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The 3 Most Common AI Mistakes Builders Make and How to Avoid Them

Written by Russ Stephens | Sep 24, 2024 9:00:00 PM

You’ve heard the buzz. AI is revolutionising industries everywhere, and builders are no exception. But here's the truth...

Most custom home builders like yourself are barely scratching the surface. They jump on the AI bandwagon but end up frustrated, pouring time and money into tools that don’t deliver.

Are you wasting precious resources on AI without a clear plan?

At the Association of Professional Builders (APB), we’ve seen builders burn out from improper AI integration, chasing shiny objects, and losing focus. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Done right, AI can transform your building company - boosting efficiency and helping you dominate in 2025 and beyond. 

So, what’s the secret? It’s simple: avoid these three common mistakes…

Mistake #1: Lack of Strategic Planning

The first pitfall we see all too often: builders adopt AI without a plan.

They see a new tool, jump on it, and hope for the best. But there’s no roadmap. No strategy. It’s like trying to build a home without blueprints.

The result? Wasted time. Wasted money. Frustration.

The Solution: Treat AI adoption like you would systemising your business. It’s not about grabbing every tool - it’s about finding the right tools that will save you time and money.

Start by building an AI information hub. It’s a simple step that creates a central space for all your AI resources and ideas, ensuring that everyone in your company is aligned. Keep up-to-date with daily podcasts and industry insights. When you have a strategic plan, AI becomes a powerful ally, not a waste of energy.

Mistake #2: Limiting AI To Marketing

Yes, AI can take your marketing to new levels. But that’s just one slice of the pie.

Many builders think too small when it comes to AI - focusing only on content marketing or social media. But here’s what they’re missing: AI can do so much more.

From takeoffs and estimating to creating Standard Operating Procedures (without spending hours) and even recruiting top talent, AI is a game-changer across every department.

The Solution: Broaden your scope. Leverage AI to transform every aspect of your operations. Don’t just think about marketing - think about how AI can unlock efficiency in every corner of your business. The builders who look beyond the obvious are the ones who win in the long run.

Mistake #3: Poor Team Communication

If you’re introducing AI without the right messaging, here’s the danger - you could alienate your team.

AI is not here to replace your staff. But that’s not how everyone sees it. Some team members will worry, wondering if their jobs are on the line. And when that fear sets in, they resist change.

The Solution: Clear communication is everything. Reassure your team that AI is here to enhance their roles, not eliminate them. Make AI adoption a regular topic in your meetings.

Encourage your staff to learn and grow alongside these tools. When your team feels safe and empowered, they’ll become your greatest asset in leveraging AI to its full potential.

Your Next Step

If you want to succeed with AI, it’s not enough to just “try it out.” You need a clear strategy, a broad vision, and a team that’s fully on board.

By avoiding these three common mistakes, you can unleash the true power of AI in your building company - improving efficiency, increasing profits, and outpacing the competition.

Want to learn more? Join us for our next live training, where we’ll explore real-world strategies that builders like you are using to harness AI and stay ahead of the game.