Home Depot launches AI tool to automate contractor material lists

"On Monday, The Home Depot announced it's introducing software for builders, remodelers, and renovators that leverages AI to generate project lists in just minutes. The technology, Material List Builder AI, is one of scores of AI-driven software solutions aimed at increasing operational efficiencies measured in build-cycle time and money in the residential construction industry Such innovations should they reach critical mass among contractors and remodelers may come as a boost at a time of squeezed margins and operational efficiency chokeholds."

"Strategically, Home Depot and its smaller rival Lowe's have veered more aggressively toward positioning that encroaches on homebuilding industry incumbents in the pro segment of residential construction. In 2022, The Builder's Daily reported: It's no news that the two giants have committed and invested strategic focus on the new residential construction market of builders large and small for years to varying degrees."

"According to one executive with close ties to both the homebuilding enterprise sector and its distribution channel believes that Lowe's and Home Depot may consider now the moment to encroach on turf Builders FirstSource, US LBM and ABC Supply currently hold, not just to grab share, but to align themselves as beacons of strategic capability as the channel takes shape over the next few years."

Home Depot introduced Material List Builder AI, software that leverages domain-specific large-language models to generate project material lists in minutes. The tool translates a construction job's intent into detailed product specifications, automating a process that typically takes hours. The technology aims to increase operational efficiencies measured in build-cycle time and cost, helping builders, remodelers, and renovators save time and protect margins by reducing specification errors. Home Depot and Lowe's have been increasingly positioning toward the pro segment, encroaching on incumbent suppliers. Industry observers note these retailers may seek builder market share and strategic capability alignment as the distribution channel evolves.

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