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More construction leaders see AI gains in effectiveness than efficiency
In BRG's survey of construction and development executives, 68% have spent at least $250,000 on AI over the past 24 months and 37% $1 million or more, but just 15% say AI is fully integrated. More leaders see gains in effectiveness than efficiency.
Key figures
- 68% Have spent at least $250,000 on AI over the past 24 months. 37% have invested $1 million or more. (BRG release, 13 Oct 2026)
- 15% Say AI is fully integrated across projects and operations. Self-reported. (BRG release, 13 Oct 2026)
BRG surveyed 109 executives in July 2026, 58 builders and 51 owners; most findings reflect 65 North American respondents (Construction Dive). Savings figures are self-reported.
On a building site, faster is easy to count and better is easy to argue about. Ask the people paying for AI which one they got, and more of them say better.
BRG put it this way on October 13, 2026: "more leaders see gains in effectiveness than efficiency." In BRG's terms, effectiveness means better quality, performance and outcomes. The money behind it is real: "Nearly seven in 10 (68%) respondents have spent at least $250,000 on AI over the past 24 months, and 37% have invested $1 million or more. But just 15% say AI is fully integrated across projects and operations."
Measuring what came back is looser. BRG reports "37% of respondents primarily relying on financial metrics, 29% on operational measures and about one-quarter on usage or adoption, while 6% do not evaluate ROI at all."
Better work is a fine thing to buy. It is just harder to put on an invoice than hours saved.
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