Todd Jamieson is the President at EnvisionUP and has extensive experience in Internet marketing, web development and local SEO. To learn more about Todd, visit his company’s website at EnvisionUP.com.
With mobile connection speeds continually rising and the consistent release of the “biggest and best” mobile devices, there are millions of apps out there for you to use. Contractors can leverage app technology to get work done more efficiently. The challenge is that, as mentioned a moment ago, there are millions of apps out there!
When considering an app, it’s best to look for something that solves a specific problem you have, or that helps you with a particular task. An app is simply another tool you can use to get the job done.
Read on for some apps that will help you get more done.
- AutoCAD 360 Mobile Free; iOS, Android, WindowsThis app allows contractors to view, edit and share AutoCAD drawings. There is a free and pro version available; the latter offers more features such as the ability to create new drawing, larger file support and third-party storage. Worth noting: AutoCAD 360 was named the 2014 Tabby Award winner for best Android app used in the field and/or for sales purposes.
- Fieldwire Free to $20+/month/user; iOS, AndroidMore a service than an app, this slick project management tool is designed to help you manage your team, projects and specific project information. The subscription-based service is free for up to 15 users – but this version provides limited functionality. For the full amount of features, expect to pay around $20 per user monthly.
- PlanGrid Free to $19.99+/user/month; iOS, Android, WebThis app is on many “best of” app lists, so they must be doing something right. PlanGrid helps architects and contractors communicate more effectively, ensuring that teams are never building off outdated drawings. The technology significantly reduces the time it takes for plans to render. They have a free version including 50 sheets of storage; if you require more storage space, pricing starts at $20 per user.
- BuildCalc $24.99; iOS, AndroidAlso commonly listed in “best of” collections, this app provides – you guessed it – calculations. But it’s far from your traditional calculator. BuildCalc is designed specifically for construction job sites and features useful help documentation, the ability to email or save results on the fly, and the tools to quickly make a variety of calculations. It’s a little pricey, but when you consider the time and money you save by using the app, the expense may not be a large factor.
- Showpad $25+/user/month; iOS, Android, WebAs a contractor, you’ll often need to provide clients with quotes and references, especially during your first meeting. Showpad helps you showcase past work in an appealing way so a potential client can see the type of quality you provide. The app allows for a central administrator to add new photos, so your work examples are always up to date for each member of your staff. Depending upon the size of your team, this app might be an investment. If this is the case, know that Showpad offers a free trial so you and your staff can check it out before making the purchase.
And Some Honorable Mentions!
- Bushel $2/device/month; iOSBushel is a cloud-based mobile device management solution. It’s designed to help you manage all of your team’s mobile devices (apps, email, etc.) from one central location. Onboarding and introducing new apps to your team is painless. It also provides peace of mind, as you’ll know that only those apps that should be installed on your company-owned devices are installed on your company-owned devices.
- CMPro $24.95; iOS, AndroidBuilt by Calculated Industries, CMPro is has hundreds of construction calculations. It includes handy documentation to help you quickly learn how to complete a calculation.
- Pocket Free; iOS, Android, WebPocket, a 2014 Webby Award winner for best productivity and user experience, allows you to keep current with the latest in construction news. You can save articles to read later, and a new feature of the app is that it will read selected articles to you – and without sounding like a robot! It’s a handy way to stay up to date with the industry between jobs and during your daily commute.
Did we miss any? What are some of your must-have apps?
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