How Small Construction Firms Compete on Innovation

If you think innovative construction technology is only for the big firms with big budgets, think again. Digital tools can be a competitive necessity for small construction businesses, general contractors, and estimators who need to stay agile and profitable in today’s market.

Think about it like this: Large construction companies have lots of resources to bid on projects. Those resources are helpful for bidding on more projects, more quickly. This has a deflating effect on smaller businesses that simply cannot keep up.

Innovative tools, such as construction takeoff software, can reverse this trend by enabling small contractors to perform takeoffs more efficiently, submit a higher volume of takeoffs, and ultimately win more business.

So, here’s a quick look at how small construction firms can compete on innovation.

Why Small Construction Businesses Should Look to Tech

If you are part of a small construction business, know that you are in good company. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics finds that 99.94% of construction companies have fewer than 500 employees. And 68% have fewer than five employees.

Because small construction businesses are so lean, team members typically wear multiple hats and juggle tight deadlines. So, every hour saved and every mistake avoided matters. Technologies, tools, and software can help organizations operate more efficiently by accelerating timelines and reducing potential errors.

Yet despite making up nearly the entire industry, these small firms are often the last to adopt new technologies. And they're the ones who could use it most!

The problem, in many cases, is psychological. Many think innovation is too expensive, too complicated, or simply not worth the effort. But the data tells a different story:

• Estimating platforms can make bids 80% faster
• GPS-enabled equipment can boost productivity by 30%
• AI tools reduce delays and costs by up to 50%

And unlike in the past, today’s solutions are built for firms of all sizes. You don’t need a dedicated IT team or enterprise budget to get started. You just need the right tool for the job.

Digital tools don’t replace manual work; they empower workers to do what they do better and faster. Whether it’s through automated takeoffs, mobile jobsite apps, or cloud-based collaboration, smart software can help you:

• Bid more projects in less time
• Eliminate costly errors early
• Standardize workflows across teams
• Improve client communication and professionalism

So, with all that in mind, let’s focus on one construction software tool revolutionizing the way small and medium construction companies do business.

Togal.AI Accelerates the Preconstruction Takeoff Process

Togal.AI is AI-backed takeoff software that helps estimators and general contractors complete takeoffs up to 80% faster than traditional methods. It uses advanced machine learning to automatically detect, label, and quantify elements from digital drawings—freeing up teams to focus on pricing strategy, vendor relationships, and winning bids.

For small businesses, this isn’t just about speed and accuracy. It’s about scale. By reducing the time spent on each takeoff, you can bid on more jobs without hiring more staff—allowing your team to grow without overhead.

And because Togal.AI operates in the cloud, it supports real-time collaboration, version control, and access from anywhere. That’s especially useful for lean teams working across multiple sites or projects.

NC Painting Discovers Togal.AI Is Better than Bluebeam

Here’s a prime example of a small business that won big, thanks to Togal.AI.

NC Painting was completing an average of 19 bids per month using legacy takeoff software, Bluebeam. While investigating better takeoff tools, NC Painting set an internal goal of 25 bids per month by switching to Togal.AI.

They didn’t just hit that goal—they blew past it!

Within just two months, NC Painting increased their bid volume to an average of 60 bids per month. That’s a 215% increase.

"Since switching to Togal, our productivity is off the charts."

That kind of improvement doesn’t just happen by working harder—it happens by working smarter. And smarter starts with the right technology.

Small Steps in Construction Tech Result in Big Wins

Technology is no longer optional for firms that want to grow. But adopting tech doesn’t mean overhauling your entire operation overnight. Start small. Pick one area—like takeoffs—where the pain is greatest and the ROI is clear.

With tools like Togal.AI, small businesses in construction can gain a serious edge: faster bids, higher win rates, and more room to scale.

Innovation isn’t just for the big guys. It’s for anyone ready to build a smarter, more competitive business.

‍Ready to see the best takeoff software in action? Request a custom demo of Togal.AI today.