs. Third-Party – There are multiple platforms that may offer AI integration within software currently available to the company. The ability to implement AI usage within an existing system could be beneficial for both user familiarity and cost. Some common platforms that have integrations available are Procore, Autodesk, Microsoft 365, Sage, Viewpoint, and Bluebeam.
- Understand Limitations – AI generates responses based on the information entered in. If the information put into the system is inaccurate or poorly constructed, there is a chance what AI returns will not be reliable. Different platforms also have different uses. In order to get the best experience, choose a platform that works well for the intended use and take the time to train employees.
- Cost Benefits – Tasks that may take an employee hours to complete, especially repetitive tasks, have the potential to be completed in a shorter time span with the aid of AI. If there is the ability to free up time taken on certain tasks, the employee may have additional time to work on other necessary items. Additionally, if an existing platform has integrations available, the option to implement AI procedures may be a lower lift with minimal added costs to the company. However, remaining mindful of additional cash outputs compared to the potential savings in time and labor costs is an important step in the process. Based on a 2025 Bluebeam survey, 68% of surveyed companies who adopted AI usage had saved at least $50,000 and 46% had saved 500 to 1,000 hours.
For additional thought points on the approach to and implementation of AI, check out this webinar.
Find What Works Best
What are the areas where the company can benefit from the use of AI? There are many moving parts within construction and engineering companies starting with in-house processes, building a bid and completing a project. Understanding how current operations are run and where there is opportunity for improvement is a crucial step in implementing AI use. The potential uses for AI are extensive and customizable to the company needs. Some examples of AI use could be:
- Analyzing project performance
- Automating job cost estimation
- Building a knowledge base
- Creating contracts and reviewing for inconsistencies
- Forming predictive analytics such as potential job delays
- Streamlining bid creation
In the end, with the understanding that AI is not a replacement for human workers and oversight, there is an opportunity for growth and development. Change is constant; in a time when AI is becoming more prominent, companies are faced with the decision of whether to advance with it or leave it behind.
For more information about McKonly & Asbury’s Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) experience, visit the AEC Industry Page and don’t hesitate to contact a member of the AEC team.
About the Author
Kayla Smith joined McKonly and Asbury in 2024 and is a Senior Accountant with the firm. She is a member of the firm’s Audit and Assurance Segment, as well as a member of our AEC and Employee Benefit Plans teams.
