GAIKO LAB (Exterior Lab) Integrates Generative AI into Exterior Estimation Simulator: Industry-First Implementation of "Know Costs by Simply Selecting What You Want, AI Designs Optimal Plan" Function

Background: From resolving "information asymmetry" to deeper homeowner support

GAIKO LAB (Exterior Lab) was launched with the mission to "resolve information asymmetry in the exterior industry." While contractors understand construction costs, unit prices, and margins, homeowners often face structural challenges where they must negotiate without this knowledge. To address this, GAIKO LAB has been providing a simulator equipped with an estimation logic utilizing data from over 800 self-executed projects.

This update integrates generative AI into the simulator to enable "all homeowners, regardless of their knowledge or consideration level, to hold numbers and plans in their own hands." The system has been revamped into a two-mode structure that optimally navigates users with or without a budget.

Information asymmetry in the exterior industry refers to the structural problem where contractors know construction costs, unit prices, and margins, while homeowners do not. GAIKO LAB was created to change this structure, and the integration of AI further deepens this objective.

Screenshot: Mode selection screen immediately after launching the GAIKO LAB simulator. Users can choose between "AI-assisted mode" or "Expert Mode" based on their stage of consideration.

New Features: Two modes to support all stages of consideration

MODE 01: AI-assisted Mode (Industry First *1)

This is the main mode usable by individuals who have not decided on a budget, as well as those who have a budget limit. Users input their desired images in a selection format, such as "I want to build a fence" or "I want to park two cars."

If the budget amount is undecided, the cost of a full-spec plan reflecting all requests is accumulated in real-time for each item. If a budget amount is entered, the generative AI automatically designs and proposes an "optimal exterior plan that fits within the budget" from scratch.

The AI handles all decisions regarding materials, grades, and construction combinations, so no specialized knowledge is required (users can also choose adjustment policies such as "grade priority" or "item priority"). It's also possible to first calculate with an undecided budget, then set a budget afterward, and have the AI optimize the plan.

MODE 02: Expert Mode (For finalized specifications)

This is a precise estimation mode for homeowners who have already solidified their specifications to some extent, such as the number of block courses, fence materials, or parking lot finishes. It calculates detailed estimates per construction item using unit price logic and regional coefficients based on over 800 construction track records. It also supports manually correcting and adjusting detailed conditions from the results of the AI-assisted mode.

Screenshot: AI generates a plan in real-time - when a budget is entered in AI-assisted mode. The generative AI devises the plan while streaming its thought process, allowing real-time observation of the AI in action.

Screenshot: Plan and cost confirmation - completed screen for an exterior plan designed by AI. Construction breakdown, cost, and budget utilization rate are displayed in a list. Each item can also be manually corrected from here.

"Consult AI": AI, understanding the plan, answers as an expert

After a plan is generated in AI-assisted mode, the "Consult AI" function appears on the results screen. With the AI understanding the entire content of the generated plan (budget, construction details, required items, desired items adopted and not adopted), it answers free-form questions from the user.

✦ Consult AI: Understands the context of the plan and responds, supports multi-turn dialogue

The AI acts as an expert to respond to consultations such as "I want to do more with this plan." As a specialized advisor deeply familiar with exterior construction planning, design, and execution, it provides practical advice from the perspective of regretfulness and priority. It supports multi-turn dialogue that maintains conversational context, allowing for follow-up consultations like "What happens if I change ○○ next?"

Example consultations:

- How can I incorporate artificial turf without increasing the budget?

- Is cutting back on lighting something I'd regret? Are there other items I could cut instead?

- If I want to add a carport later with this plan, what should I confirm with the contractor first?

Status of "Consult AI" function implementation

Mode Name | Mode Body | AI Consultation Chat Function ---|---|--- AI-assisted Mode | Available | ◎ Implemented Expert Mode | Available | △ Coming Soon

Screenshot: Screen of the "Consult AI" function. The AI answers chat-format questions while understanding the plan's content.

Product Matching System: A new purchasing channel that directly connects to homeowners' decision-making platform

GAIKO LAB (Exterior Lab) plans to release a "Product Matching System" in the future, a product recommendation function linked to the simulator's input information (budget, construction details, desired style, expected effects).