Using AI to Your Advantage

Artificial Intelligence initially was perceived as something for tech giants and Fortune 500 companies, but that view has changed. AI has evolved into a practical tool for remodelers and home improvement contractors to use to help reduce project costs, improve customer communication, optimize crew scheduling, and enhance marketing efforts. Here’s how:

Improved Marketing and Lead Gen

Traditional marketing strategies produce inconsistent results, but AI-driven marketing platforms use predictive analytics to identify homeowners most likely to embark on a remodeling project.

These systems analyze property age, local real estate trends, neighborhood demographics, and renovation history. This helps to optimize digital advertising on multiple platforms for maximum ROI and minimal costs per qualified lead. AI also can make real-time modification to campaigns based on performance data. Some platforms use machine-learning algorithms to create ad copy and web content so your teams are able to focus on the task of meeting prospective customers and finalizing projects.

Sales and Project Analysis

Selling is still a people-first practice, but not all sales reps deliver best-in-class presentations. AI can help analyze scripts and give feedback on where a sales rep got it right and where they can improve. And AI-based proposal tools may be used to generate a polished digital presentation to help sales close faster while looking very professional.

Modern CRM systems include AI to help with predicting probabilities for individual leads as well as recommending optimal pricing based on similar projects and general market trends, spotting upgrade potential, and appraising sales team effectiveness.

AI can help make the estimating process faster and more intelligent, which means fewer unanticipated production costs and change orders and more projects being sold at healthy profit margins.

Production: Smart Schedule and Resource Flow

Many remodeling operations still use spreadsheets or even physical boards to manage projects and production schedules, but these methods can lead to inefficiencies that can cost thousands of dollars each month.

AI can help create a proactive scheduling system that accounts for variables such as material deliveries, inspections, crew availability, and weather-related disruptions—and then readjust schedules in real-time as needed to better utilize crews.

Client Experience 

AI is transforming how remodeling companies interact with customers. A range of virtual assistants and chatbots can field incoming inquiries, qualify potential leads, book appointments, and answer common questions. Other AI tools may also collect feedback from customers, identify negative trends in their recorded calls, or report any potential problems so managers can identify them before they become larger issues.  

Proactive Service Planning and Recurring Revenue Streams

Predictive service planning is one of the latest AI applications for remodelers, and it enables you to send service reminders, maintenance proposals, and inspection offers to past clients. Think outside the original project—how can you get repeat and referral businesses.

Taking Your First Steps With AI

Embracing AI doesn’t demand a degree in computer science, and there are a lot of AI tools in the marketplace that can serve as a gateway for any contractor. Off-the-shelf solutions are great first steps but generally won’t help you address specific operational needs. The contractors reaping the biggest benefits are the ones going deeper—utilizing customized solutions that can significantly boost efficiency and productivity.

The goal with AI isn’t to replace your people. It’s to give them enhanced tools to help them to succeed. The better and more significant your AI implementation, the higher your operational performance can be.