This article is adapted from a story that originally appeared on the website of Products magazine, a sister publication of Pro Remodeler.
The adage that “there’s an app for that” has a ring of truth to it, and the business of remodeling is no exception. Whether you’re trying to organize projects, keep track of time, find inspiration, or take measurements, there’s likely a way to accomplish it on your smartphone or tablet. Here is a handful of helpful apps from inside and outside the industry that can make your job—and your life—easier.
BUILDERTREND: With half a million customers in the residential construction space, Buildertrend is the industry leader. The app functions as an extension of the company’s popular platform with capabilities to manage change orders, mark up plans, manage schedules, keep to-do lists, and share jobsite photos. The app also allows users to review project status and add comments, as well as track projects with photos. buildertrend.com
FIELDWIRE: Fieldwire allows superintendents, contractors, subs, and others on the project team to collaborate on and manage projects more efficiently. It combines a number of everyday tasks into one tool, including scheduling; plan viewing; and inspection, punch list, and issue tracking. Fieldwire is free for small teams on Apple iOS, Android, and on the web. fieldwire.com
CLOCKSHARK: The ClockShark mobile system allows field employees to clock in and out using their smartphones with time and GPS-based location automatically tracked across devices. Business owners can easily view and download timesheets for simpler tracking and payroll. The app also includes a scheduling tool and is compatible with QuickBooks. clockshark.com
EVERNOTE: Evernote’s ability to create, save, and organize notes makes it a favorite among professionals in multiple industries. Even better, it automatically syncs between phones, tablets, and computers, so there’s never a question about where you left that random phone number or reminder. It also includes sharing capabilities and the ability to save web items, similar to Pinterest. evernote.com
INSTAGRAM: Launched in 2010, Instagram reported 700 million users last April. The image-based social media platform is a great marketing tool for remodelers that offers an easy way to connect with potential clients. It can be used to promote your own projects or to inspire homeowners by showcasing excellence in construction and design. instagram.com
ASANA: The Asana app is a handy task and project management tool that allows both individual users and teams to manage projects collaboratively and efficiently by creating to-do lists, organizing tasks into projects, assigning deadlines, commenting on tasks and projects, creating calendars, and much more. asana.com
HOUZZ INTERIOR DESIGN IDEAS: This app puts the power of Houzz in the palm of your hands, with 7 million images of home interiors and exteriors and connection to 800,000 other home pros. You and your clients are sure to find inspiration—and answers. houzz.com
HANDYMAN CALCULATOR: “If it doesn’t have it, you don’t need it” is how one reviewer describes this app’s extensive list of calculation tools, with a vast range that includes square footage calculation, asphalt calculation, lumber calculation, temperature conversion, paint calculation, rebar weight, amps-to-watts conversion, fuel consumption calculation, and pretty much everything in between. On top of that, it has capabilities for tracking time and managing to-do lists. Android
PINTEREST: When it comes to saving ideas—whether a new product, a cool design, or the latest business tips—nothing is easier than Pinterest. The app is just as straightforward to use as the desktop version, allowing users to save and access inspiration on the fly. pinterest.com
SKITCH: From the makers of Evernote, this app provides a way to mark up photos with drawings or writing and then share the image via email, Facebook, or iMessage. iOS
PHOTO MEASURES: Photo Measures allows users to snap an image and instantly add measurements for later reference. Photos can be saved, organized, exported, and imported. iOS, Android
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