With the advent of new technology, entrepreneurs can now run their businesses faster and more efficiently than ever. In line with the increasing use of mobile devices, it has given rise to a new breed of modern tools aimed at improving business proficiency as well as operations. Mobile applications in particular help entrepreneurs organize, track, schedule, create, and monitor certain tasks for their businesses right when they need it most.
Regardless of industry, even if you are in the construction business, rest assured that there is a mobile app compatible with your trade. But with hundreds of applications coming out every day, it can be overwhelming and indeed challenging to choose the best apps for contractors. To help narrow down your choices, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 applications best suited for general contractors and construction businesses.
From drone applications and project management systems to calculation tools, there are apps for everything - even one solely dedicated to finding the most affordable gas station near your location!
E-builder Mobile
If there is one solid task management application specifically designed for construction businesses, it would be none other than E-builder. With its real-time performance dashboards, you can easily track multiple projects across different locations without the need to personally visit each site. And being a dedicated project information management software, E-builder allows you to manage everything from planning to design and procurement, including operations.
Equipped with multiple functionalities, E-builder is the perfect companion for on-the-go construction professionals. You can use it to manage work collaboration amongst team members, it has auditable controls to manage costs, schedules and scope, and there are benchmarking tools for business process improvement and operations, as well as an electronic repository of documents to keep your data safe. With E-builder you can:
- Save time, money, and effort by working anytime and anywhere you want.
- Collaborate with other team members by allowing them to view projects remotely.
- Smartly predict labor costs and make accurate project quotations.
DEWALT Mobile Pro
For those looking for a handy, convenient, and virtually error-free mobile app that can help with construction calculations and reference values, you can’t go wrong with DEWALT Mobile Pro. This is a full-scale calculation and reference tool specially made to make your construction team’s lives easier. Aside from the fully functional construction calculator, the DEWALT Mobile Pro comes with added essentials useful for on-site calculations.
It has nine free add-on calculations, key functions for job-site math, access to previous calculations via stored history, and the ability to share calculated results through email. Additionally, the DEWALT Mobile Pro comes with reference materials complete with illustrations and examples so you don’t have to worry about erroneous calculations. People in the construction industry can get the basic tool for free while premium features are available in the pro version.
- Covers calculations for carpentry, wiring, masonry, site work, HVAC, plumbing, etc.
- Offers access to construction eBooks and related materials.
- Fully optimized for Apple and Android devices.
DroneDeploy
Continuing on the best apps for contractors, this next one will surely take your construction business to the next level. Mapping and surveying the site before carrying out any task is crucial to the success of the construction project. Traditionally, you’d need a variety of bulky tools and heavy instruments in order to assess the job site correctly. But with DroneDeploy, you won’t need to rely on big machineries and confusing equipment just to measure distance, area, and site volume.
With DroneDeploy, you can utilize the astounding capabilities of drone flying machines to automate surveying and mapping. With this technology, it’s easier to create high resolution maps, accurate reports, and 3D aerial views of the project that will definitely impress your clients. Compared to traditional methods, DroneDeploy offers easier, faster, and more efficient data collection, letting you save time and huge amounts of money which are critical to the success of your construction business.
- Visually see your project in real time as soon as developments are made.
- Comes with 80+ integrations to customize your experience.
- There is a 14-day free trial available to try out its features.
Autodesk Bim 360
Another management app for the construction team is Autodesk Bim 360. This management software has been made to connect, organize, and optimize all your projects in one convenient platform. From design collaboration to workflow documentation, quality and safety operations, pre-construction, and building information management, it connects the data as well as the people involved in the project.
Autodesk Bim 360 is a cloud based application intended for reporting and work collaboration. Using this app allows you to control work-sharing by granting access to the right people. Moreover, it helps streamline project management through collaboration, coordination, and easy visualization. You’ll be able to identify issues quicker and help resolve problems before they get worse.
- Bim 360 lets you view, publish, and share comments easily within the application.
- It features pushpin markers to accurately mark areas of concern.
- There is a dashboard so users can quickly view, share, and review relevant information.
GasBuddy
There are tons of best apps for contractors available out there, but GasBuddy is not your usual mobile application. This app has nothing to do with calculations, project management, or team overview, but it offers a more enticing value – the ability to find the most affordable gas near your location. Keep in mind that filling your fleet with gas can cost a huge amount of money, and every penny counts!
Compared to other mobile apps, GasBuddy helps you find the perfect pit stop so you don’t have to scroll around the area looking for the cheapest possible option. It might sound simple but finding the nearest gas station is nevertheless challenging, especially if you are travelling in remote locations. With GasBuddy, it presents you with the nearest gas stations in your current location and reports actual gas prices in real time.
- By using the app, you can earn points and participate in activities to win free gas.
- There is a trip cost calculator so you don’t have to worry about the amount of required fuel.
- The information they provide is updated from time to time, giving you the best options in real time.