Welcome to our comprehensive guide on utilizing the AI-enhanced Construction Co-Pilot for building an ADU. The Construction Co-Pilot acts as your AI assistant, providing expert advice and insights for every stage of your construction project. This tool is designed to be an invaluable resource, whether you're an experienced builder or a first-time homeowner, making your construction experience more informed and effortless.
The main dashboard is your starting point for accessing the AI Co-Pilot. To facilitate ease of use, we've organized the tool into distinct phases of construction. You'll find sections like Pre-Construction, which includes design, permitting, budgeting, and finance, followed by Site Work for planning and foundational queries, and then the Construction chats, encompassing a wide array of topics from roofing to plumbing and other construction-related questions. Additionally, there's a Chat with documents section for model-specific inquiries, such as material requirements for different models.
Before diving into each tab, let's finish our overview of the main dashboard. The final part of the dashboard is the history chats section, where you can access past interactions. Your privacy is paramount; we do not track or view your chats, ensuring that your conversations with the Co-Pilot remain confidential.
Each tab functions similarly, so once you're familiar with one, navigating the others becomes intuitive. At the top of each tab, you'll find fields for city input and model size. The city input is essential as construction advice can vary significantly based on location. The square footage field is optional but recommended for more tailored advice, as construction requirements can differ greatly depending on the size of your project.
The AI Co-Pilot is programmed with various building codes specific to different locations. The more details you provide about your build, the more personalized assistance the Co-Pilot can offer. This feature is particularly helpful in understanding and complying with local building codes and regulations, which can be a challenging aspect of construction.
In addition to building codes, the AI is knowledgeable about various product types and building components, offering a wealth of instant information. And yes, the Co-Pilot is mobile-friendly, designed for easy use on your smartphone in the field.
In the center area, you'll find pre-programmed prompts to initiate your queries. Select a prompt, and the AI will respond to your questions. For follow-up queries, simply type in the box to continue the conversation on the same topic.
Starting a new topic is straightforward. Just scroll to the top and click the red “x”. This function is consistent in both Pre-construction and Construction Chats. Now, let's explore the "Chat with Documents". This section provides specific information about model specs. For instance, you can inquire about the door and window schedule of a particular model. To interact with Chat GPT for recommendations based on plan information, select the “Chat with GPT” button. This feature is widely used for takeoffs and estimations.
For example, to determine the amount of drywall needed for the Hibiscus model, ask the AI about the interior wall square footage. Remember to include the model name in each question for accurate information retrieval. The AI can then calculate the number of drywall sheets and additional materials required. To switch back to model-specific chats, simply unselect the “Chat With GPT” option.
It's important to note that this AI technology is in its early stages in the construction industry. While it provides valuable assistance, always verify the AI's answers and consult with a professional. This tool is designed to assist you with information and suggestions on best practices, efficient building techniques, and innovative solutions.
In our next video, we'll explore another exciting AI integration for design options. Stay tuned for more insights.