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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere right now. Whether it’s writing emails, generating images, or crunching data, AI is the big thing across every industry – including construction. For busy builders, the thought of getting a quick estimate or contract at the click of a button sounds tempting. But when it comes to running a professional, profitable building business in the UK, caution is essential.

At HBXL we embrace new technology where it adds genuine value. But we also know that construction projects are too important – and too complex – to hand over entirely to machines. AI can assist, but it should never replace the specialist software and processes that keep your business accurate, compliant, and protected.

The problem with “Artificial”

Producing an estimate, designing a set of plans, writing a contract, or creating health & safety paperwork isn’t just about words on a page. These are tasks packed with complexities. Every project is unique. Every site has its quirks. Every customer has their own expectations. And in areas like contracts and compliance, there are strict UK regulations that AI tools simply aren’t built to handle.

Hallucinating estimates

There are an increasing number of AI digital estimating tools out there now. But can you trust them with your numbers? After all, your livelihood is at stake here…  The thing is, they’re generally trained to guess answers even when uncertain. It’s known as ‘hallucinating’. Imagine asking an AI Agent to produce a detailed estimate on a big wrapround extension. The results look convincing (and that’s half the problem). But you find out (too late) once the job has started and you’re ordering materials and paying for your labour, and discover:

• the spec’ is of a low quality so you’ve under quoted
• you’re short on material quantities
• it missed the knock-through
• there are significant discrepancies in material prices
• labour hours are too low
• labour rates are lower than what you pay your people
• plant is missing
• there are no wear and tear or wastage contingencies.

And that’s because it actually gave its best guess – even though it was wrong. Apparently, admitting ‘I don’t know’ is a no-no in AI world. Time might have been saved at the quoting stage but think of the pay-off!

Avoiding ‘AI Debt’

There’s also the risk of what’s now being called ‘AI debt’ – the problems that pile up when AI is used badly or without oversight. Poor data, misaligned outputs, or over reliance can all create more issues down the line, from legal disputes to project delays. By contrast, HBXL tools are structured, governed, and built for your specific needs – so you’re not storing up trouble for later.

Contracts you can’t trust

Generative AI might churn out a document that looks the business, but it could:

• Omit crucial clauses
• Default to US legal concepts or “building codes” instead of UK law
• Even “hallucinate” made-up case law or obligations.

That’s not just unhelpful – it’s potentially dangerous for your business. The same goes for plans that don’t reflect building regs, or health & safety documents that aren’t site-specific. AI is clever, but it doesn’t have the lived experience of UK builders – or the professional standards your customers expect.

Why builders turn to HBXL

This is where HBXL software comes in. Our tools – EstimatorXpress, PlansXpress, ContractsXpert, Health & Safety Xpert, and BuildProjex – are designed specifically for UK residential builders. They don’t just “guess” what’s needed; they apply tried-and-tested data, current regulations, and years of construction know-how.

• EstimatorXpress calculates costs using up-to-date UK material and labour prices. No missing line items. No nasty surprises.
• PlansXpress produces clear CAD drawings designed for extensions, lofts, renovations, and new builds—work you actually do, not theoretical designs.
• ContractsXpert generates watertight, legally sound contracts that protect both you and your customers under UK law.
• Health & Safety Xpert ensures your paperwork is tailored to your project and compliant with UK regulations.
• BuildProjex helps you manage tasks, schedules, and communication—keeping projects on track and customers confident.

Every one of these tools does the heavy lifting for you, saving you time while reducing risk.

AI as an assistant, not a replacement

That’s not to say AI has no role. It absolutely does – but as an assistant, not a replacement. AI can help you:

• Speed up admin tasks like emails or checklists
• Summarise meetings
• Arrange appointments.

But when it comes to the real business of building – costs, contracts, compliance, safety – it’s too important to gamble. The smart builder uses AI where it helps, but relies on specialist software where accuracy and accountability matter most.

Moving forward with confidence

The future of construction will certainly include AI – but only in the hands of builders who know when to use it, and when to trust proven tools. At HBXL, we’re committed to software that assists you by doing the heavy lifting, but works with your experience to tailor estimates that give you accurate outcomes. We’re all about software that’s built for UK builders today, with the flexibility to integrate tomorrow’s innovations safely.

With HBXL by your side, you’ll have the confidence of knowing your estimates, plans, contracts, and compliance are watertight – and that you’re making smart use of technology without taking unnecessary risks.

Next step

So why not speak to a human! Let us talk through your business requirements, and see if we can find a software match. Call us on 0117 916 7898, try our software for free or book a short online demo.