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Rework savings estimator

Construction rework costs the U.S. industry $31 billion annually. Estimate how much you could save by catching drawing errors during preconstruction instead of in the field.

Project details

Rework rates vary by complexity and project type

$

Total hard construction cost

sheets

All disciplines combined

reviews

e.g., 50% CD, 90% CD, IFC

Rework cost breakdown

Estimated total rework (7% of project)
$700,000
Commercial Office: 7% avg rework rate (CII data)
Rework caused by design/drawing errors (35%)
$245,000
Design errors account for ~35% of construction rework
Detectable by AI plan review (45%)
$110,250
Based on Commercial Office error detection rates
Estimated issues to catch
140
200 sheets × 2 reviews
Avg cost per field issue
$1,750
if not caught in preconstruction
Potential rework savings with AI review
$110,250

1.1% of project value returned through early issue detection

The 1-10-100 Rule

1×
Design (preconstruction)
$175
10×
Construction (field)
$1,750
100×
Operations (post-occupancy)
$17,500

How this calculator works

This estimator combines published industry rework data with the Construction Industry Institute (CII) 1-10-100 rule. Issues caught in design cost roughly 10× less to fix than in construction, and 100× less than in operations.

  • Rework rate by project type, based on CII research on average rework as a percentage of total construction cost
  • 35% design-driven share, the typical portion of rework caused by drawing errors, missing information, and coordination conflicts
  • AI detection rates by sector, calibrated to the kinds of issues AI plan review reliably catches on each project type

Adjust the inputs to match your specific project. Detection rates and rework percentages are conservative averages; complex projects with dense MEP and tight clearances tend to outperform these numbers.

Keep exploring

More tools, guides, and resources for teams working to reduce rework.

The Real Cost of Construction ReworkRFI Cost CalculatorThe $10,000 Eraser: Preconstruction ROIAI Drawing Review for General Contractors

Stop paying for rework you could prevent

Helonic catches the drawing issues that cause rework, coordination conflicts, code violations, and missing information, before they cost you 10× in the field.