AI: The New Frontier in Preventing Construction Delays

Construction delays are a persistent industry challenge, with an astounding 87% of projects experiencing changes that lead to delays or cost overruns. However, innovative AI technologies are emerging as game-changers in the preconstruction phase, offering new hope for both contractors and developers.

The root causes of delays are well-known in the industry: incorrect design information, drawing misinterpretation, scope creep, and communication gaps between stakeholders. What’s particularly striking is that design-related issues alone impact nearly 45% of projects – more than scope changes, which affect about 39% of projects.

Enter cloud-based AI design review tools. These powerful solutions are revolutionizing how teams approach document analysis. Instead of spending weeks manually reviewing thousands of sheets, AI can complete meticulous analyses of PDF document sets in just hours. This efficiency allows preconstruction and quality teams to focus on what truly matters: assessing and mitigating identified risks.

The benefits extend beyond just saving time. These tools excel at:

• Identifying missing information and discrepancies across disciplines
• Catching scope gaps before they lead to costly changes
• Ensuring accurate estimations and procurement
• Improving collaboration through clear documentation and communication

Consider this: according to the Project Management Institute, organizations waste an average of $97 million for every $1 billion invested due to poor project productivity and management. AI tools are helping to reduce this waste by catching issues early – before they cascade into major problems during construction.

The construction industry is taking notice. A 2024 IFS Construction & Engineering report predicts that 90% of construction companies will adopt cloud-based technology within five years, and 30% will implement AI and automation within three years.

For construction professionals, this technological shift means less time spent on tedious document review and more time focused on strategic project planning and execution. It’s not just about efficiency – it’s about enabling teams to do their best work and deliver successful projects.

While no construction project is entirely immune to delays, AI-powered tools like Firmus are proving invaluable in identifying and addressing potential issues proactively. For an industry that has historically struggled with delays and cost overruns, this technology represents a significant step forward in streamlining processes and improving project outcomes.