Construction produces enormous amounts of information: drawings in many revisions, specifications, consultant reports, RFIs, variations, site photos, permits and certificates. Much of the real work of running a project is finding the right piece of information at the right time. That is exactly where AI tools are starting to help.
How widely is AI being used?
Adoption is growing fast but is still early. Deloitte's fourth State of Digital Adoption in the Construction Industry report, published in July 2026 and covering Australia and five other Asia Pacific markets, found 46% of businesses use AI or machine learning tools, up from around a quarter in the first edition in 2023. A global RICS survey of more than 2,200 professionals, published in September 2025, found about 45% reported no AI implementation in their organisation, 34% were in early pilots, and just under 12% used AI regularly in specific processes. The top barriers were a lack of skilled people and difficulty integrating with existing systems.
In other words, many firms are experimenting, and far fewer have made it part of everyday delivery.
Where AI is genuinely useful
Quantity takeoffs and estimating support
AI-assisted tools can read drawings and help measure areas, lengths and counts far faster than manual methods. The value is speed and consistency on repetitive measurement. The risk is misreading scale, revisions or notes, so every takeoff still needs checking against the current drawing set by an estimator.
Document and drawing review
Tender packages can run to hundreds of pages. AI can help cross-check drawings against specifications, flag missing information, list inclusions and exclusions, and highlight inconsistencies between consultants. It is a strong second pair of eyes, not a substitute for reading the contract.
Correspondence, reports and meeting notes
Drafting RFIs, site meeting minutes, progress reports and client updates is time-consuming. AI can produce clear first drafts from notes, which the project manager then corrects and approves.
Site photos and records
Progress photos, defect records and handover evidence are easier to organise, tag and search with AI assistance. For defit and handover work, a well-organised photo record is often the best evidence of what was done.
Programming and scenario testing
AI tools can help test "what if" scenarios on a programme: what happens if the steel is two weeks late, or if night works are required. The planner still decides; the tool helps them see options faster.
Safety support
Some tools help identify hazards in site photos or summarise safety documentation. They can support a safety culture but do not replace site supervision, safe work method statements or the duties that apply to every workplace.
Where people must stay in charge
- Compliance decisions: whether work needs a permit, meets the National Construction Code or satisfies a planning control is decided by qualified practitioners and, ultimately, the building surveyor.
- Contracts and money: variations, claims and payments carry legal consequences.
- Site judgement: ground conditions, weather, workmanship and safety are assessed in person.
- Client relationships: trust is built by people who stand behind their work.
Our companion article explains why AI on its own is not reliable for construction compliance questions.
How AxisPro approaches AI
We use AI tools where they make our work faster and more thorough, particularly in reviewing documents and preparing first drafts. Every output is checked by a person before it is relied on, and compliance questions go to the primary source: the legislation, the regulator and the building surveyor. AI supports our team; it does not replace their responsibility.