The construction industry has seen rapid technological advancements, making it easier to manage projects, teams, and equipment. With countless apps like Trade Hounds, Skillit, and Builder Trend now available, professionals can tackle common construction challenges more efficiently. 

Why we love apps

Construction apps have revolutionized how the industry handles everyday tasks, offering significant improvements in efficiency and sustainability. In the past, construction sites were often cluttered with paperwork, including blueprints, schedules, and project reports, which were prone to loss or damage. 

Now, with mobile apps, all essential information is stored digitally and can be accessed in real-time by anyone involved in the project, from on-site workers to project managers in the office. By digitizing previously manual and paper-heavy processes, these apps have dramatically reduced paper waste, increased efficiency, and reduced error.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Here are a few more key ways apps have transformed the construction industry:

• Real-time access: Key project information can be updated and accessed instantly, keeping both on-site workers and office teams in sync without delays.
• Streamlined material tracking: Automated systems track material deliveries, reducing delays and optimizing supply chain management.
• Enhanced equipment management: Apps monitor equipment availability, maintenance schedules, and usage patterns, ensuring better resource allocation and fewer downtime issues.
• Improved collaboration: Teams can assign tasks, share documents, and monitor progress through project management apps, preventing miscommunication and costly delays.

The best construction apps for common construction problems

Hiring

Hiring the right skilled workers is crucial for any construction project. With the rise of digital hiring platforms, companies can now easily connect with qualified candidates with the necessary skills and experience. These apps streamline hiring, helping companies fill roles quickly and efficiently.

• Skillit: Skillit offers a data-driven platform that connects contractors with a vetted pool of craft workers. With over 30,000 workers onboard and growing, companies can filter candidates by location, skills, pay expectations, and more. 
• Trade Hounds: A mobile job site for tradespeople, Trade Hounds allows workers to create profiles and showcase their work history and skills. Employers can use the platform to post job openings and connect directly with vetted tradespeople across the U.S. 
• Faber Connect: Faber is designed to streamline the hiring process by quickly matching construction companies with skilled labor. With Faber, companies can access a database of pre-vetted workers ready to fill specific roles, reducing the time spent on interviews and onboarding.

Project management

Effective project management is crucial in the construction industry, and modern software solutions can help streamline operations and ensure that tasks are completed on time and within budget. Below are some top project management apps.

• SMARTBUILD: SMARTBUILD is designed by construction professionals with decades of hands-on experience, making it an intuitive and comprehensive platform. It handles everything from RFIs, change orders, submittals, and contracts with ease. Its Critical Completion Monitor helps subcontractors manage complex project details efficiently, reducing crisis management and improving team collaboration. SMARTBUILD’s focus on simplicity and affordability, without compromising on features, makes it the best overall choice for construction project management​.
• Buildertrend: Buildertrend is a cloud-based project management tool that simplifies scheduling, client communication, and document sharing. It is particularly popular among homebuilders and remodeling companies, offering tools for estimates, change orders, and client management.
• Raken: Raken focuses on daily reporting, time tracking, and photo documentation. It’s a good option for field teams that must capture real-time updates and generate reports quickly.
• Procore: Procore is one of the industry’s most well-known project management platforms. It covers everything from budgeting to quality control and safety compliance, making it a comprehensive choice for large-scale projects.

Asset tracking

Construction asset tracking is essential to ensure that valuable equipment, tools, and machinery are always accounted for, maintained properly, and available when needed. These apps provide comprehensive solutions to track everything from large machinery to small tools, reducing the likelihood of lost assets and improving overall project efficiency.

• Tenna: Tenna’s asset tracking platform helps construction companies manage and monitor their entire fleet, from heavy machinery to small tools. It provides real-time location data, maintenance alerts, and equipment utilization insights, helping companies streamline asset management and improve project outcomes.​
• Trackunit: Trackunit specializes in telematics and asset tracking for heavy construction equipment. The app offers live GPS tracking, usage analytics, and maintenance alerts to prevent downtime. It helps construction companies keep their machinery in top condition by monitoring location, operational hours, and more.
• ShareMyToolbox: ShareMyToolbox is focused on managing small tools and inventory within a construction environment. This app enables teams to share tools across sites, track their condition, and maintain accountability for their whereabouts.
• CompanyCam: CompanyCam allows contractors to capture and share photos in real time. The app organizes photos by project, tags them with timestamps and GPS data, and offers team collaboration features. This is particularly useful for tracking progress, documenting issues, and providing clients with a visual work record.​

Timesheets, documentation, and invoicing

Tracking work hours, documenting tasks, and managing payments is critical for any construction business. These apps streamline the process, offering features like professional estimates, GPS tracking, and real-time updates to help manage teams and tasks more effectively.

• Joist: Joist is an all-in-one payment solution for contractors, offering tools to create professional estimates and invoices and collect payments online. The app allows users to customize estimates and invoices with their logos, track payments, and even offer financing options to clients. Additionally, Joist integrates with QuickBooks, making bookkeeping easier for small businesses.
• ClockShark: ClockShark is one of the leading time-tracking apps for construction and field service companies. It offers GPS tracking, allowing managers to see where their teams are in real-time, track job progress, and manage time sheets. 
• Fluix: Fluix is a powerful platform for digitizing documents and automating workflows. Designed for field teams, it allows businesses to track documentation, create customized workflows, and automate processes such as safety inspections or compliance reports. 

While this list covers several construction apps, countless others are transforming the industry. These tools offer real-time solutions to everyday construction challenges, from improving collaboration and reducing paperwork to streamlining tasks like time tracking, invoicing, and project management. Companies that embrace and become proficient with these apps are more likely to remain competitive and adapt to the future of construction management.