9 Must-Have Apps for Contractors and Subcontractors

by CapitalPlus | Jan 3, 2023 | Blog

The most important tool in a contractor’s toolbox is no longer their hammer or tape measure; it has become their smartphone or iPad. From time management to budgeting, to invoices and beyond, these industry-specific apps for contractors, subcontractors, and teams working at construction companies will help you be more efficient. No more lagging communication. Reduce going over budget or time. Put an end to overwhelming paper trails. These construction apps help set up every one of your builds for success. And some are free! That means more money in your pocket and more happy clients returning to you for new projects. As they say… work smarter and not harder.

Now that we have our choices (in no particular order), let’s dive in a little deeper about what makes these construction apps beneficial to contractors and subcontractors.

Expensify

Expensify is a construction app designed to streamline expense management for construction projects. It simplifies the process of tracking and organizing expenses, offering real-time visibility into project costs.

Available for: iPad, iPhone, and Android
Free version: contains in-app ads, Paid: Collect- $5 per month, Control- $9 per month

Expensify’s Pros:

Efficient expense tracking: Expensify allows users to capture receipts, categorize expenses, and generate reports effortlessly. Its smart scanning technology eliminates manual data entry, saving time and reducing errors.
Real-time expense reports: The app provides real-time visibility into project expenses, enabling construction teams to monitor costs effectively. Detailed expense reports can be generated easily, helping users analyze spending patterns and ensure compliance with budgets.
Integration and automation: Expensify seamlessly integrates with popular accounting and project management software, enabling smooth data transfer. The app also offers automation features like automatic expense categorization and receipt matching, streamlining the expense management process.

Expensify’s Cons:

Limited customization: Expensify’s predefined expense categories and templates may not cater to all specific needs. Users who require more flexibility in organizing and categorizing expenses may find the lack of customization options restrictive.
Learning curve: While Expensify has a user-friendly interface, some users may initially find it challenging to navigate the app’s features and settings. Familiarizing oneself with the app’s functionality may require a learning curve.
Cost: Expensify offers free and premium plans, with the latter providing advanced features. However, the premium plans can be relatively expensive for smaller construction businesses or individual contractors, making it less cost-effective for those with limited budgets.

Expensify is an efficient construction app for expense management. Its features like efficient expense tracking, real-time expense reports, and integration capabilities make it a valuable tool.

Hours Time Tracking

Available for: iPhone and iPad
Free version: contains in-app ads, Paid (Pro): $7.99 per month

Hours Time Tracking is a versatile construction app designed to help you efficiently track and manage your work hours and projects. With its user-friendly interface and robust features, it provides valuable insights into your time allocation and productivity.

Hours Time Tracking’s Pros:

Accurate Time Tracking: Hours Time Tracking allows you to effortlessly track your work hours with precision. Whether you’re on-site or in the office, you can easily start and stop timers for different tasks, ensuring accurate records of your time spent on each project.
Project Management: The app enables you to organize your work into projects and assign specific tasks to each project. This feature helps you stay organized and allows for better project management, ensuring that you stay on track and meet deadlines effectively.
Comprehensive Reporting: Hours Time Tracking offers detailed reports that provide insights into your time utilization. You can view reports by project, task, or specific time periods, allowing you to identify patterns, optimize your workflow, and improve productivity.

Hours Time Tracking’s Cons:

Limited Integration: Hours Time Tracking may have limited integration options with other software or platforms. This can be a disadvantage if you rely on specific tools for project management, accounting, or collaboration, as it may require manual data entry or synchronization between different systems.
Learning Curve: While the app has a user-friendly interface, some users may need to invest time in familiarizing themselves with its features and settings. The learning curve may vary depending on your familiarity with time-tracking apps and your specific needs.
Mobile Dependency: Hours Time Tracking heavily relies on mobile devices, which may pose a challenge if you prefer to track your time on a desktop or laptop. While there may be a web version available, the full functionality and convenience of the app may be optimized for mobile usage.

Hours Time Tracking is a useful construction app with accurate time tracking, project organization, and detailed reporting features that provide valuable insights into your productivity. However, the app may have limited integration options, require a learning curve, and be more mobile-dependent, which are important factors to consider based on your specific preferences and needs.

Joist Estimating and Invoicing

Available for: iPad, iPhone, and Android
Free trial, Paid: Pro- $14 per month, Elite- $32 per month

Joist Estimating and Invoicing is a comprehensive construction app designed to simplify the estimation and invoicing processes for contractors and construction professionals like you. With its user-friendly interface and robust features, it offers convenience and efficiency in managing your project finances.

Joist Estimating and Invoicing’s Pros:

Easy Estimating: Joist Estimating and Invoicing provides a user-friendly platform for creating accurate project estimates. You can easily input material costs, labor rates, and other expenses to generate detailed estimates quickly. This feature helps you save time and ensures that your estimates are comprehensive and professional.
Professional Invoices: The app offers professional invoice templates that you can customize with your branding, logo, and payment terms. You can easily create and send invoices to clients, enabling smooth and timely payment processing. This feature helps you maintain a professional image and ensures you get paid promptly for your work.
Seamless Integration: The app integrates with popular accounting software, allowing for seamless data transfer and reducing manual entry. This integration streamlines your financial processes and ensures accurate and up-to-date records of your estimates, invoices, and expenses.

Joist Estimating and Invoicing’s Cons:

Limited Functionality: While Joist Estimating and Invoicing provides comprehensive features for estimating and invoicing, it may lack certain advanced functionalities that some contractors may require. This can be a drawback for professionals with specific needs or those seeking more advanced project management capabilities.
Learning Curve: Like most new software, Joist Estimating and Invoicing may have a learning curve as you become familiar with its features and settings. It may take some time to fully utilize all the app’s capabilities and customize it to suit your specific requirements.
Mobile Dependency: The app is primarily designed for mobile devices, which may limit functionality or convenience for users who prefer to work on a desktop or laptop. While a web version may be available, it’s important to consider the overall user experience and compatibility with your preferred devices.

A user-friendly construction app, Joist Estimating and Invoicing’s seamless invoice integration with accounting software, we dare to say it’s one of the best invoice apps for contractors.

PlanGrid

Available for: iPad, iPhone, and Android
Free trial- 30 days, Paid: various options and pricing levels

The powerful contractor app PlanGrid allows you to streamline your project management and collaboration processes. With its extensive features and user-friendly interface, it serves as a comprehensive platform for accessing, editing, and sharing project plans and documents.

PlanGrid Pros:

Easy Document Management: PlanGrid simplifies document management by providing a centralized platform for storing and accessing project plans, blueprints, and other construction documents. You can easily upload, view, and annotate documents, ensuring that everyone on your team has access to the latest information.
Efficient Collaboration: The app facilitates real-time collaboration among team members, allowing you to share updates, markups, and progress photos instantly. With PlanGrid, you can communicate and coordinate with your team effectively, reducing miscommunication and improving overall project efficiency.
Mobile Access: PlanGrid is optimized for mobile devices, enabling you to access and work on project documents from anywhere, even on the construction site. The app’s offline mode ensures that you can continue working even without an internet connection, providing flexibility and convenience.

PlanGrid Cons:

Learning Curve: PlanGrid may have a learning curve as you familiarize yourself with its features and functionalities. It may take some time to fully utilize all the app’s capabilities and integrate it into your existing project management workflow.
Cost: While PlanGrid offers various pricing plans, some of the more advanced features and functionality may be available only in higher-priced tiers. This can be a drawback for small businesses or individual contractors with limited budgets, as it may not be cost-effective for their specific needs.
Limited Customization: While PlanGrid provides a range of features, it may have limitations when it comes to customization. This can be a disadvantage if you have specific requirements or prefer more flexibility in tailoring the app to your unique project management processes.

PlanGrid is a feature-rich construction app that simplifies document management, enhances collaboration, and provides mobile access to project plans. Its easy-to-use interface and efficient collaboration tools make it a valuable asset for construction teams. Again, like with most feature-heavy software, it will have a learning curve.

Construction Master Pro

Available for: iPad, iPhone, and Android
Free trial- 7 days with in-app ads, Paid (Pro): $4.99 per month

Construction Master Pro is a versatile construction app that serves as a powerful tool for professionals in the industry. With its comprehensive range of calculations and measurements, it simplifies complex construction tasks and enhances accuracy in planning and estimating.

Construction Master Pro’s Pros:

Extensive Calculations: Construction Master Pro offers a wide range of built-in calculations and functions, such as linear measurements, area and volume calculations, trigonometric functions, and more. These tools enable you to perform accurate calculations quickly, saving time and reducing errors in your construction projects.
User-Friendly Interface: The app provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate and access the various calculations and functions. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer to the construction industry, Construction Master Pro’s interface ensures a smooth user experience.
Portability and Convenience: Construction Master Pro eliminates the need for bulky physical calculators, as it is available on your mobile device. This portability allows you to have the app readily available wherever you go, making it convenient for on-site measurements and calculations.

Construction Master Pro’s Cons:

Learning Curve: While Construction Master Pro offers powerful capabilities, it may have a learning curve for users who are unfamiliar with construction calculations or the app’s specific features. It may take time to fully explore and understand all the functions and utilize them effectively.
Limited Customization: The app may have limitations in terms of customization options. Users seeking specific adjustments or the ability to create custom calculations may find these options restricted, potentially limiting their ability to tailor the app to their unique needs.
Cost: Construction Master Pro is a premium app that requires an upfront purchase. This cost may be a deterrent for users who are looking for free or lower-cost alternatives, particularly if they have limited budgets or only require occasional use of construction calculations.

Construction Master Pro is a powerful and user-friendly construction app that offers extensive calculations and measurements. Its comprehensive range of functions, intuitive interface, and portability make it a valuable tool for professionals in the construction industry.

BuildCalc

Available for: iPad, iPhone, and Android
Paid: $24.99

BuildCalc is a feature-rich construction app that serves as a valuable tool for professionals in the industry. With its wide range of calculations, conversions, and functions, it simplifies complex construction tasks and improves accuracy in planning and estimating.

BuildCalc’s Pros:

Comprehensive Calculations: BuildCalc offers an extensive collection of calculations and conversions relevant to construction, including measurements, areas, volumes, angles, and more. These built-in functions allow you to perform accurate calculations quickly, saving time and reducing errors in your construction projects.
Customization Options: The app provides flexibility in customization, allowing you to create your own custom functions or formulas tailored to your specific needs. This feature enables you to adapt the app to your unique construction requirements, enhancing its usefulness for your projects.
User-Friendly Interface: BuildCalc offers a user-friendly interface that is intuitive and easy to navigate. The app provides clear and organized menus, making it simple to access the various calculations and functions. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the industry, BuildCalc ensures a smooth user experience.

BuildCalc’s Cons:

Learning Curve: BuildCalc may take time to fully explore and understand all the functions and utilize them effectively. Its powerful capabilities may have a learning curve for users who are unfamiliar with construction calculations or the app’s specific features.
Limited Collaboration Features: BuildCalc primarily focuses on calculations and does not offer extensive collaboration or project management features. If you require robust collaboration tools for team coordination or real-time sharing of project data, you may need to supplement BuildCalc with additional software or platforms.
Cost: BuildCalc is a premium app that requires an upfront purchase. The cost may be a consideration for users who are looking for free or lower-cost alternatives, particularly if they have limited budgets or only require occasional use of construction calculations.

Offering a wide range of calculations and conversions, BuildCalc is comprehensive and customizable. Its extensive functions, customization options, and user-friendly interface make it a valuable tool for professionals in the construction industry.

Punch List & Site Audit Report

Available for: iPhone and iPad
Free: contains in-app ads

Punch List & Site Audit Report is a construction app designed to streamline the process of creating punch lists and generating site audit reports. With its comprehensive features and user-friendly interface, it helps you efficiently document and track project deficiencies, ensuring a smooth and organized construction process.

Punch List & Site Audit Report’s Pros:

Easy Deficiency Tracking: The app allows you to create detailed punch lists by easily documenting and tracking project deficiencies. You can quickly capture photos, add annotations, and assign tasks to specific team members or subcontractors, ensuring efficient communication and resolution of issues.
Customizable Templates: Punch List & Site Audit Report provides customizable templates for creating consistent and professional reports. You can tailor the templates to suit your specific project needs, ensuring that your reports align with your company’s branding and requirements.
Streamlined Reporting: The app simplifies the process of generating site audit reports by automatically compiling the captured data and photos into professional reports. This feature saves time and effort in manual report creation and ensures that your reports are accurate, comprehensive, and ready to share with stakeholders.

Punch List & Site Audit Report’s Cons:

Learning Curve: While Punch List & Site Audit Report offers a user-friendly interface, it may have a learning curve as you become familiar with its features and settings. It may take some time to fully utilize all the app’s capabilities and integrate them into your existing project management workflow.
Limited Integration: The app may have limitations in terms of integration with other software or platforms. If you rely on specific tools for project management, collaboration, or accounting, it’s important to ensure compatibility and consider potential manual data entry or synchronization between systems.
Cost: Punch List & Site Audit Report may have a cost associated with its usage. While the app offers value in terms of streamlining the punch list and reporting process, the cost may be a consideration for smaller construction businesses or individual contractors with limited budgets.

Punch List & Site Audit Report has easy deficiency tracking, customizable templates, and streamlined reporting features making it a valuable asset for construction teams.

DEWALT Mobile Pro

Available for: iPhone, iPad, and Android
The base app is free. Industry-specific add-ons (Construction, carpentry, electrical, etc.) are $4.99 each

DEWALT Mobile Pro is a comprehensive construction app designed to assist professionals in the industry with various tasks. With its wide range of features and tools, it aims to enhance productivity and efficiency on the job site.

DEWALT Mobile Pro’s Pros:

Extensive Tool Library: DEWALT Mobile Pro provides a vast tool library, offering detailed information about a wide range of construction tools. This feature helps you make informed decisions about which tools to use for specific tasks, ensuring efficiency and accuracy in your work.
Reference Materials: The app offers access to useful reference materials, including building codes, safety guidelines, and construction standards. Having this information readily available on your mobile device saves time and ensures compliance with industry regulations.
Calculators and Conversion Tools: DEWALT Mobile Pro includes calculators and conversion tools for various construction measurements, such as area, volume, and angles. These tools help streamline calculations and reduce errors, enabling accurate estimates and precise measurements.

DEWALT Mobile Pro’s Cons:

Limited Customization: DEWALT Mobile Pro may have limitations in terms of customization options. Users seeking specific adjustments or the ability to create custom tools or functionalities may find these options restricted.
Learning Curve: While the app offers a range of features, it may have a learning curve for users who are unfamiliar with its interface or the specific tools and references it provides. It may take some time to explore and understand all the app’s capabilities.
Cost: DEWALT Mobile Pro may have a cost associated with its usage. While the app offers value in terms of its features and functionality, the cost may be a consideration for users who are looking for free or lower-cost alternatives.

Providing access to a tool library, reference materials, and calculators, DEWALT Mobile Pro is a powerful and modular construction app with extensive features aiming to enhance productivity and accuracy on the job site.

FieldLens

Available for: iPad, iPhone, and Android
Paid: $39.99

FieldLens is a robust construction app designed to streamline communication and collaboration on the job site. With its powerful features and intuitive interface, it aims to improve project efficiency and reduce costly errors.

FieldLens’s Pros:

Real-time Communication: FieldLens enables real-time communication among team members, allowing you to share updates, photos, and comments instantly. This feature fosters effective collaboration and ensures that everyone is on the same page, reducing miscommunication and delays.
Task and Issue Management: The app provides tools for tracking and managing tasks and issues on the job site. You can assign tasks, set deadlines, and track progress, ensuring accountability and facilitating the timely completion of work.
Documentation and Reporting: FieldLens allows you to easily document and report on-site activities. You can capture photos, record notes, and generate comprehensive reports, creating a detailed record of project progress and facilitating documentation for future reference.

FieldLens’s Cons:

Learning Curve: While FieldLens offers a range of features, it may have a learning curve for users who are unfamiliar with its interface or the specific tools it provides. It may take some time to fully explore and utilize all the app’s capabilities.
Cost: If you are looking for free then FieldLens does not fit the bill. While the app offers value in terms of its features and functionality, there is a fee associated with its usage.
Device Dependency: FieldLens relies on mobile devices for full functionality, which may limit convenience or accessibility for users who prefer to work on a desktop or laptop. It’s important to consider the compatibility with your preferred devices and the overall user experience.

With features that improve collaboration and streamline workflows, FieldLens is a powerful construction app that facilitates real-time communication, task management, and documentation on the job site.

With the popularity of smartphones today, this list of our picks for best apps for contractors and subcontractors will likely grow over time. With that said we just want to remind you to do two things – visit this page again soon (for new and updated apps), and don’t forget your charger!

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