Is AI Creating More Admin Work for Contractors?

Legal expert Trent Cotney discusses the downside to using AI when it comes to administrative tasks in the contractor workspace.

By Jill Bloom, Executive Director, Walls & Ceilings, Trent Cotney

The use of artificial intelligence in the workplace has already unlocked benefits for the roofing contractors, but there are some unintended consequences emerging. One of the trends W&C Legal Insights Expert Trent Cotney is seeing is how customers are using AI to scrub contracts, ultimately creating more work for roofing company administrators.

“Whether it's a commercial owner or developer or a homeowner, they're taking your proposal or bid, they're putting it into AI, and they're not only asking AI to identify potentially questionable terms and conditions that you've got in there, but they're asking AI to look at scope,” Cotney explained in this exclusive episode.

The Hidden Cost of Using AI for Contractors

Roofing customers are using AI tools to analyze contractor proposals and contracts, identifying questionable terms and reviewing project scope. According to Legal Insights expert Trent Cotney, this trend is increasing administrative workload and delaying project starts, making direct conversations with customers the best way to address AI generated questions.

Those AI-scrubs are creating more questions for contractors to handle, creating more of a time crunch before any work can get done. It also has the potential to impact customer communication and satisfaction, making the AI questions rather tricky, he said.

“The best thing to do … is say you’re happy to answer these questions, and let’s schedule a time to talk,” Cotney advised. “Rather than sitting there and responding piecemeal and then giving that customer one more opportunity to cut and paste everything that you just said.”

Watch the full conversation here.

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Jill Bloom is the innovative Executive Director of Roofing Contractor, Walls & Ceilings, Building Enclosure, Roofing Supply Pro, and the highly regarded Best of Success event. With a deep commitment to advancing the roofing, construction, and building enclosure industries, Jill oversees a robust portfolio of publications, podcasts, and events that empower professionals with knowledge, inspiration, and connections.

Her brands deliver exceptional value across multiple platforms, including:

Techos y Más, the Spanish-language newsletter of Roofing Contractor.
Safety Advisor, a newsletter focused on critical resources for jobsite safety.
Thermal Talk, a newsletter focused on insights and news for the insulation contractor.
eRock, a leading newsletter for drywall contractors.
The Enclosure Experts podcast, offering architects deep insights into building enclosure technologies.
If Walls Could Talk, a podcast dedicated to exploring trends and innovations for the wall and ceiling contractor.
The Best of Success Podcast, providing thought leadership and practical advice for roofing professionals.

Jill’s passion for professional development and fostering industry connections is exemplified by the Best of Success event, a premier gathering of contractors, suppliers, and thought leaders for unmatched education and networking.

Trent Cotney is a Partner with Adams & Reese and a Florida Bar Board Certified Construction Lawyer, licensed to practice in multiple states across the U.S. and in Canada. With nearly 25 years of experience, Trent has dedicated his career to serving the construction and roofing industries. He is a zealous advocate for the international commercial roofing sector and serves as general counsel for over 10 prominent trade associations and organizations, including the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), Florida Roofing & Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA), National Slate Association, Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), and Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA). Trent’s commitment to the industry extends beyond legal counsel; he is an active participant in education, advocacy, and innovation, working tirelessly to address the challenges contractors face and advance the industry as a whole. Known for his deep understanding of construction law and unwavering dedication, Trent Cotney remains a trusted advisor and leader in the roofing community.