BSCI Student Pitches AI-Powered Construction Management Software

Stallings, a junior in the McWhorter School of Building Science (BSCI), set out to streamline the communication process between small- and mid-sized contractors and subcontractors, who often rely on manual workflows or outdated technologies. Now, his business is a finalist for the Harbert College of Business’ Tiger Cage Business Idea Competition at the end of March.

Using resources from Auburn’s New Venture Accelerator (NVA), an organization that helps emerging entrepreneurs launched their businesses, Stallings created BuilderHelp – Construction Project Management Software, an artificial intelligence (AI) driven platform that helps contractors with construction assistance. Stallings conducted interviews with more than 80 independent construction companies, using both family connections and a larger network through BSCI, to evaluate the needs and build software around real contractor workflows and needs.

“The Building Science program at Auburn University has given me a deep understanding of how construction projects operate from preconstruction through punch out,” Stallings said, explaining that coursework, internships and industry exposure have taught him how contractors manager real projects. “That firsthand operational perspective has directly shaped BuilderHelp, allowing us to design technology that truly supports how contractors actually work in the field and infuse modern technology.”

BuilderHelp gives contractors the ability to schedule, send punch lists and invoices, review plans and track tasks that have been completed, material deliveries and finances—automating workflows to save time on repetitive work. BuilderHelp’s AI lets contractors run their projects just by talking to it.

The AI will write detailed owner updates, extract information straight from drawings and specs and update schedules automatically. It also makes payments effortless with instant Automatic Clearing House transfers to subcontractors and from owners directly to contractor’s bank accounts, while syncing with accounting software for real-time financial accuracy.

“Our goal is to help small- and midsize-contractors reclaim time, improve project visibility, increase profitability by 2–3% per project and ultimately give them back a day per week by automating workflows and eliminating inefficiencies,” Stallings said.

The winner of the Tiger Cage Business Idea Competition will receive a share of $130,000 in start-up capital and a $5,000 innovation award sponsored by the Thomas Walter Center for Technology Management.