The construction process is a long one, but software can help you tackle each phase of it. If you’re looking to update part or all of your construction process by going digital, these are some of the types of software you’ll need to gain a competitive edge.
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Pre-construction includes everything from planning to design to cost estimating. As a GC or subcontractor, there are elements of this phase that aren’t relevant to you — so we’ll focus on cost estimating, takeoffs, and bid management.
(ProTip: While you can purchase software that performs each of these three tasks individually, ProEst is the only all-in-one solution.)
The first element of the pre-construction process that’s relevant to contractors is estimating. Excel spreadsheets have long been the standard method for completing estimates, but more and more companies are migrating to industry-specific software that’s built for construction estimating and its unique needs.
After creating a cost estimate, the next step in preconstruction is performing a takeoff to help you determine the total costs as based on the blueprints. These calculations used to be done by hand, but can now be executed quickly using digital takeoff software.
Bid management software can generate proposals for GCs and subcontractors. Some software can also perform functions geared more specifically towards GCs, allowing them to organize and communicate with their network of subcontractors and handle bid-day analysis.
After you’ve been awarded a job, the construction phase begins. Software during this phase is all about organizing your tasks, keeping track of costs, and fostering clear communication.
Project management software helps you stay organized as construction gets underway. It manages communication, stores information, tracks tasks and issues, logs work completed, creates punch lists, generates reports, and more. Examples of project management software include Procore, Viewpoint, Foundation, Premier, and ComputerEase.
Accounting software helps you manage job costing, budgets, payroll, and reporting. Some popular programs are made specifically for accounting, such as Acumatica and Inuit QuickBooks, while others are part of larger construction platforms that also include project management software, such as Foundation, Viewpoint, Premier, and ComputerEase.
Post-construction is when you’ll get ready for the final closeout and hand off.
Project closeout or post-construction software helps you stay organized as you finish up the project and gathers all of your documents in one place so you can easily hand them over to the building owner or facilities team. It can also help you with warranty management and reporting.
There are some types of software that apply to multiple phases of construction. CRM and BIM are two of the most important.
Customer relationship management software, or CRM, is important at any phase of construction. A CRM stores data about your customers, including contact info and details about your previous interactions with them.
BIM, or building information modeling, is a 3D tool that can be used for planning and design, estimating and takeoffs, project management, post-construction, and more. BIM software takes your data and uses it to create an interactive 3D digital model that everyone involved in the construction process can use at the same time.
ProEst is an all-in-one solution for the pre-construction phase, but many of our integration partners can help you revolutionize the way you approach the entire construction process. To learn more about making the switch to digital (and how to make the transition easy), check out our free executive report, 5 Steps To Making The Move To A Digital Pre-Construction Platform.
