Choosing documents, contracts & specs software
Contracts, specifications, submittals and drawings pile up on every job. These tools help you read, search and check them faster.
Our own general advice, not a recommendation of any product.
Questions to ask on every demo
- Does it cite where each answer comes from in the source document so I can check it?
- What document types and sizes does it handle, and how does it deal with scanned pages?
- Where are my documents stored, and who at the vendor can see them?
- Is the AI trained on my documents, and can I opt out?
- Is it a replacement for legal or engineering review, or a first pass before one?
What to watch for
- AI summaries of contracts are a starting point. Treat them as a checklist for your attorney, not a substitute.
- Ask how the tool handles a revised document, since addenda change the answer.
If you are a small firm
Try it on a contract you have already negotiated and see whether it catches the issues you remember.
Terms you will hear
- AI agent
- Software that uses an AI model to carry out a multi-step task, such as drafting and sending a request for information, rather than only answering a question. What counts as an agent varies by vendor.
- Large language model (LLM)
- The kind of AI model behind chat assistants. It reads and writes text, and is used in construction software to answer questions about documents and draft messages.
- MasterFormat
- A standard system for organising construction specifications and costs into numbered divisions by trade or work type, such as Division 09 for finishes.
- RFI (request for information)
- A formal question from a contractor to the design team when plans or specifications are unclear or conflict. The answer becomes part of the project record.
- Scope of work
- The description of what a contractor or subcontractor will and will not do on a project.
- Specifications
- The written requirements for materials, workmanship and performance that accompany the drawings.
- Submittal
- Product data, shop drawings or samples sent to the design team for review before materials are ordered or installed.
The 7 tools in this category
Alphabetical. Tick “Compare” on the category page to put up to four side by side.
Buildcheck AI Drawing review software that screens design drawings and specifications for errors, omissions and inconsistencies before they go to permit, pricing or construction. Quote on request 
Document Crunch AI Construction risk platform that reviews contracts, specs and other project documents to surface risk, then routes it to the right people with workflows from pursuit to closeout. Quote on request Free trial 
Newforma AI Project information management software that connects email, documents, submittals, RFIs and other project records across the tools design and construction teams already use. Quote on request 
Part3 AI Construction administration software for architects that keeps submittals, RFIs, drawings, field reports, change orders and pay applications in one place. Published pricing 
Primepoint AI Construction intelligence platform that reads drawings, specs and schedules together to prepare constructability checks, submittal and RFI reviews, and revision comparisons for contractor teams. Quote on request 
Structured AI AI Drawing review platform that runs QA/QC on construction drawing sets, checking for errors, code issues and coordination clashes across sheets, with Revit and document-platform connections. Quote on request 
Trunk Tools AI AI platform that reads project documents and drawings into a connected knowledge base, with tools for submittals, RFIs, bids, change review and document search. Quote on request