Why Contractors Nearing Retirement Must Embrace AI

Every contractor wants to leave their business in good hands. For those thinking about retirement, this is even more important. With over 41% of the construction workforce expected to retire by 2031, the industry is facing a serious skills gap.

But here’s the good news. Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital solutions can help experienced contractors share their knowledge and prepare the next generation to succeed. Using AI today means your business can stay strong—even after you retire. It’s a step in the right direction for those planning to retire.

The Problem: A Growing Knowledge Gap in Construction

There are two big challenges in construction today:

1. Older workers are retiring. One in five construction workers is currently 55 or older. In the next 5 to 10 years, many will leave the workforce, taking their experience with them.
2. There aren't enough new workers. The industry needs to hire 439,000 new workers this year to meet demand. Many younger people like working with technology, but the construction industry has been slower to adopt it.

If your business doesn’t have a way to share knowledge, all the experience your business is built on could be lost. But if you start using AI and other digital solutions now, you’ll stand out—and you’ll attract new talent who want to work with modern construction technology.

The Solution: Use Technology to Pass Down Knowledge

Document and Automate Workflow

By adopting AI and other digital solutions, businesses can document workflows and build on their legacy. This is possible through:

1. Documenting important information. Digital tools keep a record of business processes. It keeps information such as key contacts and project details from getting lost in binders, sticky notes, or scattered files. That means future employees can access a library of knowledge all in one place.
2. Automate tasks. AI-assisted software can handle repetitive tasks. It makes your day easier and more efficient. With more time, you can focus on strategic tasks for your business.
3. Preconstruction software. Tools like ConstructConnect® Project Intelligence and Bid Management help contractors find jobs, organize bids, and track contacts—all in one digital place. This creates a smart, searchable library your team can use.

Without digital solutions, it’s easy for valuable knowledge to disappear when someone leaves the business.

Make Takeoff and Estimating Easier

Takeoff and estimating are important parts of the job. But they can be tricky and take a long time to learn. AI-powered tools can do the early work—like measuring and calculating—so your team can focus on more important things.

This helps experienced estimators spend their time bidding and winning work. It also helps newer team members learn faster and get better at estimating.

Jerry Chandler, owner of Advanced Demolition, LLC, saw this firsthand. He explained how PlanSwift®, a digital takeoff and estimating software, has helped his business:

“PlanSwift means more productivity to me and my business… I’ve been able to bring my son into the business and after a couple of weeks have him online up to speed doing good quality take-offs because it was that easy to use.”

Jerry’s use of PlanSwift software is a great example of how technology bridges the generational gap—and how an experienced professional could share his knowledge faster and more effectively.

Takeoff Boost™, an AI-assisted feature of On-Screen Takeoff, is another example of a tool helping to bridge the gap. It gives users a head start by doing the first takeoff for them. Then they can check it and adjust. This can make takeoffs up to 40% faster. By using AI tools like this, you're not just keeping up—you’re staying ahead in a fast-moving industry.

Start Planning for the Future—Today

Getting your construction business ready for the next generation isn’t just a good idea—it’s necessary. AI and other digital solutions ensure your company will be in good hands when you’re ready for retirement.

What You Can Do Today:

• Download our guide: “Attracting, Hiring, and Retaining Construction Professionals,” to learn how to bridge the labor shortage gap.
• Invite young people you know to attend NextGen Estimation by ConstructConnect Academy. This workshop is a fun way to learn about careers in construction.
• Look at your current processes. What parts of your business could be made easier with digital tools?

Embracing AI and other digital solutions in your business now can help the next generation inherit a strong, competitive company.

Request a free demo of our digital tools—and take your first step toward building a lasting legacy.