From healthcare and finance to education and cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI) has had a significant impact on a wide range of industries across the world – and the quantity surveying business is no exception.
However, when it comes to answering the question ‘will AI replace quantity surveyors’, there’s only one correct response. To help you understand why AI won’t become the new go-to quantity surveying solution, our experienced team has put together this handy guide.
Below, we explain the effect of AI on the quantity surveying industry – drawing from the expert guidance on this topic provided by global professional body, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
What impact will AI have on quantity surveying?
From cost estimation and budgeting to mapping out a project timeline, AI-powered tools and algorithms can have a positive impact on many of the various roles and responsibilities of a quantity surveyor.
Whether you want to enhance productivity, improve decision-making, or boost accuracy, AI can support professionals in the quantity surveying industry with a wide range of essential services, such as:
Automating complex tasks
To improve efficiency, quantity surveyors can utilise AI to automate long and complex tasks. For example, AI-driven analysis can help with the estimation of future construction project costs by delving into huge amounts of historical data, market trends, and other variables.
AI has a powerful ability to quickly digest and translate a substantial amount of data into useful patterns and insights. A quantity surveyor can then use these AI findings to create more accurate financial projections.
Plus, machine-learning algorithms can also significantly improve the accuracy of quantity take-off (QTO) estimates. These estimates refer to the cost of all the materials and labour required to complete a construction project, supporting the surveyor with budgeting and planning.
Enhancing communication with relevant parties
From the client and site manager to the quantity surveyor and contractor, almost every construction project will involve multiple parties. As a result, clear and consistent communication is essential for ensuring project updates and inquiries are handled appropriately.
Cue, AI. The integration of AI-powered chatbots, for example, can be used to automate responses to routine inquiries, freeing up the quantity surveyor to concentrate their time and expertise on more complex tasks. It’s also no secret that strong client communication can support positive relationships, subsequently improving your customer return rate.
Handling administration tasks
AI can also play an important role in streamlining a range of time-consuming administration tasks, such as gathering data, producing contract documents, and updating budget reports. These AI algorithms can automatically generate large sections of contracts that remain the same for every client.
Just like AI-powered chatbots, this ensures the quantity surveyor can dedicate more time to other tasks that require human intervention or judgement.
Optimising building information modelling (BIM)
A digital representation of a construction project which allows various parties to work in unison, BIM is an essential tool for all quantity surveyors in this industry. Paired with AI algorithms, however, it can be even more effective.
These algorithms can use BIM data to optimise elements of the design, highlight problematic components, and ensure the project abides by the latest industry standards. As a result, quantity surveyors can benefit from improved efficiency and greater reassurance that the project complies with building regulations.
Will quantity surveyors be replaced by AI?
As outlined above, AI has had (and will continue to have) a significant impact on the role of a quantity surveyor. So, will quantity surveyors become obsolete? Put simply, no.
While AI is an important tool for a quantity surveyor, it should be seen only as a tool and not a complete replacement for a quantity surveyor.
Rather than replacing quantity surveyors entirely, AI is far more effective and reliable when it’s used in conjunction with human expertise and strategic decision-making.
Speak to an expert today!
Another thing that AI can’t do is discuss your requirements over the phone with a friendly chat. Regardless of whether this is your first construction project, or you have extensive experience in this industry, we want to hear from you.
Thanks to our in-depth knowledge, commitment to integrity and professionalism, and RICS-regulation, you can rest assured that your construction project will be in safe hands.
To find out more about our services and fees, please don’t hesitate to get in touch today. You can either give us a call on 01270 323 515 or email your enquiry to info@kingsmeadconsultants.co.uk.
Alternatively, you can also reach out using our straightforward online contact form. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
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