Introduction to Shovels AI

Shovels AI is a specialized platform designed to provide detailed data on building permits and contractors across the United States. Its primary function is to help users access and analyze data related to construction activities, which can include anything from small home renovations to large commercial projects. The platform is built to cater to professionals in real estate, construction, and related industries, offering insights into contractor performance, market trends, and permit activity. For instance, a real estate developer might use Shovels AI to identify active contractors in a specific ZIP code to gauge the level of construction activity in an area, or a homeowner might seek to validate the credentials of a contractor before hiring them for a project.

Main Functions of Shovels AI

  • Contractor Search by ZIP Code

    Example Example

    A user can search for contractors who are currently active in a specific ZIP code, filtering by the type of work, such as roofing or electrical.

    Example Scenario

    A property manager in Los Angeles needs to find a licensed contractor for an electrical upgrade. By entering the relevant ZIP code and selecting the 'electrical_service_upgrade' tag, they can view a list of contractors who have recently worked on similar projects in the area.

  • Permit Lookup by Address

    Example Example

    Users can enter a specific address to see all permits associated with that location, including details such as the type of work, the filing date, and the contractor involved.

    Example Scenario

    A potential homebuyer is interested in a property and wants to know if there have been any major renovations or repairs. By inputting the address into Shovels AI, they can access the property's permit history, revealing any significant work that might impact their buying decision.

  • Contractor Metrics and Performance Data

    Example Example

    Shovels AI provides metrics on contractor performance, including the number of permits they have filed, their inspection pass rates, and the duration of their projects.

    Example Scenario

    A general contractor wants to partner with a reliable plumbing contractor for a large commercial project. By reviewing the metrics provided by Shovels AI, they can select a contractor with a strong track record of timely completions and high inspection pass rates.

Ideal Users of Shovels AI

  • Real Estate Professionals

    Real estate agents, developers, and investors benefit from Shovels AI by gaining insights into construction activities and trends within specific markets. This information helps them make informed decisions about property investments, development opportunities, and market conditions.

  • Homeowners and Renovators

    Homeowners who are planning renovations or repairs can use Shovels AI to verify the credentials of contractors, check for permit compliance, and ensure that all work is being performed by qualified professionals. This reduces the risk of hiring unlicensed contractors and ensures that projects meet local building codes.

How to Use Shovels AI

  • 1

    Visit aichatonline.org for a free trial without login, also no need for ChatGPT Plus.

  • 2

    Explore the available APIs by identifying the types of data you want to retrieve, such as building permits or contractor information. Familiarize yourself with the filtering options, such as tags, dates, ZIP codes, and states.

  • 3

    Use the query endpoints to search for data. You can filter results by location (ZIP code, state, or address), permit type, or date range. Format dates in YYYY-MM-DD and ensure location details are accurate.

  • 4

    Review and interpret the retrieved data. Check permit details, contractor metrics, and other relevant information to gain insights. Consider downloading the data for further analysis.

  • 5

    Utilize the data for decision-making or reporting. Whether you are a homeowner, contractor, or researcher, use the insights to inform your projects, compare contractor performance, or understand local building trends.

  • Research
  • Market Analysis
  • Real Estate
  • Homeowners
  • Contractors

Shovels AI Q&A

  • What kind of data can I access with Shovels AI?

    Shovels AI provides access to a comprehensive database of over 113 million building permits and 3 million contractors across 48 U.S. states. You can retrieve data on permit types, contractor performance, and market activity by filtering through ZIP codes, states, dates, and tags.

  • Can I search for building permits by city or county?

    Currently, Shovels AI only supports searches by ZIP code, state, or a full address. Searching by city or county will be available in future updates.

  • How do I filter data for a specific type of permit?

    You can filter data by selecting tags that correspond to specific permit types. For example, to search for electrical permits, you might use tags like 'electrical_panel_upgrade' or 'utility'. Only one tag can be used per search query.

  • Is Shovels AI suitable for homeowners?

    Yes, homeowners can use Shovels AI to research building permits issued in their area, check the credentials and history of contractors, and understand local building trends. It is a valuable tool for planning renovations or new construction.

  • What should I do if I need help using Shovels AI?

    If you need assistance, visit the Shovels AI website or contact support. The platform provides guides, FAQs, and direct support to help you navigate the API and make the most of its features.