**Survey Unveils AI Usage Within the Construction Trades**
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly common topic within the commercial real estate sector. However, one area that hasn’t received as much attention is its application within the trades—particularly among electricians, plumbers, carpenters, welders, and other skilled labor professionals.
ServiceTitan recently released its “2026 State of AI in the Trades” report, surveying contractors across the country and finding that while most believe AI will significantly affect their businesses, many are still uncertain about how that change will unfold.
Alex Kablanian, General Manager of Commercial & Construction Markets at ServiceTitan, noted that the trades are particularly well-positioned to benefit from AI-powered tools—especially for administrative and back-office operations.
“What surprised us about the results is how quickly the gap is forming between businesses that are embracing new technologies and those that aren’t,” said Kablanian. “These results reinforce our belief that the contracting business of the future will look meaningfully different, and not just incrementally better.”
**By the Numbers**
According to the report:
– 12% of respondents said AI is already embedded in their workflows.
– 35% have not yet incorporated AI at all.
– 59% indicated that administrative functions represent the primary use for AI.
– Only 19% reported using AI in design and planning, suggesting it remains a niche application.
Kablanian emphasized that AI won’t replace technicians, installers, or other field personnel. The unpredictable nature of job sites makes full automation unrealistic. Instead, AI can ease workloads and increase efficiency. “Where AI will have a big impact is in making that work meaningfully easier and more efficient,” he explained.
Notably, 59% of survey participants rely on AI integrated into existing software systems. Kablanian said this preference demonstrates that contractors favor tools embedded into end-to-end platforms over isolated point solutions.
“Embedded, vertical solutions have a clear advantage because they work with full operational context—scheduling, job history, pricing, inventory, customer data, and technician availability. That context enables AI to deliver practical, valuable recommendations,” Kablanian said.
**Challenges and Roadblocks**
Despite its potential, AI adoption in the trades is proceeding slowly. The survey identified several key obstacles:
– 44% of respondents cited a lack of training.
– 44% pointed to integration complexity.
– 38% said they struggle to understand how to use AI.
– 37% questioned AI’s return on investment (ROI).
– 18% reported employee resistance.
Kablanian suggested that these challenges can be mitigated through hands-on education, real-world case studies, and technology solutions that are intuitive and simple to implement without disrupting daily operations.
“Trade groups can also play a key role by fostering a culture of continuous improvement, openness to learning, and thoughtful discussion on how tech can strengthen the industry over time,” he said.
**Key Takeaways**
ServiceTitan’s report found that while curiosity around AI is high in the trades, contractors want tangible, trade-specific solutions that demonstrate real value.
Kablanian concluded, “This is a massive, resilient industry that’s still early in its technology adoption. But AI has the potential to both improve operational efficiency and make trade careers more attractive to the next generation.”
Over time, he added, such advancements could play a meaningful role in closing the skilled labor gap while raising industry standards across the board.
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