Kitchen & Bath Business May/June 2022 - 10

HO T T OPIC
Technological Freedom
How AI will revolutionize and simplify the home renovation process
THERE'S NO QUESTION THAT artifi cial intelligence (AI) will continue to
transform the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry
- eventually automating the most laborious aspects of the pre-construction
process. Given the tight real estate market and supply-chain disruptions at
every turn, there is little to no room for mistakes in the home renovation
process. For example, incorrect measurements can equal months of setbacks
as customers wait for cabinetry, countertops and/or appliances.
Th e tech world is beginning to understand these pain points and is looking
for innovative ways to simplify the renovation process for homeowners and
designers. Using 3D scanning technology, AI can provide accurate measurements
and actionable insights to inform current conditions. But what does
this actually mean? Technology today - and in the future - will automate the
tedious tasks a renovation project requires. Th is accelerates the development of
plans and alleviates some of the heavy lifting for general contractors as it tees
up the plans for them, making their jobs easier. New innovations have found a
way to remove human error and provide real-time costs and project timelines.
Let's walk through the steps of what a renovation now looks like:
 Measure & Plan. Once measurements are taken of the space, a detailed plan
is created for a general contractor, which is usually a two- to three-week
manual process. Th is plan will include measurements of the current space
and outline electrical and plumbing details.
 Designing a New Space. Using the existing room as a kickoff point, a new
design and layout is approved. Now the fun starts - tiles and appliances
are selected, and the client chooses to update their dated 1950s kitchen
to an open concept. Th e general contractor puts plans in motion to knock
down walls and purchase necessary materials.
 Renovation Begins. After weeks of unforeseen supply-chain delays, all the
materials are eventually acquired, and the renovation fi nally starts.
 Renovation Is Stalled. Th e contractor alerts the client that the wall they
wanted to take out is load bearing and an extra cost will be incurred to
support it. Th e initial measurements were incorrect, so not enough tiles
were ordered and now the project is set back an additional three weeks.
RELIEVING HEADACHES FOR HOMEOWNERS & PROS
What seemed like a straightforward renovation is now taking months longer
and costing thousands more dollars than expected. So how can technology
help? With the proper AI tools, many of the issues typically discovered weeks
into the process can now be spotted from the beginning. As opposed to
manual measurements and handmade plans, 3D scans off er just as much if
not more detail, provide accurate measurements and shed light on the building's
current conditions. Th ese scans take half an hour to complete and are
ready to use within days, cutting down on project timeline by weeks, therefore
cutting labor costs and allowing contractors to take on additional projects.
Using technology to generate layouts, plans, renderings and construction
documents, the client can better visualize their budget, allowing for greater
cost control upstream of the processes and the ability to determine their needs
and wants before they move forward.
10
/ MAY-JUNE 2022
HELPING PROFESSIONALS
STEP ABOVE THE COMPETITION
Th is cutting-edge technology also benefi ts architects
and designers, as it allows them to spend
time on what really matters: fl exing their creative
muscles and working with clients to ensure their
renovation dream becomes a reality. With more
accurate and transparent information upfront,
AI tools set these professionals above their competition.
By cutting time on manual tasks and
constant back and forth with any issues that arise,
clients are happier because the process has been
streamlined and transparent. Additionally, AEC
professionals can now spend the bulk of their time
presenting creative design ideas rather than dealing
with rote work.
Integrating technology into design is a learning
curve, but when fully embraced, AI can open
possibilities. For designers, ideas that were once
swept under the rug because of time or budget
constraints can now be actualized. By having the
architectural codes and construction standards
baked into the layouts being produced, the extra
hours of work do not need to be paid for by the
client, and the minutiae are all accounted for.
Ian Jaff rey is the founder and CEO of renovation
company Skipp, skipprenovation.com.

Not only does AI technology save time and
money because of its accuracy, but it also eliminates
waste - something that is increasingly on
the minds of AEC professionals and consumers
everywhere. With one-time accurate measurements,
there are fewer mistakes or order changes.
Gone are the days of throwing away access cabinets
because the wrong order was placed.
" Not only does AI technology
save time and money because
of its accuracy, but it also
eliminates waste. "
http://www.skipprenovation.com
Kitchen & Bath Business May/June 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Kitchen & Bath Business May/June 2022
