March 28, 2024

The apps making life easier for the construction industry

Construction is one of the many industries in the UK where traditional methods have been gradually replaced by more digital alternatives. With many reluctant to switch from pen to paper to digital apps, we explored which apps could be the one to make your life a whole lot easier.

With people still working the ‘old fashioned way’, is now the time to revolutionise the way you and your team work? Here are some of the advantages of using apps in the construction industry:

  • Be more time efficient
  • Cost cutting
  • Improve communication
  • Increase profitability

Read our reviews of the best construction apps below to find out how…

The best apps for the construction industry:

  1. Procore

This construction project management app is cloud-based allowing you to access and update your projects on the go, even when offline. Use Procore to create specifications, RFIs, logs, timecards, update drawings with even more features too! With its camera function you can also add photos to your records and is fully accessible from your mobile.

Advantages: Procore is super simple and easy to use on the go, with both online and offline accessibility. Not only that but this construction app is free to download on the App Store or Google Play!

  1. Building Calculator

An Android only app which acts as a free construction calculator, is perfect for quantity management when it comes to your materials. All sorts of Project Managers use this mobile app to calculate flooring, paints, bricks, and lumber, quickly and accurately. This app is that good that you can just about calculate anything with it!

Advantages: This construction calculator is versatile and simple to use even offline! Perfect for when you’re on site with limited internet access.

  1. Fieldwire

Fieldwire is a task management app and is designed specifically for the construction industry. This is a versatile app, which can be used by both contractors and field workers to share drawings, blue prints, and other tasks whilst on site. This app also has the ability to create alerts, either by email or app notification, to alert staff of new tasks and project updates.

Advantages: Both Android and Apple compatible this app can be used remotely!

  1. Autodesk BIM 360

Another cloud-based app, this reporting tool allows teams to collaborate and track a project. Autodesk BIM 360 can be used to track quality management, building information management (BIM), commissioning, and safety, making it an all round go to for Project Managers.

Advantages: Mark locations with the pushpin capabilities, you can also add notes to these pins giving you more effective communication. This app is available on both Apple and Android devices.

  1. DEWALT Mobile Pro

A popular choice for many in the industry, the DEWALT Mobile Pro app offers users  a reference tool and full-scale construction calculator. In addition to the standard calculators, there are nine additional add-ons to assist you in your specialist field.

Advantages: You are able to store and share your calculations, with the rest of your team, so no more handwritten list that can be lost!

  1. Plan Grid

Offering an excellent alternative to endless paper blueprints, The Plan Grid app allows users to cut down on printing costs and makes your processes more eco-friendly! This is a collaborative team tool, so you can view and share notes, drawings and blueprints with a wider team.

Advantages: This app is free and can be downloaded from both Itunes Store and Google Play.

Disadvantages: In order to update and sync your data you will need to be connected to the internet.

  1. All-in-One Calculator

Create accurate construction calculations with the All-in-One Calculator app. Designed specifically to help you calculate percentages, areas, volumes, also performing currency and unit conversions.

Advantages: This is a free app for Android Devices and includes over 75 calculators and unit converters!

Disadvantages : You can only get this app via the Google Play Store and  there are also ads within the app but are not overly hindering to the performance.

  1. Canvas

With the ability to fill out forms, audits, estimates and orders, the Canvas app is a highly recommended reporting app for all contractors. As this can all be done on your mobile, this negates the need for paper files and folders. Create PDFs for easily shared files that can be sent to the rest of your team.

Advantages: An industry appreciated app for its outstanding customer service, this app is also compatible with most devices.

The use of construction based management apps provide you with more efficient means of managing your projects, from start to finish. Revolutionise the way you work and don’t rely on 3rd party knowledge by innovating your process with these apps. When time is money make yourself as productive and profitable as possible by switching to one of these construction apps

Reduce your paperwork and clerical errors, as well as making communication more effective and quick across your team.

See how these apps can help you and your team by giving them a try.


This article was written by Capital NDT Inspection Services, a UK-based non-destructive inspection service for the construction industry and more.