AI Construction Cost Estimation Platform

About the Client

A Swiss company specializing in cost estimation for new construction, remodeling projects, and the operation, maintenance, insurance and life cycle costs of existing buildings.

The company provides digital tools for early-stage cost assessment and supports architects, developers, and property owners in planning and evaluating construction projects in Switzerland.

Objective

Develop an AI-powered application to support construction cost estimation in early planning phases.

The objective was to apply machine learning models trained on historical project data to generate reliable cost estimates with limited initial input and consistent calculation logic.

Solution

An AI-based solution with a user-friendly interface was developed to support construction cost estimation during early project phases. The system uses machine learning models trained on a large dataset of completed construction projects to generate cost estimates based on a small number of input parameters.

The solution processes key project characteristics commonly used in early-stage evaluations, including:

• Building usage type: Residential, commercial, or industrial projects, reflected in the cost model.

 • Number of floors: Consideration of building scale and overall complexity.

 • Heating systems: Inclusion of commonly used heating concepts affecting cost structure.

 • Electricity supply: Basic power supply characteristics relevant for estimation.

 • Location: Regional factors influencing construction and labor costs.

 • Additional parameters: Sustainability aspects and other project-specific characteristics derived from historical data patterns.

Altabel’s team of three developers implemented the solution using Java and Kotlin, applying a microservices-based architecture to ensure flexibility and scalability. The system was designed as a modular, cloud-based platform with a strong focus on data security. Automated CI/CD pipelines supported continuous delivery, and selected components can be deployed on custom infrastructure when required.

Result

The client received a stable AI-based system that simplified the cost estimation process and ensured consistent calculation logic across different project types. The solution integrated with existing software via APIs, supported regulatory compliance in Switzerland, and allowed the client to further extend and adapt the platform as their needs evolved.