As a contractor, you understand the value of hard work. And you’ve learned that it pays to work smarter. The most successful general and independent contractors depend on apps to handle day-to-day operations and manage projects. Why not invest in apps when they enable you to tackle most of your tasks from your mobile device?

Of course, you must know what types of apps your team needs to take full advantage of the available technology. Below, Kevin Szabo Jr. Plumbing discusses some of the most crucial construction practices for using an app.

Project Management    

The casual observer might only think of the manual labor aspects of a construction business. However, you know how much project management is required to run a successful construction business as a contractor. You have to manage a range of fieldwork like commissioning, quality, safety, documentation, and building information management (BIM).

You also need to collaborate with your employees in the field and the office. Fortunately, there are many project management apps designed for contractors like yourself.

Look for software that helps you plan for production and resources while providing cloud-based collaboration for the field. Also, your project management app should let you work with the most recent documentation versions.

Cost Estimating       

If you’ve never used a cost estimating app, you’re missing out on some serious efficiency and possibly suffering financial consequences. You know how crucial it is to provide potential customers with accurate estimates. The right app will make it effortless to incorporate labor and material costs while factoring in taxes.

You’ll also be able to design a custom template that includes your logo, color scheme, and typography. And if your team sends an estimate and a customer doesn’t respond, the app will automatically send an email reminder. Research the market for pro-grade construction estimating software.

Auditing

When it comes to auditing, the best approach is to be as professional as possible. You can use a construction app to create quick, easy punch lists from your smartphone for audits, insurance claims, safety inspections, walkthroughs, and site walks.

All you have to do is make a list of all the tasks that need such as damage to structures, materials, or finishes. And you’re able to add notes and photos in the field while annotating images. You can even create PDF reports. Using this kind of tool can ensure you meet all of a contract’s specifications so you can get to work and make money.

Task Management

While project management software incorporates tasks, most PM tools broadly focus on projects. On the other hand, task management software breaks down projects into even more detail. You can use a free task manager app to access up-to-date blueprints and files while in the field.

Contractors can use these tools to create tasks by blueprints and locations. And they can assign priority levels and deadlines for various tasks.

Healthy and Safety Training   

Nothing is more important on the job site than keeping your crew safe and healthy. And there are apps on the market to help you do just that. Consider using a CITB test app to train your employees via behavioral case study questions. These apps cover a range of topics, including asbestos, personal protective equipment (PPE), first aid, legal, and environmental.

Blueprint Collaboration

Lastly, it’s essential to have a high-quality collaboration app that enables your team to work with your most recent drawings. The right app will let you incorporate markups and share them remotely with your design and office management teams.

Running a successful construction business requires you to work harder and smarter. Incorporating modern software can reduce stress and make your operations more efficient, ultimately freeing up your employees' time to focus on the most urgent tasks and keep your customers happy. Consider the apps above and research other ways to use digital technology to grow your company.

Would you like to read more helpful content or learn about our residential and commercial plumbing services? Visit KevinSzaboJrPlumbing.net today!

Guest Contributor: Patrick Young