The 80/20 rule, which states that 80% of results come from 20% of inputs, plays out clearly in the construction industry. For many projects, 80% of their value is created in preconstruction (design, planning, procurement) at just 20% of the cost.
This principle emphasizes the importance of making the right decisions early. The more efficient you are during preconstruction, the smoother and more profitable projects become downstream.
This is why preconstruction is a prime candidate for AI disruption. With its ability to process massive data sets, artificial intelligence has the potential to transform how projects are planned and priced.
Yet, even as AI promises massive gains in speed and accuracy, many firms remain hesitant. And with numerous "AI-powered" tools on the market, it can be challenging to distinguish which solutions are hype and which ones can deliver results.
Beyond that, there are concerns about everything from data accuracy to bias and even job displacement. One big question on people's minds is whether AI will replace estimators or empower them to deliver even more value.
From estimating to risk management, AI is turning preconstruction inefficiencies into competitive advantages.
One of AI's greatest strengths today lies in its ability to analyze massive data sets and surface actionable insights in seconds. When it comes to bids and estimates, AI can analyze historical project data, real-time material costs, and labor trends to generate takeoffs and create more accurate estimates.
Instead of having you manually dig through previous projects or chase the most recent material and labor costs, AI can surface relevant benchmarks and generate accurate, data-backed estimates.
In its early days, AI's automation focused on repetitive tasks like data entry and simple sorting. But with the rise of agentic AI, estimators can start delegating decision-driven actions like sending bid packages or qualifying subcontractors.
This move to agentic AI means artificial intelligence is no longer just a helper—it's becoming a partner that amplifies human decision-making.
With advanced pattern recognition, AI can review contracts, drawings, and schedules to detect inconsistencies that could trigger budget overruns. Think of it as a digital risk checker that surfaces issues early so project teams can respond before they escalate.
Beyond automation, AI can help power predictive analytics for pricing, scheduling, and resource allocation. That way, estimators spend less time on spreadsheets and more time refining strategies that win bids.
As with any disruptive technology, there are several assumptions surrounding AI. Here are some common myths and misconceptions about AI's role in estimating.
While it's true that AI can put certain workflows on autopilot, it cannot automate the entire estimating process.
For one, every project is unique, with variables like site conditions, design intent, and client expectations that algorithms can't fully grasp. And even if AI can automate parts of your processes, it still requires a human being to validate the output and make the proper judgment calls.
Most importantly, estimators have invaluable industry and historical knowledge that AI can't replicate. Things like team dynamics, market fluctuations, and constructability insights are deeply contextual, and only skilled estimators can connect those dots.
Decision-making is becoming an increasingly common concern, especially with agentic AI. When you have agents that can analyze data and trigger workflows, does that mean AI can make all the decisions for estimators?
The answer, of course, is no. AI can action some processes, but it's the people who set and enforce guardrails to ensure accuracy. It's also worth noting that decision-making in the estimation process is nuanced and strategic; it requires more than an automated solution to weigh tradeoffs and get the numbers right.
All this to say that AI can support—not replace—decision-making. Ultimately, it is up to the estimator and project team to make the best decisions for any given project.
Will the robotic overlords take over the role of estimators and make humans obsolete? Again, the answer here is no. Yes, AI can take specific tasks off your plate; think. automated quantity takeoffs or proposal formatting.
Because AI automates work that slows teams down, teams gain back more time to refine estimates to a higher degree of accuracy.
Essentially, AI can serve as a copilot that helps evolve the role of an estimator to a strategic advisor, which is inarguably a higher and more valuable role.
When you're not bogged down with document wrangling, you're free to focus on strategy, value engineering, and client conversations.
The built environment is planned, constructed, and inhabited by people, which is why projects will always require a human touch. The best estimators recognize this, and they know how to leverage AI in conjunction with their human superpowers—i.e., their industry knowledge and lived experiences.
Equipped with tools that make the tedious parts of the job easier, estimators are able to advise teams and influence high-level decisions that shape project success and profitability.
AI isn't taking estimators' jobs; it's transforming what the role looks like.
Preconstruction roles, including estimating, are evolving to become more tech-driven and strategic. Forward-thinking estimators understand that their roles are becoming less about tedious work and more about shaping project strategy and influencing decisions before breaking ground.
As such, there are numerous upskilling opportunities that estimators can pursue to future-proof their careers. From learning new software to figuring out how to integrate AI into workflows, picking up new skills will make you indispensable in the preconstruction process.
We are still in the very early stages of AI and preconstruction, and we can expect a lot of exciting changes ahead. Here are some of the technologies and trends that are shaping how we work.
AI can help create design options in minutes, helping construction pros optimize layouts, materials, and costs to meet performance and budget goals.
Estimators will be able to instantly visualize how design or scope changes impact budgets, enabling faster, data-backed decision-making.
From clash detection to predictive scheduling, AI will make BIM models more intelligent, connected, and actionable across teams.
Agentic systems will take on more proactive tasks—like managing bid submissions or coordinating data across tools—while humans focus on oversight and strategy.
Of course, as artificial intelligence continues to permeate preconstruction workflows, several ethical and practical considerations must remain top of mind. One essential consideration is data trust. AI's output is only as good as the data you put in, so it's vital to ensure that inputs are accurate, unbiased, and securely managed.
From an ethical standpoint, transparency and accountability are key—teams must understand how AI reaches its conclusions to avoid hidden biases or misinformed project decisions.
Artificial intelligence in preconstruction is here to stay, and the firms that learn to leverage AI will be in the best position to win more bids and deliver better project outcomes. That 80/20 rule I talked about in the beginning? AI helps you get even more value out of that critical 20%, so every decision you make upstream pays off downstream.
With that in mind, here are some of the ways you can prepare your preconstruction team for the continued rise of AI.
Empower your team with hands-on learning experiences. Whether it's formal training, internal demos, or access to new AI solutions, be sure to give estimators the space to experiment safely.
The more familiar they become with AI tools, the more confidently they can apply them to real projects.
Not all AI tools are created equal. Look for solutions that go beyond surface-level automation and deeply integrate intelligence into your workflows.
Autodesk is leading that charge with neural CAD—a new generation of 3D generative AI models designed to automate up to 80 to 90% of routine design tasks so teams can focus on creative, high-value decisions.
We're also continuing to develop Autodesk Assistant into a fully agentic AI that can automate tasks and surface insights through natural-language prompts. That way, teams can work faster and smarter across preconstruction and design.
AI isn't here to take over estimating; it's here to transform it. The firms and professionals who will thrive are those that view AI in construction as a partner, combining data-driven insights with human expertise to deliver smarter and more profitable projects.
Do you believe the hype, or are you ready to lead the change? Let me know your thoughts.
