TLDR
Contractors in 2026 use a wide mix of digital tools to estimate faster, manage teams, stay safe and run more efficient sites. Here are the essential tools crews use today, including Bolster for accurate estimating.
The construction industry used to lag behind in adopting technology, but that shift is complete. Contractors in 2026 use digital tools on nearly every project, from estimating to scheduling to safety. Since construction tech is our world, we put together an updated list of the tools contractors trust most, whether in the office or on site.
Let’s dive in:
Cisco Meraki Device Manager
With more crews using tablets and phones on site, managers rely on Cisco Meraki Device Manager to keep everything secure. You can manage apps, block unauthorized installs, track devices, send alerts and ensure every device stays compliant. It works seamlessly across both Android and Apple.
All in One Calculator Free
Still one of the best free Android calculators for contractors in 2026. It handles quick conversions, area and volume calculations, percentage work and basic trigonometry. If you use Apple devices, you can pair this workflow with a simple construction calculator app for similar functionality.
ConcreteDirect
Concrete deliveries continue to be a scheduling pain point in 2026, but ConcreteDirect helps contractors place, track and manage ready mixed concrete orders from Lafarge Holcim. Real time status updates keep crews ahead of delays.
First Aid: American Red Cross
First aid standards have expanded in recent years, and this app has remained a reliable, up to date reference for crews. It includes clear guidance for the most common job site injuries, available in multiple languages and regions.
PlanGrid
PlanGrid remains a core tool for digital plans and site coordination. It lets teams access the right drawings, avoid version mix ups, mark up plans, collaborate and generate RFIs. Powered by AutoDesk, it continues to be one of the strongest blueprint tools in 2026.
Fieldwire
Fieldwire has grown even more popular in 2026 for task management, milestones, punch lists, drawing uploads and streamlined communication. The free tier remains powerful enough for many small and mid sized projects.
Instagram is still one of the best ways for contractors to showcase work and attract clients in 2026. Progress shots, final reveals and local hashtags help contractors build trust and reach nearby homeowners.
Evernote
Evernote continues to be a go to note system for recording measurements, job details, client conversations and reminders. Since many contractors switch between mobile and desktop, Evernote’s synced system remains ideal.
Zoom
Remote walk throughs, client meetings and crew check ins are now normal. Zoom still offers the most consistent cross device performance, making it easy to review plans or check sites when not everyone can be there in person.
Bolster
Bolster continues to be the construction estimating platform contractors rely on in 2026. It is cloud based, customizable for any trade and fast to use. Bolster’s automated supplier price tracking helps contractors estimate with confidence and reduce errors, making it one of the most important tools in the modern toolkit.
Gasbuddy
Fuel prices fluctuate frequently, so Gasbuddy remains a simple but valuable app. Crews working across towns or provinces use it to manage travel costs and stay efficient.
Clockify
Accurate time tracking is essential for billing and job costing in 2026. Clockify lets teams log hours quickly and integrates with popular business tools like accounting software and task boards.
The Weather Channel
Weather impacts almost every part of construction, and the Weather Channel app continues to offer the most accurate forecasts, storm alerts and hourly updates for planning site operations.
Scannable
Scannable is still a favorite for quickly turning receipts, signed documents, measurements or site notes into clean PDFs. It is fast, clear and easy to share with clients or the office.
Marea
Marea remains a top pick for area and mapping measurements. Contractors doing fencing, landscaping or property measurements use it to calculate space directly from mapping data.
Decibel X
Noise level awareness has become even more important with updated safety standards. Decibel X allows crews to measure real time sound levels and alerts them when hearing protection is required.
Waze
Traffic patterns in many cities have only gotten worse, so Waze continues to help contractors plan faster routes to job sites. Saving even a few minutes each day makes a noticeable difference in productivity.
At Bolster, we are fully invested in the digital growth of the construction industry. When you speak with our team about our estimating software, we often share additional tech tools that can help you streamline your workflow, reduce errors and improve customer outcomes.
We are passionate about construction technology, and that is why we built a fast and reliable home renovation cost estimator that contractors can trust. Once you have tried some of the tools on this list, reach out for a free Bolster demo. We would be happy to show you how to elevate your estimating and quoting process in 2026.