What You Need to Know About Contractor AI Before You Buy

You've heard about AI for contractors. Maybe your buddy swears by it. Maybe you're tired of spending Sunday nights in Excel. This guide separates the good from the garbage.

10 Must-Have Features (Non-Negotiable)

1. Trade-Specific Intelligence

Generic software doesn't understand "squares," "linear feet," or "amp service." Real AI should calculate roofing bundles, HVAC tonnage, and electrical panel sizing. Learn more about accurate roofing labor cost per square calculations.

2. Real-Time Material Pricing

Lumber prices jump 15% weekly. Your estimates need TODAY'S prices, not last month's. Demand daily updates minimum.

3. Mobile-First Design

Can you create an estimate on your phone in under 5 minutes while standing in a client's driveway? If not, it's useless.

4. Transparent Pricing

Red flags: "Contact for pricing," per-user fees, per-estimate fees, hidden add-ons, 2+ year contracts.

Good model: Flat monthly fee under $50 with ALL features. Example: Contractor AI is $24.99/month unlimited. Compare pricing with our Contractor AI vs Jobber and ServiceTitan alternatives guides.

5. Error Detection & Warnings

AI should flag: profit margins below threshold, missing line items, unusual quantities, recent price increases.

Red Flags: When to Run

• 🚩 Signup requires credit card
• 🚩 Complicated pricing tiers
• 🚩 No mobile app (just "mobile-responsive")
• 🚩 Built for enterprise, not small contractors
• 🚩 No clear ROI path explained

Questions to Ask Before Buying

Functionality:

1. "Can I create estimates in under 5 minutes on my phone?"
2. "Does it auto-update material prices or do I?"
3. "Works offline at job sites?"
4. "Handles my specific trade?"

Pricing:

1. "Total monthly cost including ALL features?"
2. "Per-user fees if I hire employees?"
3. "What's NOT included in base price?"
4. "Can I cancel anytime?"

Initial Testing Checklist

Day 1: Setup & First Estimate

• Time the account setup
• Create one estimate for common job
• Compare to Excel method
• Goal: Save 30+ minutes

Day 2: Mobile Test

• Download mobile app
• Create estimate on phone
• Test without WiFi
• Goal: Works with one hand, offline

Day 3: Real Client

• Use on actual job (try our instant calculator for a quick test)
• Generate and send proposal
• Time entire process
• Goal: Client impressed by quality

Bottom Line: What You Actually Need

1. Fast estimates: 5 minutes or less
2. Mobile-friendly: Works at job sites
3. Trade-specific: Understands your materials
4. Affordable: Under $50/month all-in
5. Easy to learn: First estimate in 15 minutes

If a tool meets those 5 criteria, buy it. If not, keep looking.