Its seems as though smartphones have taken over, especially in the building industry where contractors, architects, designers, salespeople and everyone in-between need to be accessible on the jobsite, in the office, on the road and virtually everywhere else. Today’s devices not only make us more accessible, but if used correctly can help to make our work more efficient as well. With that notion in mind here are 8 smartphone apps (available on both Android and iPhone devices) that we recommend you check out. Some are specifically designed for those in our industry; others will just help you to keep things organized.
iHandy Carpenter
Price $1.99
Rating: 4/5
This handy apps features five carpenter’s tools: a plumb bob, surface level, bubble level, steel protractor, and steel ruler for those times when your toolbox isn’t around.
Procore
Price: Free
Rating: 5/5
The app does require a Procore account (which does require a user fee, available at www.procore.com), but once logged in it allows for easy project management right from your phone. It lets you access your vendor lists and punch lists as well as time card tracking and even provides the ability to store and manage photos of your construction project as it progresses.
Wood Beam Design Construction
Price: $3.99
Rating: 4.5/5
Help take the guess work out of beam configuration. This app helps the configure wood beam placement – put in your span, beam size, lumber type and choice of point load or uniformly distributed load and it will calculate how much stress the beam(s) can take. Your configurations can be shared via email or text message to be saved for the project.
Baluster Pro
Price: $2.99
Rating: 4/5
Baluster Pro is a construction app designed with carpenters and woodworkers in mind, but it is also quite useful for do-it-yourselfers and homeowners. The purpose of Baluster Pro is to help calculate the spacing of handrail balusters and other equal spacing projects. Users simply enter staircase and baluster dimensions, choose the appropriate configuration, and the app will calculate the appropriate baluster spacing – saving you time and hassle.
Sherwin-Williams ColorSnap
Price: Free
Rating: 3.4/5
This free app allows you to capture real world images and find Sherwin-Williams paint colors to match it. It will suggest coordinating colors to complete your palette and create a library of choices for you. You can search, browse, adjust, save, and even share color selections via email and Facebook.
Google Maps
Price: Free
Rating:4.4/5
Never get turned around on the way to a jobsite or remodel project again. With turn by turn navigation, this map app will help you to find your way easily and quickly. You may not be able to punch in the exact address for new developments – especially for those houses that haven’t been built yet – but the app can get you to the correct cross streets or a nearby landmark. Think about a dashboard holder for your phone to make this navigational tool even easier to use.
YouTube
Price: Free
Rating: 4/5
YouTube is packed full of helpful installation and maintenance videos, product information, and reviews and more. With this app you’ll have easy access to these resource no matter where you are at. (Check out Bayer Built’s YouTube channel also, www.youtube.com/BayerBuilt)
Evernote
Price: Free
Rating: 4.7/5
This note taking and organization app allows you to sync notes, photos, voice reminders, and more to a cloud service accessible from your phone, computer, or tablet device. Premium features (available for a small annual fee) allow you to share notebooks, access notes offline and PIN lock the app – however the free app is more than enough to get you started.