Do you run a business in construction? Would you like to boost your efficiency on many levels?
In the digital age, staying competitive in the construction market means harnessing the power of technology in different ways.
Since this landscape is changing quickly, the right construction software can be the game-changer your business needs.
Whether you're a general contractor, specialty contractor, or architect, finding the best tool can make a world of difference for your business and its effectiveness.
Join us as we explore the top seven construction solutions that can change the way you work and help your business thrive in the year ahead.
What is a construction app?
A construction app is a software application designed to assist professionals in the construction niche with various tasks and processes related to the management of projects, job site operations, and overall efficiency.
These apps are typically used by contractors, builders, project managers, architects, and construction employees to streamline their work, enhance productivity, and manage projects more effectively.
Why the best construction businesses use construction management apps
A robust construction management app is indispensable for general contractors or construction companies operating in the construction industry.
Such an app streamlines various aspects of project management. This makes it easier for contractors to bid on projects, manage job sites, and coordinate construction workers efficiently.
With the convenience of a mobile app, it becomes easy to use. As such, you can ensure that contractor professionals take advantage of the app effectively for their day-to-day operations.
In short, a construction management app is an essential tool for contractors and construction businesses. It can offer features tailored to their specific needs in the construction industry.
What should a good contractor app have?
The perfect contractor app should have a few things:
Time tracking and scheduling
The app should allow contractors to track their work hours and schedules accurately. This helps in managing labor costs, project timelines, and workforce allocation efficiently.
Project management
Effective PM tools are essential for contractors to plan, monitor, and execute construction tasks. Features like task assignment, progress tracking, and project timelines are crucial.
Mobile accessibility
Many construction tasks are performed on-site. The app should be accessible on mobile devices. All so that field workers can enter data, access documents, and update project information in real time.
User-friendly interface
An intuitive and user-friendly interface is key to letting contractors and their teams use the app efficiently without extensive training.
Customer support
Reliable customer support is also important in case users encounter issues or need assistance while using the app.
Payroll management
Do also look out for payroll functionality. It's extremely useful for contractors when it comes to managing their workforce's compensation. The app should allow for easy calculation of wages, tax deductions, and overtime. Integration with time tracking boosts accurate payroll processing.
Self-service options
A self-service portal within the app is beneficial for both contractors and their employees. It lets workers access their payroll information, such as pay stubs and tax documents, as well as update personal details like contact information and tax withholding preferences. This feature empowers employees and reduces administrative tasks for the contractor.
A construction contractor app with these features can greatly enhance the efficiency, productivity, and organization of construction work.
What is the best app for construction project management in 2023?
To save your precious time looking for that perfect app, we've created a curated list of the top solutions available on the market.
Here are the tools we strongly recommend using:
Unrubble
Unrubble is a top-tier app that assists in managing employee work time, tracking time off, simplifying leave management, and payroll duties. It helps construction firms maintain efficient workforce management and leave tracking.
How it helps construction managers:
- Manages employee work time efficiently.
- Tracks time off and simplifies leave management.
- Enhances overall project planning.
Pros:
- Simplifies employee work time management.
- Efficiently tracks time off and leave.
- Enhances project planning for construction businesses.
- Provides payroll, scheduling, and self-service tools.
- It's to use, with a free trial and free plan available.
- Both desktop and mobile versions are available.
Cons:
- There might be a little bit of a learning curve in the beginning (it's not necessarily a con)
Free trial? Yes
Free plan? Yes
Unrubble is the best construction management app for the construction industry. It offers an all-in-one app solution that simplifies project management, scheduling, employee time tracking, and payroll.
What sets Unrubble apart is its remarkable ease of use. It's accessible to workers, general contractors, and specialty contractors alike.
With Unrubble, successful construction projects become achievable by streamlining time tracking, PTO planning, and project management in one app.
It ensures precision in time tracking, simplifies scheduling, and even manages time-off requests like vacations and work-from-home arrangements with incredible efficiency.
Unrubble empowers construction businesses to thrive by eliminating paperwork hassles and providing a seamless, user-friendly experience.
From startups to established companies, Unrubble fits the unique needs of every construction site.
Its user-friendly features make it ideal for contractors and construction employees.
PlanGrid Build
PlanGrid Build is a construction app that specializes in document management and collaboration. It helps construction businesses in various ways.
For example, it provides a platform for real-time access to project documents, blueprints, and drawings. People who use it can improve communication and reduce errors while they are on the field.
How it helps construction managers:
- Specializes in document management and collaboration.
- Provides real-time access to project documents and blueprints.
- Improves communication and reduces errors in construction work.
Cons:
- May have a learning curve for some users.
- Costs associated with premium features.
- Pricing can be on the higher side for smaller construction firms.
- Requires an internet connection for real-time document access, which may not always be available on job sites.
Free trial? Yes
Free plan? No
ProCore
ProCore is a comprehensive construction app. It supports various aspects of construction work. ProCore helps by offering project management, financials, scheduling, and communication tools. The result? Efficient project coordination and management.
How it helps construction managers:
- Offers comprehensive construction management tools.
- Supports project management, financials, scheduling, and communication.
- Enables efficient project coordination and management.
Cons:
- High cost, which may not suit smaller construction companies.
- Complex interface, requiring training for some users.
- High initial setup and subscription costs may be prohibitive for small construction companies.
- Advanced features may require additional training for users.
Free trial? No
Free plan? No
GasBuddy
While not directly related to construction operations, GasBuddy can benefit construction organizations by helping them find nearby gas stations with competitive fuel prices. This is a great app for cost management for construction vehicles and equipment.
How it helps construction managers:
- Helps find nearby gas stations with competitive fuel prices.
- Aids in cost management for construction vehicles and equipment.
- Benefits construction organizations by reducing fuel expenses.
Cons:
- Not directly related to construction management.
- Limited scope beyond fuel price information.
- Limited relevance to construction operations beyond fuel cost savings.
- Not a dedicated construction management tool.
Free trial? Yes
Free plan? Yes
Smartsheet
Smartsheet is a project management and collaboration tool that can be customized for construction tasks. Construction companies can get customizable sheets, workflows, and reporting to manage tasks, schedules, and data efficiently.
How it helps construction managers:
- Provides customizable project management and collaboration.
- Manages tasks, schedules, and data efficiently.
- Enhances organization and workflow management for construction managers.
Cons:
- Complexity may require a learning curve for new users.
- Costs associated with advanced features.
- Can be overwhelming for users unfamiliar with project management software.
- May require customization for construction-specific needs.
Free trial? Yes
Free plan? Yes
LetsBuild
LetsBuild is a construction app focused on project planning, monitoring, and progress reporting. It equips construction firms with a set of features for project scheduling, defect management, and quality control. If you use it, you can expect to boost your project efficiency and quality.
How it helps construction managers:
- Focuses on project planning, monitoring, and progress reporting.
- Offers features for project scheduling and quality control.
- Enhances project efficiency and quality for construction firms.
Cons:
- Pricing may not be suitable for small construction firms.
- Learning curve for new users.
- Pricing may not be competitive for small to mid-sized construction firms.
- A steep learning curve for users transitioning from other construction management tools.
Free trial? Yes
Free plan? No
FieldWire
FieldWire is a construction app designed for on-site management. It streamlines tasks such as management, plan viewing, punch lists, and progress tracking. Those who use it can hope for improved communication and productivity on job sites.
How it helps construction managers:
- Designed for on-site management in construction.
- Facilitates task management, plan viewing, punch lists, and progress tracking.
- Improves communication and productivity on construction job sites.
Cons:
- Limited in scope compared to comprehensive project management tools.
- May require training for effective use.
- Limited scalability for large businesses.
- May not provide advanced project analytics for complex projects.
Free trial? Yes
Free plan? Yes
What to pick?
- If you prioritize efficient employee work time management, precise time tracking, simplified leave management and payroll features, Unrubble is the ideal solution for your construction business.
- If precise document management, real-time project collaboration, and streamlined communication are your top priorities, PlanGrid Build is your go-to choice.
- When it comes to comprehensive construction project management, ProCore offers a full suite of tools to keep your projects on track, from start to finish.
- For cost-effective fuel management and locating the best deals for your construction vehicles, GasBuddy should be your preferred option.
- If you're looking for project management with customizable sheets, workflows, and data analytics, Smartsheet is the perfect fit for your construction needs.
- LetsBuild specializes in efficient project planning, monitoring, and progress reporting, making it ideal for those aiming to enhance project efficiency and quality.
- For on-site management that simplifies task coordination, plan viewing, and progress tracking, FieldWire is the ultimate choice for optimizing your construction site operations.
Contractor business made simple
Equipped with these powerful recommendations, you're now readier than ever to boost your company's success.
If time, schedules, employee monitoring, and payroll are your highest focus right now - pick Unrubble.
