Home Depot launches AI project planning tool for pros
Professional customers of The Home Depot have a new artificial intelligence-equipped project assistant.
The world's largest home improvement retailer is rolling out a new AI solution called Blueprint Takeoffs, which is designed to provide professional renovators, remodelers and builders with faster, more accurate and cost-effective material lists and estimates – also known as “takeoffs” – for single-family project blueprints.
Blueprint Takeoffs tool leverages AI to deliver a complete material list and quote for an entire single-family project within days, a process that used to take weeks to complete. Pros can then purchase materials they need for their project through Home Depot.
"The speed and accuracy of the Blueprint Takeoffs tool give Pros more time to focus on what matters most: serving their customers and growing their businesses," said Mike Rowe, executive VP of Pro for The Home Depot. "Our goal is to reduce complexity for Pros and be the one-stop-shop for all project needs – from initial planning to material delivery. Combining AI technology with our Pro team's expertise delivers a new level of efficiency to single-family builds."
Home Depot also recently debuted a new Project Planning tool. This digital platform is designed to streamline how professional renovators, remodelers and specialty tradespeople plan, manage and execute complex projects.
Home Depot serves pro customers
Home Depot has been making a concerted effort to obtain the business of home improvement industry professionals. Some examples in the past 12 months or so include:
- The acquisition of GMS Inc. through its specialty trade distribution subsidiary, SRS Distribution Inc. GMS is a leading distributor of specialty building products including drywall, ceilings, steel framing and other complementary products related to remodeling and construction projects in residential and commercial end markets.
- Teaming up with StrataTech Education Group (StrataTech), an operator of skilled trade schools, to expand its Path to Pro program, which aims to educate more people in the skilled trades and help them find careers in the home improvement industry.
- Opening four new distribution centers geared toward serving pro customers in Detroit, southern Los Angeles, San Antonio and Toronto. The centers stock large, bulky merchandise such as lumber, insulation and roofing shingles.
[READ MORE: Home Depot expands loyalty perks for professional customers]
Atlanta-based The Home Depot operates more than 2,350 retail stores, over 800 branches and more than 325 distribution centers that directly fulfill customer orders across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico.
