Project planning

How software solves 5 common construction problems

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“I’ve got 99 problems, but a quick fix ain’t one…”

Sound familiar? Don’t worry, you’re hardly alone. It’s simple: Construction is complex.

However, putting many construction pain points in the past is simple, too. That’s right, we’ve got that quick fix you’ve been looking for. We’re talking about construction project management software.

Tech is more than some trend. It’s your answer to making the building process faster, easier, safer and all around more profitable. It can also make you an industry leader. According to a report by the McKinsey Global Institute, investment in construction and infrastructure worldwide could reach $57 billion by 2030. However, this sector spends barely a fraction on research and development like tech (a whopping 1% of its revenue).

Software is the solution to so much in construction, don’t you want to be on the leading end when it comes to discovering and benefiting from it first? Yeah, we thought so. While we can’t outline all 99 problems a builder, remodeler or contractor might face, here are the top five digital systems can conquer:

Problem: Delays and dead days

Solution: A comprehensive project platform

First up, we’re tackling the dreaded double ds – delays and dead days. This terrible twosome wreaks havoc on projects in countless ways: weather causing work to wait, slow client responses or rework – just to name a few. In fact, according to statistics from M-Files, intelligent information management solutions, nearly 30% of the work performed by construction companies is rework.

And wasted time is wasted dollars. It’s time to start saving with tech like Buildertrend. This all-in-one platform comes fully equipped with tools to battle rain storms (the smart Schedule feature can help you find more time), indecisive clients (a customer login keeps them engaged and informed) and even rework.

In fact, here’s the return on investment our current customers are cashing in on:

  • 55% less time spent on scheduling and job production
  • 50% less time spent on communication between jobsite and office
  • A $230,970 return on investment in three years and $436,276 by five years

*Based on research of internal data conducted by Hobson & Co on behalf of Buildertrend.

Mouth agape after looking at those numbers? Yeah, we don’t blame you.

Problem: Unexpected changes mean unexpected costs

Solution: Change Orders done the digital way

To clients, moving a window just a smidge to the right or choosing a different countertop material after it’s already been ordered doesn’t seem like a big deal. However, you know as a contractor, it’s these type of little changes that add up – throwing your budget and schedule into a spin.

When it comes to change orders, you’re probably already doing the work. You might as well get paid for it. Take your change order process from poor to prosperous when you partner with Buildertrend. Our construction job software for remodelers and builders comes with a Change Order feature that punches up profits for you instantly.

Quickly create change orders from our home construction app, get client approvals with electronic signatures and collect payments online before the work begins. Bam-bam-bam! Easy as 1-2-3!

Change is inevitable. Losing profits doesn’t have to be.

Problem: Communication silos

Solution: Messages, comments all in one place

No one knows day-to-day developments in your construction projects better than your job site crew. And nobody knows big picture plan shifts better than the contractor or project managers. Are these two groups communicating with one another? Maybe? Hopefully?

And that, my friends, is how communication silos happen. Instead, empower everyone involved in a project by giving them the ability to communicate anything and everything. That’s why contractor software comes built-in with functions to message, comment, sync with email and add photos or videos.

Imagine this: There’s a problem with a how the tile was laid by a sub. One of your team members can quickly grab their phone, snap a picture, upload it and share it with their boss – all before they move on and forget.

This is communication to the next degree, keeping everyone in the loop and in the know.

Problem: Sub-mismanagement

Solution: Accounts for trade partners

Remember that improperly laid tile we just mentioned above? Yeah, looks like your subcontractor made an oopsie. Maybe they weren’t following the agreement correctly or maybe there was a communication error – either way, smart software to the rescue!

Tech tools like Buildertrend are created with both the contractor and their trades in mind because, according to a study by the Congressional Research Service, subcontractors handle at least 80% of the dollar value of any given job. They are the backbone to every project. Period.

That’s why it’s vital that trades are a part of your processes. There’s no easier way to make that happen than with Buildertrend. Here, they can log in to communicate with the contractor, view the schedule, gain direction from To-Do’s, leave Daily Logs, handle Bid Requests and more.

Subs are a part of your team. Software makes sure they aren’t left behind.

Problem: Billing blues

Solution: Features that finesse your finances

Bringing order to change orders is just one way to find more profits in your projects. After all, keeping an eye on every penny just isn’t possible with so much going on in each job, right?

Think again! Construction project software often doubles as construction estimating software, coming with all the financial tools you could want – and then some. Accurate as a bullseye, a system like Buildertrend can help you maximize returns (no accounting degree required). Invoicing, payment processing, budgeting all happens in one place.

To really cash in on the benefits, you can even integrate with popular accounting software like QuickBooks. Sounds like on-the-money financial accuracy is right around the corner. 

Uncomplicate construction

It’s worth repeating … construction is complex. A project involves a wealth of stakeholders and requires the utmost detail.

While the construction industry has been prospering without software in the past, technology now allows contractors a way to streamline the building process, and make it faster, easier, safer and more profitable. It’s all about finding the right software to use.

There’s plenty of choices in the market, but there’s none that’s more comprehensive and more fit to fix the five problems we outlined than Buildertrend. Which is great news for you because you can try the No. 1 project management software right now.

As for those other 94 problems? Chances are Buildertrend can handle those, too.

About The Author

Sean Robinson

Sean Robinson Sean Robinson is a senior content marketing specialist at Buildertrend

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