You see it online and on TV. You hear it in podcasts. You read it in trade publications. There’s an undertone of panic when it comes to using AI in construction. The feeling is understandable. The construction industry has been following the same MO for decades. We’re set in our ways. On top of that, AI is new and it’s everywhere, despite no clear answers on how it can (and will) reshape the economy and our lives. No one seems to know where AI’s capabilities end. It’s natural to be a little anxious.

In the interest of spreading some truth and quelling panic, let’s discuss and bust the four biggest myths about AI in construction.

We might as well slay the biggest dragon first. Whether AI will replace people is the underlying concern shared by everyone leery of the technology, both inside the construction world and beyond. The omnipresence of AI and the speed with which it has entered daily life have people wondering if their employers consider them disposable.

When it comes to construction estimating, the answer to that question is, “No.” AI tools will enhance and simplify the work of human estimators; they won’t replace it. Even advanced AI models require human oversight for higher-order challenges like determining tolerance values (how far from the structural norm a design can deviate), scoping complex projects and synthesizing and interpreting data to draw conclusions. For these more challenging tasks, human experience is irreplaceable.

Easier tasks still require human work, too. An integrated AI tool might suggest a material or spit out a price, but it is up to human estimators to consider those outputs in light of their professional experience and market knowledge. Just as a senior estimator may review the work of a new hire, it is important to evaluate an AI’s work with a keen eye.

This concern is well-founded, as every technological advancement introduces new security risks. Hacks and data breaches are an unfortunate byproduct of the modern age, crimes with great financial and reputational cost to victims. It’s smart to consider the security risks of any tool or platform, including those with integrated AI.

Here’s the good news: The companies developing AI solutions have a stake in your security. They all strive to deliver a product you can trust. But that doesn’t mean they all take the same approach to security. So how do you know choose? Look for tools that offer data privacy, guarantees against training the AI on company data and labeled AI-generated suggestions. AI models that operate within platforms you already trust as part of your regular workflows are also a safe bet.

When it comes to broad AI tools, this isn’t a myth at all. ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot and other popular generative AI models aren’t accurate enough to use for estimating. Don’t do it.

However, there are AI-integrated estimating products on the market that generate accurate construction costs. For a prime example, look no further than Gordian’s Flash™ AI Estimating, available on the Gordian Cloud Platform. Flash AI uses RSMeans™ Data, construction’s most reliable costs, to generate estimates quickly and accurately. It can even analyze project documents to enable fast and reliable conceptual estimates.

Don’t expect any AI platform to churn out accurate construction costs. Instead, look for AI-integrated estimating platforms with costs you already trust to assist in your day-to-day work.

This may have been fact several years ago, but it is a myth today. SaaS construction estimating tools now come with AI built in. Adoption happens almost automatically, even for teams lacking deep technical expertise. These days, there are few extra steps for using AI, as the tools integrate seamlessly with existing workflows. Such frictionless experiences make implementation easier than it has ever been.

Don’t let these myths prevent you from using AI for estimates or other construction activities. Choose your tools wisely, and you will produce accurate work in a secure environment more efficiently than ever.