The AI Advantage: Redefining Risk Management in Construction with BLDX with Ryan Howsam
How AI is Transforming Construction Risk Management
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s actively reshaping industries, including construction. Ryan Howsam, Founder & CEO of BLDX, joined the Inside Insight podcast to discuss how AI is revolutionizing risk management, insurance, and claims prevention in construction.
In an industry where disputes can cost millions and documentation is often siloed, BLDX is leveraging AI to provide real-time risk insights, eliminate blind spots, and drive proactive decision-making. Here’s what you need to know about how AI is redefining risk in construction.
The Cost of Blind Spots in Construction Risk
Risk management in construction has traditionally been reactive, with companies relying on insurance policies to mitigate financial losses after claims arise. However, Howsam highlights a crucial issue: only about 1% of all relevant project data is captured during the insurance underwriting process.
The result? A “bind and pray” approach where projects move forward without continuous risk monitoring. Construction disputes currently average $52.6 million, making real-time data collection and analysis more critical than ever.
How AI Bridges the Risk Management Gap
BLDX uses AI to solve this problem in three key ways:
- Verifiable: AI aggregates and authenticates project data to create a complete, transparent history of each construction project.
- Accessible: By eliminating information silos, AI ensures that insurers, contractors, and project owners can quickly access critical data.
- Intelligent: AI doesn’t just collect data—it analyzes trends, detects risks before they escalate, and provides actionable insights.
This shift from reactive claims management to proactive risk mitigation allows construction firms to avoid costly disputes and reduce their insurance costs.
The Rise of Agentic AI in Construction
AI in construction isn’t just about chatbots or simple automation. Howsam predicts that 2025 will be the ‘Year of Agentic AI’, meaning AI will move from basic data analysis to autonomous risk management agents that perform tasks with minimal human intervention.
BLDX is at the forefront of this evolution, creating AI-driven tools that:
- Monitor ongoing projects in real time
- Identify risks before they turn into claims
- Automate compliance and quality control measures
- Enhance long-term risk assessment for completed buildings
AI’s Role in Post-Construction Risk Management
Risk management doesn’t end when construction does. BLDX continues monitoring projects long after completion, ensuring that:
- Building maintenance data is tracked and verified
- Potential post-construction risks (e.g., water intrusion, structural failures) are identified early
- AI-generated insights help insurers and owners minimize future claims
With AI, companies can transition from risk avoidance to risk intelligence, proactively addressing issues before they lead to costly litigation.
The Future of AI in Construction Risk Management
Howsam emphasizes that the construction industry has historically been slow to adopt new technologies, but AI adoption is no longer optional. Companies that embrace AI will have a competitive edge, reducing claims, lowering insurance premiums, and ensuring safer, more efficient projects.
As AI continues evolving, it will become an essential tool for contractors, insurers, and project managers alike. The question is no longer if AI will change construction risk management—but how quickly your company will adapt.
Listen to the Full Episode
Don’t miss this deep dive into AI’s impact on construction risk management! Listen to the full episode of Inside Insight featuring Ryan Howsam, CEO of BLDX, to learn more.
