FMB and CIOB Survey Shows 57% of Contractors Increased AI Use Amid Economic Pressures
Enterprise AI · Project management · AEC industry
A trade survey by FMB and CIOB shows 57% of construction firms increased AI adoption over the past year. Most deploy it for administration, tender preparation, and site operations to ease pressure on teams amid rising costs and skills shortages.
According to trade research from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), 57% of construction businesses reported using AI technologies more than they did a year prior, while 22% reported no AI use. Among firms deploying AI, 80% use it for office and administrative duties, 42% for quotes, estimates, and tenders, and 33% for site operations, safety, and quality management. FMB and CIOB stated that technology is primarily utilized to boost efficiency and support overstretched teams rather than displace skilled roles. The survey also highlighted persistent industry difficulties during the first half of 2026: 75% of respondents experienced material cost increases, 68% faced skills shortages, and 20% saw delays due to extreme weather.
Key takeaways
- A survey by FMB and CIOB found 57% of construction businesses increased AI usage compared to a year ago, while 22% do not use AI.
- Among AI-using firms, 80% apply it to administrative tasks, 42% to tender and quote estimates, and 33% to site operations and quality control.
- FMB and CIOB noted AI is easing workload pressures rather than replacing skilled construction workers.
- The survey reported severe pressures in the first half of 2026: 75% reported material cost hikes, 68% faced skill shortages, and 20% had weather delays.
Source：Construction Management Read the original ↗
Prepared, checked and automatically published by AI; not individually reviewed by a human.