AI in construction? Here's how you can use it
You've probably heard of ChatGPT. Maybe you're thinking: ‘nice and all, but what am I supposed to do with it on a job? Another complicated computer thing that internet gurus want to sell you a course on’
Good news: it's handier and simpler than you think. Forget the hype. Think of it as a new tool in your toolbox. One that won't help you saw or hammer, but will help with all the paperwork and communication you never really have time for.
In short, what actually is ChatGPT?
Very simply, think of it as a calculator, but for language. You give it an instruction in your own words, and it writes a text back for you. It's a smart assistant you can use for anything you need words for.
Use 1: Quotes and emails that look sharp
You've surveyed the job, you have the materials in your head and the hours worked out. But then you still have to sit at the kitchen table in the evening to type up that professional quote. No spelling mistakes, the right greeting and all the terms included. That's another hour gone.
The practical solution: Simply give ChatGPT or Gemini the basic info. You don't need to write neat sentences.
- Your input (just in your own words): “Write a quote for the Jansen family at Kerkweg 5. The job is renovating a bathroom. Work is: remove old tiles, reroute pipes, lay new tiles, install sanitaryware. Materials are 2,500 euros, labour is 40 hours times 60 euros. Say the start date is next month and the quote is valid for 30 days. Make it a bit friendly.”
- The result: A complete, professional and error-free text that you can simply copy and paste into an email.
Use 2: Preparing difficult conversations with customers
The delivery of the window frames is delayed. You know you have to call or message the customer, but how do you bring that across in a way that lands well?
The practical solution: Let the AI help you find the right words.
- Your input: “Help me write a message to a customer. I need to say his window frames are 2 weeks late. Say it's not our fault, but that I'm sorry and I'm looking for a solution. It should sound calm and professional.”
- The result: A neat, clear message that defuses the situation and shows you're on top of it. That saves a lot of potential discussion.
Use 3: Clear work instructions for your team
You have a new lad starting and you want to quickly get the safety rules for working with the table saw down on paper.
The practical solution: Let the AI make a simple checklist.
- Your input: “Make a checklist in 5 simple steps for using a table saw safely on a building site. Use easy language.”
- The result: Clear, step-by-step instructions you can print out and put up straight away. Clarity for everyone, less chance of mistakes.
Important: You're the boss, not that computer
This tool is handy, but you remain the tradesperson. So use it wisely and remember three simple rules:
- Never let it calculate your prices or measurements. The AI is good with letters, not with numbers. You do your own calculations. Always.
- It knows nothing. You tell it everything. The AI knows nothing about your project. The clearer and more specific you are in your instruction, the better the text that comes out.
- Read everything yourself. Check every text before you hit ‘send’. It's a helper, not a replacement. You are and remain ultimately responsible.
Done with the red tape?
ChatGPT is simply a handy tool, just like your cordless drill. It helps you with communication and paperwork, so you have more time left for the real work.
Want to know how you can save even more time with this? Or how to teach such a system to make your quotes almost automatically, with your own prices and style? Then request a BE Digital Scan, no strings attached. We'll simply take a look alongside you, without any complicated fuss.