A new Dodge Construction Network survey indicates that AI adoption in the construction sector is accelerating, with most contractors expecting the technology to reshape how they work in the coming years. The report, created in partnership with CMiC, surveyed 235 general and trade contractors across the U.S. between September and October, capturing a snapshot of an industry preparing for rapid digital transformation.
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According to the data, 85% of respondents believe AI will reduce the time spent on repetitive tasks, freeing up workers for higher-value decision-making. Another 75% anticipate AI will improve learning from past projects through better use of historical data, reinforcing the belief that AI-driven insights will streamline future planning and execution.
Despite historically slow tech adoption, the survey reveals a growing shift. More than half of the firms say they are already taking steps to integrate AI, from piloting tools to upskilling their teams. About 51% are evaluating several AI-related changes, and 40% have created dedicated AI budgets, signaling a level of preparedness not seen in earlier years.
Contractors are also testing AI for practical applications: invoice processing, dispute resolution support, safety enhancements, and contract review. Early adopters are reporting tangible efficiencies in back-office operations and risk management workflows.
“The research indicates the construction industry is nearing a tipping point for AI adoption,” said Steve Jones, senior director of industry insights analytics at Dodge. “With high awareness, strong interest, and powerful validation from early adopters, contractors appear poised for significant expansion in their use of AI-enabled tools in meaningful ways.”
The survey shows the competitive stakes are rising. Larger construction companies are more confident that AI will give them an edge, with 86% of large firms projecting a competitive advantage, compared to 69% of small and mid-sized contractors. This divide reflects the financial and staffing resources that bigger companies can deploy to evaluate new technology at scale.
However, enthusiasm is tempered by caution. Builders cite persistent concerns around reliability and accuracy, with 57% pointing to inconsistent outputs as a top issue. Another 54% worry about data security and privacy, emphasizing that AI’s benefits must be balanced with strong governance and cybersecurity measures.
Smaller contractors also face financial barriers: 49% of small firms say cost is their biggest obstacle, compared to just 26% of large companies, reinforcing the challenge of ensuring equitable adoption across the industry.
As the construction sector continues what many describe as an AI arms race, firms are increasingly aware that standing still could mean falling behind. The acceleration of pilot programs and AI budgeting suggests that the next wave of digital transformation is not theoretical — it is already underway, and the companies that invest now aim to be at the forefront of industry-wide change.
Originally reported by Matthew Thibault in Construction Dive.
