Report: Most Contractors Expect AI to Change How Projects Get Built

Contractors may be closer to an AI-driven future than many realize, a new report suggests.

The study from Dodge Construction Network and CMiC found that 87% of contractors expect AI to improve how projects are planned, managed and delivered. But even with that optimism, most companies are still just starting to experiment with it.

“For decades, construction firms have lacked the tools to transform the data they’ve collected into action,” said Gord Rawlins, president and CEO of CMiC, in a news release. “AI-enabled solutions are changing that.”

Rawlins said the early adopters are already seeing results. Roughly 92% said automated proposal tools are working well for them, and 86% reported improvements in how they review contracts with AI.

“What makes these findings truly remarkable is that they represent real outcomes our customers and peers across the industry are experiencing today,” he added.

How AI Is Redefining the Role of the Modern Contractor

Contractors told researchers they think AI could change the way they work. Rather than getting bogged down in paperwork, project managers may soon spend more time making decisions and less time chasing details.

That shift is already showing up in the numbers:

• About 85% expect AI to cut down the time they spend on repetitive tasks.
• More than 70% said AI will help them make better decisions by surfacing insights they might otherwise overlook.
• Three out of four said AI could help them learn from past projects by analyzing historical data to improve accuracy and performance.

Adoption Still Low, but Interest Is Picking Up

Even with all the excitement around AI, most construction firms are still in the early stages of trying it out.

For example:

• 40% have created a dedicated AI budget
• 38% have set up teams to guide implementation
• 19% are updating older workflows to get ready
• And just over half are reviewing how AI could affect their overall operations

But the report finds that awareness still hasn’t caught up with the technology.

While some project management tools already include AI features, only 20% to 50% of contractors know they exist. Even fewer are putting them to use, with most of the 23 tracked features adopted by less than 15% of firms.

Still, contractors who have tried these tools said they’re already seeing improvements. More than 70% report that the AI features they use outperform their old methods, which suggests more companies may give the technology a chance as they see what it can do.

The AI Features Contractors Want Most

And that success is fueling interest in tackling even bigger pain points. Contractors say some of the most time-consuming parts of their jobs could soon get a major upgrade.

For day-to-day project work:

• 81% want tools that review design plans and point out problems early
• 80% want help with the permitting process through automatic compliance checks
• 79% want scheduling tools that update timelines and shift crews or materials as things change

For running their businesses:

• 76% want pricing tools that adjust based on market conditions
• 92% want AI that drafts and manages contracts
• 79% want tools that help decide whether a project is worth bidding on

Enthusiasm Meets Reality as Data Issues Slow AI Adoption

Even with all the excitement, many contractors are still wary. More than half said they’re concerned about data accuracy and security, and roughly a third worry that AI could be too expensive to roll out or face pushback from their teams.

But the report said the biggest hurdle is the quality of the data contractors already have. Only 26% said their data is in good shape, which makes it hard for AI tools to work the way they’re supposed to.

Despite the data issues, the report’s authors said there’s reason for optimism.

“It’s heartening to see contractors recognize the importance of a rigorous approach,” said Steve Jones, Senior Director at Dodge, in a news release. “The tools are there, but the industry needs solid data foundations to use them effectively."

Sources: Dodge Construction Network