2025 has been an all-out endurance test for construction teams. Economic uncertainty is nothing new for contractors, but this year pushed resilience to a new level. Tariffs and shifting trade policies created unpredictable equipment and material costs. Rising interest rates tightened bid margins. Fluctuating material prices made long-term planning harder than ever, and anything from rebar to roofing adhesives could be affected. Yet in the face of all this volatility, contractors have done what they always do: adapt, innovate, and continue to build.
This year, the most popular STACK content reflected exactly that spirit. Contractors looked for ways to add AI to their workflow, smarter ways to estimate, better ways to evaluate tech, and strategies for upskilling the workforce. Below are 2025’s top 10 articles, packed with insights that resonated most with construction professionals navigating a complex and rapidly changing industry.
1. The AI Questions You Should Be Asking in Construction
AI isn’t going anywhere, but not all AI is created equal, and not every solution is right for every workflow. This article explores the rise of AI adoption across construction and highlights the right questions leaders should ask before investing. From data security to model transparency to integration flexibility, you’ll learn how to assess how an AI tool should actually improve operations rather than add confusion or risk. The big takeaway: curiosity is good, but due diligence is critical.
2. Try Before You Buy: The Right Way to Pilot Construction Software
Piloting software is one of the smartest ways to reduce risk. This guide breaks down how contractors can structure pilot programs that deliver measurable results. From selecting the right test team to creating evaluation criteria to avoiding the common pitfalls of “accidental pilots,” this article is a go-to resource for organizations that want successful tech adoption instead of failed starts. Some highlights:
- Define clear objectives: Know the specific workflows and outcomes you're testing.
- Choose the right pilot group: Include both tech-comfortable and skeptical users for balanced feedback.
- Avoid “accidental pilots”: Unplanned trials almost always lead to confusion and low adoption.
3. The ROI of Estimating Accuracy: How STACK Customers are Winning More
What’s the worth of a more accurate estimate? For many contractors, it’s everything. This article showcases real STACK customers who improved their estimating precision and saw more work, better margins, and stronger relationships with clients. Hard data and real-world stories prove STACK’s impact:
- Increased revenue by 600% year–over–year and improved win rates by 30%
- Cut takeoff time by 40% and 2x win rate
- Generating $1.5M in new revenue with a leaner team
4. Build an Agile Workforce: Integrating Technology Into Every Aspect of Your Business
As labor shortages persist and project demands increase, agility is becoming a defining contractor advantage. This article explores what it means to build a tech-forward, future-ready workforce. From workflow automation to field mobility to bridging the gap between seasoned pros and new talent, it shows how organizations can use technology to build stronger, more adaptable teams—without losing the expertise that makes them successful.
5. Why Outsourcing Takeoffs Isn’t the Right Move for Suppliers
As supplier competition intensifies and customer expectations rise, many distributors and manufacturers are considering outsourcing takeoffs just to keep up with demand. But this article explains why outsourcing often creates more problems than it solves, and why bringing takeoffs in-house with the right technology ultimately drives better accuracy, faster response times, and stronger customer relationships. We break down:
- Loss of control over accuracy
- Slower turnaround times
- Higher long-term cost
- Limited flexibility for revisions
6. Stories from the Support Line: STACK’s Training & Customer Support Teams
Get a behind-the-scenes look at STACK’s world-class support team, featuring real stories from the team members who help our customers succeed every day. From urgent deadline scrambles to aha-moment training wins, this article highlights how STACK’s support philosophy goes far beyond troubleshooting. It’s about partnership, empowerment, and helping contractors work smarter. A highlight from Kate Dupuy, STACK Learning Content Specialist:
“Once [the customer] saw how quickly STACK’s AI could identify every door and window, his reaction said it all. He purchased the upgrade after our training session. When we met again for his follow-up training, he told me STACK’s AI made his life 10x easier and workflow 1000x faster.”
7. The PCL Construction Playbook: Strategies for Delivering Large-Scale Infrastructure Projects Leveraging STACK
Large-scale infrastructure work requires precision, coordination, and relentless planning—three things PCL Construction has mastered. This deep-dive Q&A outlines the proven playbook behind PCL’s approach, including how they leverage STACK to optimize preconstruction workflows, improve collaboration, and maintain project consistency across massive, complex builds. Get an insider look at enterprise-level best practices. Bonus: Check out their column about construction technology in Construction Executive’s July/August 2025 issue!
8. Training for the Future: Leveraging Tech to Turn Novice Estimators into Pros
The industry’s talent pipeline is tight, and finding experienced estimators is harder than ever. This article explores how companies can use technology to accelerate the tech learning curve. It explains how digital takeoff tools, guided workflows, and repeatable processes help new estimators build confidence and accuracy fast—empowering teams to grow talent internally instead of relying solely on recruitment.
9. Mastering STACK Takeoff & Estimating: Expert Tips for Using Items & Assemblies to Streamline Bids
It’s time to level up your estimating workflows. This in-depth article walks through how to use STACK’s Items and Assemblies to build more accurate, repeatable estimates in less time. Gain access to immediately actionable tips that reduce manual work, eliminate errors, and take the stress out of bid day. Take it from STACK Takeoff & Estimating customer Kinzler Construction Services:
“STACK’s ability to create custom Items & Assemblies tailored to how we do business was another deciding factor for us. The customization options make it easier for us to streamline takeoffs and ensure accuracy, saving both time and effort.”
10. Mastering STACK Build & Operate: Essential Tips for Streamlining Your Projects
Field teams, this one is for you. Our practical guide offers STACK Build & Operate best practices pulled directly from real users and live training sessions. It covers everything from managing offline workflows to improving communication between field and office teams to ensuring every crew works from the most current plans. The article’s step-by-step approach helps contractors who need more predictable project execution.
Key strategies highlighted include:
- Improving plan management
- Using offline mode to avoid field downtime
- Centralizing communication
- Streamlining punch lists & QA workflows
- Tracking work progress in real time
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If 2025 proved anything, it’s that contractors are built for unpredictability. As the industry keeps evolving, these insights will help teams work smarter, build stronger, and stay ready for whatever comes next.
