The Best Construction Apps for Builders in Australia
As anyone in construction knows, even the smallest projects can bring their fair share of headaches. Everyone needs to be in the right place at the right time for something to get done, and even a small delay can cause a domino effect.
What a bugger!
That’s why we’re here with some of the best construction apps available in Australia to reduce those risks, streamline your business and get heads on straight when it comes to handling complex projects. Budgets and profit margins depend on consistent progress, timely communication and updates, and keeping everyone on the same page.
Large or small, the right construction app for your business can help you avoid common potholes, streamline clunky paperwork and boost productivity. So, let’s look through our picks for the best construction apps!
Aroflo
Available for web, Android and iOS
Toot toot, that’s our own horn. AroFlo is an all-in-one construction app for job management designed in Australia for Australian tradies. We’ve developed a robust software solution for every trade business, and our construction app is designed for any project: residential, commercial and industrial. AroFlo has teamed up with GroundPlan to streamline the estimating process by quantifying materials and labour directly from a plan.
Features:
-Quoting and Estimating
-Field Access
-Streamlined Scheduling
-Supplier Integration
-Fast and Accurate Invoicing
-Compliance and OH&S Documentation
-Comprehensive Reporting
-Business Task Automation
Connect everything you need to get jobs faster and manage your team, from training and safety to progress reports. Businesses of any size can start with AroFlo, from teams of one to large crews. AroFloGO is our lite version of AroFlo, which is designed to give smaller trade businesses the best bang for their buck software-wise.
Pricing:
Starter (3 Users): $235 per month
4-20 Users: $65 per user per month
21-50 Users: $50 per user per month
Enterprise: $40 per user per month
AroFlo also offers dedicated onboarding at a one-off cost of $1299 with 10 one-to-one training sessions to maximise your software.
Procore
Available for Android and iOS
Procore is a construction app focused on the management of projects, with a variety of features to keep a job running smoothly. Transparent documentation and insights into job site updates are essential for the health of a project, even if they are a headache.
Features include:
-Project overview dashboard
-Data logs of all projects
-Communication management
-RFI dashboard
-Site diary
As construction management is the focus, individual contractors and small businesses might not be the right fit for this app. A pro is that Procore offers unlimited users, so any project utilising it can invite everyone they need.
A con includes the steep learning curve required to adapt, and it is more suited to larger businesses and project managers.
Pricing is based on custom quotes.
Autodesk Construction Cloud
Available for Android and iOS
The Autodesk Construction Cloud is on our list of top construction apps for its variety of features and a trusted spot in the industry. Autodesk connects each stage of the construction project process with different features for planning, designing, building and operations.
Features of Autodesk Construction Cloud include:
-Schedule management with customisable details
-Connect and create RFIs
-Customised reports
-Customisable quality and safety checklists
-Central gallery for documents/field photos
A con of the Autodesk Construction Cloud is it’s very data-heavy. Of course, it deals with a lot of data, so limited or slow internet usage may interfere with phone usage.
Pricing begins at $220 per user per month.
BuilderTREND
BuilderTrend has recently combined with another popular construction app, CoConstruct, to bring the best of both worlds together in one package. CoConstruct’s features streamline financial management in construction jobs, such as reporting/analytics, invoicing and billing and providing customisable templates for businesses.
BuilderTrend is a construction app that focuses on project management with a holistic process to include all members of the project, such as designers, contractors and managers.
Features:
-Takeoff Tools
-Online Payments
-Continued Education/Development
-Customer Resource Management Hub
-Popular Integrations
Pricing
Essential: $499 a month
Advanced: $799 a month
Complete: $1099 a month
PlanGrid Build
PlanGrid Build is another app offered by the Autodesk Construction Cloud. We’re adding it as one of our best construction apps as it has its own standalone download and app available in Australia.
The PlanGrid app is designed to streamline construction management with a focus on robust reporting features. It’s an all-in-one tool that allows users to share all necessary documents, such as photos, plans and markups, to everyone involved in the project.
Features include:
-End-to-end RFI solution
-Blueprint/Design Access
-Progress Updating
-Design Markup and Review
-Single Master Set
While it is designed for use by any contractor, PlanGrid is best suited for designers and architects.
Prices start from $49 per month.
Buildxact
Available for browser, Android and iOS
Buildxact’s platform offers a variety of tools for construction job management, with a focus on faster, accurate takeoffs for your business. As their service offers solutions for everyone in the construction industry, including suppliers, tradies and industry partners, Buildxact is keyed to every step of project planning and takeoffs to get jobs locked in faster.
Features include:
-Lead Management
-Customer Communication
-Quotes/Estimation
-Accounting Integration
-Cost Tracking
Prices:
Entry (1 User): $151 per month
Pro (2 Users): $258 per month
Teams (4 Users): $401 per month
Fieldwire
Available for browser, Android and iOS
Fieldwire is a comprehensive construction app designed to connect everyone involved in a project on one platform. Fieldwire’s construction app provides tools for tradies, specialty contractors, architects/designers and owners/project managers, so there’s a wide range of features for every step of the project.
Features include:
-Real-Time In-App Messaging
-Customisable Tasks and Punch Lists
-Automated Project Reports
-Document/Plan Access
-Job Management/Scheduling
The focus on updates and job management benefits stakeholders/contractors for complex projects, but it might not be the right fit for smaller businesses or independent contractors to pay for individually. If your business is part of a project using Fieldwire, there is a basic option to access necessary features or upgrade to the paid version utilised by the project.
Prices:
Basic: $0 per user/month
Pro: $61 per user/month
Business: $93 per user/month
Business Plus: $124 per use/month
JobProgress/Leap
Available for PC, Android and iOS
JobProgress, now known as Leap, is a construction app for job management, with a focus on customer management to maximise your returns, improve customer retention and scale your business. By contractors, for contractors, Leap’s software is based on increasing customer satisfaction alongside handy management tools.
Features:
-Customer Relationship Manager
-Online Sales and Marketing
-Remote Business Control
-Quick Estimates/Quotes
-Dashboard Workcenter
Leap offers many robust features for business growth and marketing, and the cost reflects the investment required.
Prices start at $79 for the Essential package, but only allows on user.
The Team plan is $249 per month, plus $99 per user per month. There is an additional set-up fee of $500 for new users.
MyConstruct
Available as a web app
MyConstruct is an Australian web-based construction app for builders and tradies. The app aims to streamline paperwork and work processes so you and your team can focus on the job at hand. From one handy dashboard, access task lists, work communications, quotes, and opportunities, as well as insights of current and past jobs.
Features:
-Quote Builder
-Document Management
-Xero Integration
-Address book
-Reporting Suite
MyConstruct doesn’t have a dedicated mobile app but does have mobile versions of their app, just access from any web-enabled device. This lightweight option is a great pick for smaller businesses.
Prices:
Trade: $19.95 per user/month
Standard: $29.95 per user/month
Business: $39.95 per user/month
GoContractor
Available for web, Android and iOS
Many construction apps on this list are about holistic job management and/or project management. GoContractor has a different but no less important focus: contractor onboarding. One of the biggest pain points in complex construction projects is finding skilled labour and ensuring everyone is on the same page with project progress.
GoContractor is designed to streamline the onboarding process so tradies/contractors can start on the same page and be ready for the project.
Features:
-Custom Project Platform
-Contractor Registration System
-Specialised Training Programs
-Safety Documentation
-Ongoing Training Management
-Review and Qualify Contractors
GoContractor is focused on getting your team ready for the project, and works with your business to ensure the plan is customised for your needs.
Pricing is available through the website.
Raken
Available for Android and iOS
Raken is a project management construction app, designed for foremen and superintendents to have detailed reports. Every project manager knows that the key to a healthy project is knowing what’s going on in the field, and that’s what Raken focuses on by connecting tradies and supervisors.
Features include:
-Daily work logs
-Scheduling and assignment
-Built-in photo gallery
-Verbal observation recorder
-Automatic weather capture
-Automated daily reports
Raken provides insights on daily productivity and time spent on jobs, so your business can track jobsite efficiency and how tasks are progressing. With documentation collected in one place, you can reduce risks and time spent reviewing/addressing issues in the field.
Some cons include limited customisation options and navigating the mobile tabs.
Prices are available by contacting the Raken team.
HeavyJob
Available for Android and iOS
HeavyJob initially set up as a straightforward time card construction app that streamlined time cards for payroll and job costing. HeavyJob has expanded to become construction management software designed to deal with all the pain points of a project. Connect the team on the ground with the office and get real-time insights about your jobs.
Features:
-Real-Time Progress Dashboard
-Photos and Progress Reporting
-Job Diary/Daily Log
-Payroll Exporting
-Track RFIS
Pricing is available as a custom quote on their website.
Jonas Premier
Available on: browser, Android and iOS
Jonas Premier is a construction app designed for project management, focusing on accounting and job costing. Manage cash flow and stay on budget with this Australia-based app.
Features include:
-Purchase order management/creation
-Job cost timesheets
-Australian Payroll: automate super, ATO reporting and more
-Data dashboard
-Manage project budgets: committed vs actual costs and forecasted costs
With these robust features comes a hefty price tag.
Basic plans start at $349 per user per month, with a $15,000 implementation.
Premium is $299 with a $25,000 implementation.
Enterprise plans don’t have a set price per user but start at a $50,000 implementation.
ClockShark
Available for Android and iOS
ClockShark’s best features are there in the name: time-tracking and management of your team. ClockShark offers a range of construction management tools for a complete job management suite, and the time-tracking tools is where they shine. Geofencing, punch clock tools and real-time team progress means you get insights into where your crew is and their productivity.
Features include:
-At-A-Glance Colour-Coded Scheduling
-Kiosk Clock with PIN
-Geofencing/Automatic Time-Tracking
-Accounting Integrations
-Job Scheduling
ClockShark’s construction app is great for small to medium teams, and it offers scaling options as your business grows.
Prices:
Standard: $48 per month, plus $10 per additional user
Pro: $68 per month, plus $12 per additional user
Simpro
Available for web, Android and iOS
Simpro is another all-in-one construction app that covers every step of the construction process, from estimates to in-the-field tracking and job management. Simpro offers a robust suite of options to ensure you’re ready, with estimate and quote templates for faster job leads, stock checking, dispatching tools and progress reporting.
Connect the office with the field team so you get real-time updates and insights into productivity and work progress
Features:
-Detailed Estimate and Quotes
-Project Inventory Management
-Accounting Integrations
-Job Scheduling
-Communication Suite
Simpro offers a lot, including training and webinars for the latest updates and implementations.
Pricing is available on request.
Choosing the Right App for Your Business
As you can see, it’s an extensive list! There are plenty of options for any construction business of any size. So, how are you going to choose the right one for your needs and where your business is?
Ease of use
The best construction app in the world isn’t going to help if no-one can use it. A vital consideration of any updates to work processes is how the business will adapt. Changes to paperwork, accounting, scheduling: all of these things have growing pains and even the simplest will take getting used to.
Many apps offer demos and trial periods so you can get an idea of how the app works.
Comprehensive features
Some of the construction apps in this list are all-in-one systems for all aspects of job management, while still offering their own unique features.
Consider what your business needs at this stage and what features will be most useful. Making note of any pain points in your work process or clear inefficiencies can be a great place to start to find the best features for your needs.
And, of course, niche apps will appeal to those who need those specific tools.
Cost efficiency
The best construction apps can do wonders for your bottom line and the power of each dollar, but they also present an investment and opportunity cost for your business. Some apps are expensive, and while they offer the features to match, they simply might not work for your budget.
Depending on your budget, match the pricing and overall costs to your needs. Some apps meet the needs of large businesses, while others are tailored to scale with small businesses.
Integration capabilities
Your business likely already uses digital tools to streamline payment, invoices and communication. Deciding on a construction app for your trade business can mean switching to different tools or apps. Still, many offer integrations with popular apps like Google Suite, Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks, and more.
Customer support and updates
Training can be a pain, and as mentioned, adapting to a new system takes time and additional support. When choosing a construction app, consider the training and support tools offered by the business. For tradies, Australian-based apps could be your best bet for robust support, but internationally-based apps also offer their own training tools.
Ready to Upgrade Your Business with Construction Apps?
As the market stabilises and the construction industry moves to keep up with demand, ensure that your trade business is ready to go with the best tools for the job. The right construction apps are out there for your business to remain competitive, widen your profit margins and set yourself up for success!
Here’s to the future of the construction industry!
