Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionise the construction industry. Its ability to automate tasks, enhance worker productivity, and bridge the skills gap could make construction more efficient, safer, and cost-effective.
The use of AI is now growing at a considerable rate worldwide, particularly in the UK. The number of AI companies has increased by over 600% over the last ten years, and a recent Forbes poll found that 79% of Brits had used generative AI, such as ChatGPT, to help them at work.
The adoption of AI is expected to continue growing, with Labour leader Keir Starmer announcing that the government aims to make the UK a “world leader” in the technology. But this raises the question: how can construction adopt AI to improve elements of the building process, making it quicker and potentially smoother?
Addressing the skills gap
The growing skills gap is one of the most pressing challenges in the construction industry. A shortage of skilled workers results in project delays and rising costs. Currently, 35% of the construction and trades workforce is aged over 50. With UK demand for construction increasing and fewer young professionals entering the sector, action is required to keep up.
With its potential to automate repetitive tasks, assist with on-site decision-making, and enhance worker productivity, AI is a reassuring solution to the growing skills gap in the construction industry. It can alleviate workforce strain and support the increasing volume of construction projects, particularly considering the government’s plans to deliver 1.5 million new homes over the next five years.
Additionally, AI-driven training programmes and augmented reality (AR) simulations can help upskill workers more efficiently, allowing them to learn complex skills in a controlled and interactive environment. The construction industry can mitigate labour shortages by integrating AI and improving efficiency, safety, and overall project outcomes.
Moreover, the skills gap has created a candidate-driven market, where skilled labour has become significantly more expensive for contractors, adding to the increasing pressure from material costs and supply chain challenges.
Reducing project delays
Under the Building Safety Act 2022 regulations, high-rise buildings must seek approval from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) at three separate gateway points: planning approval, before construction, and before occupation. This act was introduced to ensure that high-rise buildings meet specific safety standards, with the BSR responsible for enforcing these regulations.
These gateways are critical checkpoints to ensure compliance before a project can progress. However, since its introduction, the BSR has struggled to deliver decisions within the promised timeframe, resulting in significant delays and, in some cases, multiple months.
Projects cannot commence until Gateway 2 is approved, causing significant delays—something we, as subcontractors, have grown accustomed to. AI could be vital in helping to reduce delays, as Paul Michaelson, Construction Director at Eden Facades, explains:
“Introducing new regulations under the Building Safety Act 2022 has resulted in many more project delays. While safety is imperative in construction, technology must be embraced so that we can speed the process up.”
“Whether it’s using AI for building control inspections or reviewing architectural drawings against the building regulations, the industry must do more to support the future of construction. This cannot solely rely on the existing workforce, which is already under much pressure.”
“With many high-rise buildings (HRBs) still having unsafe cladding, AI could play a key role in expediting the process and supporting the targets set out by the government in their Remediation Acceleration Plan.”
Design, inspections & compliance checks
Traditionally, structural design has depended on the expertise of individual professionals. However, AI can analyse decades of data, industry standards, and best practices to generate designs informed by these insights.
Architects, engineers, and regulatory bodies have traditionally relied on their expertise to review building designs, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and industry standards. This process can be time-consuming and may lead to project approval delays. Paul adds:
AI has the potential to streamline the project approval process by automating design inspections, particularly for more straightforward projects. By analysing decades of data, industry standards, and best practices, AI can review architectural drawings and 3D models, ensuring compliance with regulations. This could significantly reduce the need for manual oversight and potential delays in routine or less complex cases, providing a sense of relief to industry professionals.
“AI could flag potential design issues, suggest modifications, and even verify compliance with local building codes—reducing the need for manual oversight in routine or less complex cases.”
Challenges of AI in construction
While AI presents significant opportunities for the construction industry, its widespread adoption also brings several challenges that must be addressed to ensure project safety.
As AI becomes more integral to construction, clear regulatory frameworks are needed to define its applications and limitations. The construction industry is highly regulated, and for good reason – these regulations ensure the safety of both workers and the public. AI errors could go unnoticed without robust oversight, posing safety and liability risks.
Balancing innovation with regulation
While AI enhances efficiency, over-reliance on automation could undermine human judgment in complex projects. AI should support, not replace, skilled professionals, ensuring critical decision-making remains in human hands.
AI has the potential to revolutionise the construction industry, addressing key challenges such as the skills gap, project delays, and compliance bottlenecks. AI can improve efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness across the sector by automating tasks, enhancing worker training, and streamlining regulatory processes. However, its successful integration will require clear regulatory frameworks and a balanced approach that combines AI’s capabilities with human expertise.
Paul Michaelson emphasises the importance of AI in shaping the industry’s future:
“The construction sector is under immense pressure due to workforce shortages and increasing project demands. AI is vital in bridging the skills gap, enabling the industry to adapt and thrive while ensuring safety and quality remain at the forefront.”
“At Eden Facades, we embrace AI to enhance our services, continually exploring its potential to elevate efficiency, innovation, and client satisfaction.”
With the proper safeguards, AI can be a powerful tool in construction, helping the industry meet rising demands while upholding high standards.
If you would like to partner with us on an upcoming project, please get in touch with our team by calling 01268 744199 or email office@edenfacades.co.uk
