AI's Impact on Residential Construction Is Smaller Than You Might Think

The influence of artificial intelligence is gradually proliferating across the modern workforce. But specifically for the construction industry, AI's impact isn’t as significant as many might expect — at least, not yet. 

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data found that 45 of 47 construction-related occupations are classified as having "low" or "moderate" relative AI exposure. The remaining two occupations were classified as having "high exposure" with no fields claiming to have "very high" exposure.

AI is still likely to change the way construction work is completed. But in its current form, it doesn’t yet have as big an impact in frontline construction work as it does in other occupations.

Which construction fields are seeing high AI exposure?

The two standouts in this study included construction managers and construction and building inspectors. Employment in these sectors is projected to grow 9% over the next decade, but remain essentially unchanged otherwise. In contrast, employment for solar photovoltaic installers, which is classified as having "moderate" relative AI exposure, is projected to grow 37% as one of the quickest-growing sectors in the occupation.

Managers and building inspectors are likely using AI more frequently because their roles include more planning, documentation, scheduling, compliance and communication than hands-on work.

Which construction fields are seeing low AI exposure?

Many of the hands-on fields are seeing little impact from AI, including field roles like carpenters, construction laborers, roofers and operating engineers. This is likely because they rely heavily on physical execution and have varying jobsite conditions and safety requirements while utilizing materials and equipment.

This data is consistent with findings from NAHB's Housing Market Index, which shows that builders primarily use AI for information-intensive tasks like advertising, marketing, project planning and design.

Learn more in this Eye on Housing blog from Jing FU, NAHB senior director of forecasting and analysis.