The 17 most popular tools among contractors

The construction industry has lagged in adopting technology, but things are changing fast. Many contractors are discovering the value of digital tools, apps and platforms on-site and off. We’re very interested in construction tech ourselves, so we thought we’d curate a list of the best construction apps, platforms and tools, from device management to the best construction estimating software and everything in between!

Let’s dive right in.

1. Cisco Meraki Device Manager

Many construction company managers are hesitant to equip their crews with phones or tablets because they’re worried they will be misused. The answer is to use a device manager like Cisco Meraki Device Manager so that you can control all your devices remotely.

You can choose which apps are loaded (and block unauthorized additions), track your devices using geotagging, and even send messages and push notifications to individual devices. This allows you to give your crews the digital hardware they need without the added worry that they won’t be used as intended. It also works on Android and Apple devices, so you can use it on whatever tablets or phones you choose to use.

2. All-in-One Calculator Free

All-in-One Calculator Free is a free Android app that does all kinds of construction-related conversions and calculations.

It can convert from most units of measure in English and metric, calculate volumes and areas quickly, calculate percentages, and even handle trigonometrical calculations. If you don’t use Android devices, try Carpenter’s Helper Lite. It doesn’t do quite as much as All in One Calculator, but it’s still a handy tool.

3. ConcreteDirect

If you use ready-mixed concrete from Lafarge Holcim for any of your construction projects, the ConcreteDirect app will make placing and managing orders easy.

You can also view all your orders and their status in the app, so you’ll always know when your concrete is arriving.

4. First Aid: American Red Cross

First aid is a necessary skill on any construction site, but even trained first aiders sometimes need a little more information. The First Aid: American Red Cross app has information about all kinds of common first aid procedures. There are other versions for different countries and in different languages.

5. PlanGrid

PlanGrid is an app that is available for both Android and Apple, and as the name suggests, it’s all about sharing, managing and marking up plans and blueprints. It’s also powered by AutoDesk, which is one of the biggest names in CAD software.

We all know that paper plans and blueprints tend to get tattered and torn quickly on-site, and it’s hard to be sure you’re using the right version. This app solves all those problems and also makes collaboration easier. You can even use the app to generate RFIs when you need to.

6. Fieldwire

Fieldwire is a free app that is focused on project management. It’s available for Android and Apple, and it allows you to create and manage tasks, upload files and drawings, create punch lists and set deadlines and milestones. There is a paid version of the app too, but you should find that even the free functions are enough to manage most projects.

7. Instagram

It might seem strange to suggest Instagram for a construction business, but this is one of the best social media channels for marketing. Using Instagram to market your business allows you to post snapshots of jobs in progress and the finished product, and because you can use hyper-localized hashtags, you can reach your ideal target market easily.

8. Evernote

Whether it’s recording measurements for your bathroom remodel cost estimator or creating notes to remind you to contact a client about a change order, a digital note-taking app is a must-have for contractors and construction company crews. Evernote works on Android and Apple, but it also works on PC and Mac, so you can access your notes from anywhere, whenever you need to.

9. Zoom

We all learned the value of virtual meetings during the pandemic, but apps like Zoom aren’t just great for social distancing. They’re also perfect for staying connected with field crews, meeting with clients who can’t be there in person or conducting site visits from a distance. Zoom also has versions that will work on nearly every device you own.

10. Bolster

Bolster is the construction estimating software for modern companies. It’s cloud-based, so you can use it from anywhere you have an internet connection. It can be set up for any industry, too, so whether you’re a fence installer or looking for a bespoke bathroom remodel cost estimator, the Bolster platform has you covered.

This system even uses advanced web crawling technology to ensure you’re always using the latest prices from your suppliers.

11. Gasbuddy

Gasbuddy is a well-known app that can show you where the cheapest fuel is, no matter where you happen to be. So whether you’re in a new part of your hometown or working in a different city, you’ll never pay more for gas than you should!

12. Clockify

Whether it’s setting up your construction estimating software or billing customers, there are many reasons why contractors and construction companies need to track time. Clockify is a free app that allows you and your team to track your hours quickly and easily. There are apps for every type of device, and the system integrates with popular software like Trello and Quickbooks.

13. The Weather Channel

The weather has a huge impact on nearly every aspect of construction, so it’s always a good idea to know what the weather is going to be doing. The Weather Channel app is available for Android and iOS, so you can use it on all your devices, and it’s free to use.

14. Scannable

Evernote created the Scannable app Scannable. All you have to do to create sharable PDFs is open the app, hold your camera over the document you want to scan, and you’re done.

15. Marea

Marea is a free app that uses Google Maps positioning to calculate the area of any space. It’s available for most devices, and you can use any map to measure an area quickly and accurately.

16. Decibel X

You probably already know that very noisy construction sites can be damaging to your crews’ hearing. But how do you know if it’s just loud or if it’s too loud? The Decibel X app can measure the ambient sound on any construction site and alert your crew if it’s time to get the ear protection out.

17. Waze

In the construction world, time really is money. Getting stuck in traffic is not only annoying, but it can cost you time and money. Waze is an easy-to-use and free app that lets you plan the best, traffic-free route from anywhere to anywhere.

An App or Platform for Everything

At Bolster, we’re not only developing the best construction estimating software, but we’re also deeply involved in the digital transformation of the industry.

This is why, when you talk to our team about our industry-leading construction estimating software, they’ll also tell you about any other tools or technologies they think could help you to be more efficient and get the job done faster, more accurately and with a better finished product for your customers.

We’re passionate about all kinds of technology, and we’ve put all that passion into building what we think is the best home renovation cost estimator. But don’t take our word for it. When you’ve downloaded and signed up for the apps on this list, contact our team. We’d love to give you a free demo of the Bolster platform, so you can transform the way you estimate and quote too.