Artificial Intelligence in Construction: Let Builders Build

The construction industry stands at the crossroads. A new wave of technology—artificial intelligence—is being heralded as a game-changer for how work is done. Yet, for many of us, the promises of AI feel like déjà vu. The software that was supposed to "help" has often done the opposite. Instead of streamlining operations and boosting productivity, it’s delivered us outdated workflows, endless paper cuts, and tools that keep builders online instead of on-site, building. For an industry built on craftsmanship, the tech feels like a frustrating obstacle rather than a meaningful advancement.

At Vius, the belief is that tools should adapt to builders, not the other way around.

The Current Landscape of AI in Construction

A Builder's Perspective

AI innovation in construction has long targeted massive commercial projects and large-scale production homebuilding, prioritizing mass production and uniformity. This focus has left custom builders—those who depend on adaptability and craftsmanship—sidelined. Most tools on the market weren’t designed with us in mind. They emphasize scaling over preserving the human touch. But what’s really needed are tools that enhance craftsmanship and make the building process smoother and more efficient.

Custom builders don’t need another tool that keeps them stuck behind a desk, disconnected from the site and their craft. What’s needed are tools that work quietly and seamlessly behind the scenes, filling in the gaps with precision to support the building process without adding unnecessary complexity.

Where We Think AI Should Start: The Back Office

AI in construction doesn’t have to mean robots hanging drywall or drones replacing site inspections. It can start in a far less glamorous but profoundly impactful place: the back office. For most custom builders, this is where time and energy are drained by tasks that pull us away from what we do best—building exceptional homes. Think about the hours drained chasing certificates of insurance (COIs), entering invoices multiple times, sorting through discrepancies in accounts receivable (AR) and accounts payable (AP), or struggling to reconcile project financials that never quite add up. These aren’t tasks that require creativity or craftsmanship, but they do demand consistency and attention—qualities better suited to well-designed systems. While AI isn’t perfect, it has the potential to streamline these processes, quietly operating in the background to reduce friction and free up builders to focus on what truly matters. By simplifying and automating these repetitive, time-consuming tasks, AI helps builders reclaim their focus. It keeps them on-site, where they belong, turning blueprints into reality instead of getting bogged down by spreadsheets.

How AI Will Affect Construction’s Working Class

The most common concern when it comes to AI is the question of replacement. How will AI affect the working class in construction? The answer lies in how we apply it. At Vius, we believe that AI should not replace jobs but elevate them. For us as builders, it means freeing builders from the burden of administrative drudgery, allowing them to focus on their craft. For our small teams, it means being able to do more with less—delivering the kind of excellence that wins clients and builds reputations. AI isn’t here to replace us; it’s here to let us build.