Houzz announced an expansion of its Houzz Pro software on Aug. 19, introducing a suite of AI-powered tools called AutoMate AI. The new features are designed to help construction and design professionals reduce time spent on administrative work by automating the creation of financial documents, task management and expense tracking.
The update aims to streamline workflows and reduce manual data entry, allowing contractors to manage projects more efficiently from the office or a mobile device. According to a 2025 Houzz report, administrative tasks are the most common reason construction and design professionals use AI.
Key features of the AutoMate AI expansion include:
- AI Documents: Users can generate estimates, proposals, and invoices by describing a project via text or voice input. The tool populates line items with location-based pricing for labor and materials.
- AI Tasks: The system scans daily project logs and notes to proactively suggest relevant tasks for follow-up or delegation, which can then be added to the project schedule.
- AI Expenses: Contractors can log an expense by taking a photo of a receipt. The tool automatically extracts and categorizes key details under the related project.
The goal is to help professionals create accurate financial documents faster. According to Matt Panella of Panella Construction, the estimating tool is a significant time-saver. “Houzz Pro’s AI estimating tool can do in 20 seconds what it would take an experienced person an hour to do,” Panella said. “Costs are very close if not spot on at the line-item level, and it helps ensure no item is left out.”
