4 Ways Contractors Can Use AI Today: A Quick and Easy Guide
AI in construction isn’t just hype, it’s a game changer.
If you haven’t started using it yet (or you’re not sure where to begin), this blog is for you.
I first tuned into the AI revolution in 2021 after hearing Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, on a podcast. He predicted that tools like ChatGPT would radically transform how we live and work. Fast forward to today, and I can confidently say: he was right. I’m all in.
Here are four powerful ways I am using AI almost daily and contractors can as well to boost productivity, enhance collaboration, and save serious time.
1. Supercharge Your Proposal Process
Creating proposals in response to RFPs or RFQs can be time-consuming. With AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Perplexity, contractors can simplify this process dramatically. By inputting the RFP questions, some background information, and your ideas - whether it's about project approach, value engineering, or team selection - AI can generate a well-structured, engaging draft in seconds.
This initial draft can serve as a starting point for further refinement, saving hours of brainstorming and writing.
Even team members without extensive construction knowledge can use AI to kickstart the proposal process, freeing senior staff to focus on other priorities.
Looking ahead, expect programs like MS Publisher and InDesign to auto-generate full proposal drafts based on your inputs, branding, and unique writing style.
2. Get Help Writing Just About Anything
AI isn’t just for proposals. It can be a great writing assistant at your fingertips for all kinds of everyday communication.
Struggling with a tricky email? AI can rewrite it in a tone that’s either friendly or formal, depending on what you need.
I’ve used it to fine-tune contract language, and I’ve seen contractors use it to draft precise and professional delay claim letters that hit the right tone and legal posture.
Try prompts like:
“Make this email more professional and engaging.”
“Draft a contingency clause based on these three bullet points.”
“Write a polite but firm letter explaining a 3-day delay due to weather.”
The key is to provide context - the more detail you give, the better the output. Whether you want to sound upbeat, assertive, diplomatic, or anything in between, AI can adapt to match your voice.
3. Help With Technical Questions
Got a question about an insurance clause or code compliance? Need to revisit a concept from Good to Great or explain the flywheel to your team?
Here are real prompts I’ve used:
“How does this indemnity clause affect my subcontractor risk?”
“What’s the minimum code requirement for egress windows in Colorado?”
“Summarize the flywheel concept from Good to Great and suggest how I can apply it to my company.”
The instant, clear responses I’ve received have been immensely helpful in getting quick information, thinking through complex issues, and brainstorming strategic questions.
4. Creating Presentations
Creating presentations is another area where AI has been a total game changer. A growing number of AI-powered platforms can take a simple outline and turn it into a beautiful, professional slide deck with just a few prompts.
My go-to tool is Gamma. It makes the process incredibly easy. After uploading my branding (logo, colors, and fonts), Gamma created a customized theme that matched my style. From there, I simply provided an outline, and within minutes, it produced a polished, on-brand presentation draft. I could even tell it how many slides I wanted, whether to condense the content or expand it.
Once the draft was ready, editing was a breeze. Gamma’s built-in AI tools helped refine my language, choose sharp slide layouts, and even generate custom images to match the message.
If creating presentations is a regular part of your workflow, AI tools like Gamma will save you time and elevate your delivery.
Here is an example of a slide created in Gamma for my brand:
Isn’t AI Sometimes Wrong?
Yes, AI can be wrong, and it’s smart to double-check its output, especially for high-stakes work. I personally wouldn’t use AI alone to file my taxes or do a final contract review. But I do use it to analyze, summarize, and spot issues I might otherwise miss.
The key takeaway? You don’t have to use AI for everything. But there’s a wide range of uses, like writing drafts, brainstorming ideas, or prepping materials, that can save you hours without requiring perfect accuracy.
Final Thoughts
This blog only scratches the surface. AI can also create images, record & summarize meetings, create reports, and even generate podcasts.
From what I’ve seen so far, it’s clear that the future will belong to the builders who embrace AI as a tool to work smarter and accomplish more with less. Contractors who adopt it thoughtfully and ethically will gain a real competitive edge.
Test out a prompt. You don’t need to be an expert, you just need to start.
Peak81 will come alongside you and your team with training, tools, and real-world strategies.
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