Creating quotes faster and more efficiently, while also increasing the percentage of successful contracts—that is the goal of the Ghent-based startup Spotable. How do they achieve this? By utilizing a custom-made AI application specifically tailored for the construction industry.

When it comes to AI applications in construction, certain reactions are inevitable: "That's all well and good, but AI won't build houses," or "Construction is people's work, and AI will never replace that." Nevertheless, several very concrete AI applications already offer significant value to construction companies today. Spotable is a prime example. The Ghent startup developed a software package specifically for roofing companies, but in the near future, their product will expand to various other construction trades.

More Efficient Quoting

"Spotable originated from the realization that many construction companies still work in a very traditional way when preparing their quotes," explains Sebastien Vandendriessche, founder of Spotable. "Someone—often the business owner—goes to the client's site, takes the necessary measurements, and writes them down on a piece of paper. Then, that same person drives back to the office, enters the dimensions into the computer, and transfers them to the ERP software. A quote is then drafted, which the same person takes back to the client. All in all, that is a very time-consuming process!"

"We know that, on average, it takes about 6 to 7 hours to produce a single quote. This includes the client visit, data processing, and drafting the quote itself. If you added up all those man-hours, you would see that an enormous amount of time goes into quote requests and drafting on an annual basis. We also know that, typically, only a quarter of quotes actually result in a contract; the very best companies achieve a conversion rate of 30%. Therefore, a lot of time and energy goes into quotes that ultimately yield nothing."

"With Spotable, we want to increase the number of projects won while making the quoting process faster and more efficient. The user thus gains twice. Furthermore, we have tried to package our software in a user-friendly program with simple controls so that anyone can use it."

Spotable automatically calculates the dimensions of facades and roofs and converts them into a 3D model. All relevant data about the building is collected in the Spotable platform, helping the contractor on their way to creating a quote.

AI Combined with Computer Vision

Spotable’s software uses an AI model that combines and analyzes various parameters to calculate the likelihood of a contractor winning the job. This allows the user to filter the most interesting and profitable projects from all quote requests and focus on those. After all, it is not useful to invest time and energy into detailed quotes for jobs you are highly unlikely to win.

The AI model uses data extracted from satellite imagery for this purpose. "For example, we can calculate roof surface areas very accurately based on satellite images," Sebastien continues. "But our software also automatically knows whether it’s a flat or pitched roof, we can determine the type of roofing material, and if the EPC score (Energy Performance Certificate) was ever posted online, it is immediately added. We can see if there is moss or if it is likely an asbestos roof... all these parameters appear automatically in the system."

"Based on Lidar technology (Light Detection and Ranging), we can also automatically determine the ridge height. We also know the distance from the roof to the street, so the contractor knows what type of crane is needed. In short, as soon as you enter an address, our platform immediately collects a wealth of relevant information needed for the quote. Simultaneously, the automatically generated building dimensions are converted into a 3D representation of the building, which the user can view and rotate from all sides. We get very positive reactions to this; many contractors see it as a major value-add. But the AI also compares the site data with past quote requests and data from the user's CRM to estimate the probability of winning the project. That is very valuable information," says Sebastien. "It allows the user to make a choice among quote requests and prioritize the most interesting ones."

Extra Applications

In addition, the team behind Spotable has added several other functionalities to the system. "The system automatically detects the subsidies the client is entitled to, which you can also use in your sales conversation. You can also request parking permits directly via Spotable. We want to help contractors not only with the quote but also with the complete preparation of the worksite."

"The software also automatically identifies 'lookalikes'—similar projects the user has completed in the past. This allows you to immediately show examples of similar sites during the client meeting. It demonstrates professionalism and increases the chance of winning the client. Naturally, you can also add photos for every project, which you can pull up during the sales pitch."

Predictive Quotes

Furthermore, Spotable includes a module that can automatically convert and add a hand-drawn plan with measurements and site notes to the file. "With this, we hope to start producing 'predictive quotes' soon. Our program will automatically generate a quote based on the data on the sketch and data from past quotes. This application is nearly ready and will be launched very soon. You will be able to visit a client, make a small sketch on-site, and two hours later, the client will receive a detailed and professionally drafted quote."

"Our software can also integrate with all common CRM and invoicing packages, and in the short term, we also want to provide integration with major construction wholesalers so that quotes via Spotable automatically use the latest prices," says Sebastien. By combining all this data, every roofer gets their own unique AI model.

Various Possibilities

Contractors can use Spotable in various ways. It is an excellent tool for quickly making an initial assessment to see if a quote request might be interesting. But Spotable can also help collect the data needed for the quote. For example, you can send standard forms through the system to potential clients, asking them to fill in extra details, add photos, and describe the project request in detail.

Future Plans

"Spotable is a brand-new company. We only started offering our services at the end of 2024. This means we are still in full testing mode and regularly adjust our platform based on user feedback. But we are also working on a series of planned expansions. For instance, we hope to expand our services to facades this year. Currently, our focus is on roofs, but our system can also perfectly calculate facade surface areas. This will allow us to reach other construction trades where the focus is often even more on price per square meter, forcing them to be efficient in their client visits and quoting. Other possible target groups include landscapers and companies that install driveways."

"We currently only operate in Flanders; we don't have French-speaking employees yet, but that will also change during the course of this year."

"We are aware that a client visit will always remain crucial. We don't want to replace the visit with Spotable, but by making efficient use of available data and applying AI to past quotes and client data, you can obtain very relevant information that helps you as a contractor to quote more efficiently and select the right leads. Creating quotes faster and increasing the success rate—that is what we want to do with Spotable. This allows the business owner to spend less time on quotes and more time running their business," Sebastien concludes.

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