LEVERAGING THE POWER OF AI FOR PRE-CONSTRUCTION AND ESTIMATING

NICHOLAS T. PEETROS, SR. C.P.E., CLEMENS CONSTRUCTION COMPANY INC.

The construction industry, long rooted in traditions and manual processes, is undergoing a revolution of sorts – and at the forefront of this transformation is the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). From optimizing project schedules and improving safety protocols, to enhancing design accuracy and reducing waste, AI is reshaping how buildings are conceived, constructed, and managed. As general contractors face increasing pressure to deliver faster, safer, and more costeffective results, the integration of AI technologies offer a competitive advantage, turning data into actionable insights and automating tasks that once required hours of human labor.

The Pre-Construction Pressure Cooker

Pre-construction is arguably the most critical phase of any project. It’s where decisions are made that determine the project’s feasibility, budget, schedule, and risk profile. Estimators in particular are tasked with the high-stakes job of analyzing drawings, identifying scope, quantifying materials, and pricing the work—all while juggling tight deadlines, incomplete information, and shifting client expectations.

Nowhere in the Construction industry is the effect of AI being felt stronger than in pre-construction and estimating. The preponderance of software and online take-off tools that are available is enough to make any estimator’s head spin (even more than usual).

Numerous companies currently offer automated take-off tools and real-time cost benchmarking, but are they any good? More importantly, will they help make the task of estimating a construction project quicker/easier/more accurate? Finally, what is the future for construction estimators, is AI going to take away my job?

Automating the Tedious—Not Replacing the Expert

According to industry experts, AI won’t replace estimators—at least not within our lifetimes. Only a human being can do things like assess project risks, interpret incomplete drawings, navigate client expectations, attend pre-bid walkthroughs, chase subcontractors/bidders, and properly review subcontractor and vendor proposals. What AI will do is eliminate the most tedious, repetitive parts of the job. Tasks like quantity takeoffs, document comparisons, and cost database updates can now be done in minutes rather than hours.

Modern AI tools can scan and interpret 2D plans or 3D models, extract quantities, and even populate bid sheets with preliminary pricing. This level of automation reduces human error and dramatically speeds up the process. Instead of spending days counting doors or tracing ductwork, estimators can focus on analyzing assumptions, validating scope of coverage, and refining pricing strategies.

From Reactive to Proactive Estimating

Traditionally, estimating has been a reactive process. Drawings are released, quantities are measured, costs are calculated, and a number is submitted. AI is shifting this dynamic toward a more proactive model. With predictive analytics and generative design tools, AI can help estimators and design teams explore multiple design options, weigh trade-offs, and arrive at the most cost-efficient solution early in the design phase.

This early involvement not only improves cost certainty but opens the door for true value engineering. Contractors can suggest alternate materials, construction methods, or sequencing strategies—all informed by data and modeled outcomes. The result is a better project delivered on a more predictable budget and timeline.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite its promise, AI is not a silver bullet. For many firms, the biggest challenge lies in implementation. Adopting AI requires investment—not only in software, but in training, workflows, and mindset. Some estimators may be skeptical of automation, concerned it will diminish their role or replace their judgment. However, firms that position AI as a collaborative tool, not a replacement, are finding success in adoption.

Another consideration is data quality. AI is only as good as the data it is fed. Inconsistent naming conventions, siloed databases, and poor documentation can limit the effectiveness of machine learning models. Companies that prioritize clean, structured data are better positioned to reap the full benefits of AI in pre-construction.

Personal Experience with A.I. Estimating Tools

I've been using an AI-assisted takeoff tool for about a year now, and my experience has been overwhelmingly positive. While I don’t rely as heavily on the auto-takeoff feature as I probably should, I’ve found the enhanced search capabilities—especially

those offered by platforms like TOGAL.AI—to be incredibly useful. The integrated “ChatGPT” functionality is a gamechanger, enabling document searches and insights that simply weren’t possible before. The document comparison function is especially powerful, as well as the image and text search features. The results are much more accurate and overlapping images/text do not affect the software’s ability to find what I’m looking for.

The Future Is Human + Machine

The future of estimating is not about choosing between humans and machines—it’s about combining their strengths. AI brings speed, scale, and consistency; humans bring intuition, experience, and creativity. Together, they form a powerful partnership that is changing how construction projects are envisioned and delivered.

As the industry continues to evolve, companies that embrace AI in their pre-construction and estimating workflows will be better equipped to stay competitive, win more work, and deliver greater value to their clients. The tools are here. The time is now. And the estimators of the future are already leveraging the power of AI—not to replace their roles, but to elevate them.