Author: Mark Thompson

As the construction industry continues to grow and evolve, builders are increasingly facing more and more challenges. With the increased complexity of regulations, the need to use more sophisticated tools and technologies, and the ever-evolving landscape of architecture, builders must be prepared to face and overcome these challenges if they are to be successful in the future. In this blog post, we’re going to take a look at some of the top challenges that builders will face in 2023 and beyond.

1. Regulations & Compliance

As regulations and compliance requirements become increasingly complex, builders will need to stay up-to-date on the latest rules and guidelines. This is especially true for large-scale construction projects, which often require multiple permits and a variety of approvals from different government agencies. Not only do builders need to be aware of the latest regulations, they also need to understand how to comply with them, and how to best manage the paperwork and documentation associated with the process.

2. New Technologies

The construction industry is becoming increasingly reliant on technology, and this is only going to continue into the future. From 3D printing and robotics, to virtual reality and augmented reality, builders will need to stay up-to-date on the latest tools and technologies

3. Sustainability & Green Building

As the world becomes increasingly conscious of its environmental impact, builders are being asked to design and construct more sustainable buildings. This includes reducing energy use, minimizing waste, and using more eco-friendly materials. In addition, builders will need to be aware of the various green building certifications available and how to go about achieving them.

4. Risk Management

Risk management is an essential part of any large-scale construction project. From dealing with unexpected delays to managing budgets and timelines, builders will need to be able to identify and manage risks in order to ensure successful completion of the project.

5. Adaptability

The construction industry is constantly changing, and builders will need to be able to adapt to these changes quickly. This could include shifts in regulations, new technologies, and the use of different materials or techniques. Builders will need to be able to quickly learn and adjust to these changes in order to remain competitive.

As the construction industry continues to evolve, builders will need to stay up-to-date on the latest regulations and technologies, as well as be prepared to manage risks and adapt to changes quickly. By doing so, builders will be better prepared to face the challenges

6. Client Expectations

As construction projects become more complex and technologically advanced, so too do the expectations of clients. Builders need to be able to meet and exceed their clients’ expectations in order to remain competitive. This includes being able to provide timely updates, staying on budget, and delivering a quality product.

7. Collaboration & Communication

Large-scale construction projects often involve multiple stakeholders, and in order to be successful, builders will need to be able to collaborate and communicate effectively. This includes being able to communicate with project managers, architects, engineers, and other stakeholders in order to ensure successful completion of the project.

8. Quality Control

Quality control is an essential part of any construction project. Builders will need to ensure that all materials used are of the highest quality, and that any work carried out is completed to the highest standards. This includes carrying out regular inspections and tests, as well as ensuring that any materials used are up to code and meet local regulations.

9. Cost Control

Construction projects can be notoriously expensive, and builders will need to be able to manage costs effectively in order to complete the project on budget. This includes being able to identify areas where costs can be reduced

10. Labor

Finally, one of the biggest challenges that builders will face in 2023 and beyond is the need to manage labor. With the increasing complexity of construction projects, builders will need to be able to find and retain qualified labor, as well as manage their workload and ensure that all workers are working safely and efficiently.

Overall, builders are facing a variety of challenges in the years ahead. From regulations and compliance, to new technologies and sustainability, builders will need to be prepared to face and overcome these challenges in order to remain competitive and successful. By staying up-to-date on the latest trends, understanding the regulations and compliance requirements, and being prepared to adapt to changes quickly, builders will be better equipped to handle the challenges of the future.

A building proposal’s takeoff is an essential phase in the cost estimation process. The items and supplies required for the project, and their quantities, are calculated by vendors, sub-contractors and project managers using the building plans, selections, and specifications. The budget, schedule, and supplier purchase orders are also created using that data.

Nevertheless, creating a takeoff – extracting this detailed data from project plans – can take up a large chunk of a builder’s time. Historically, builders used a set of blueprints, along with some pens and markers, to create a takeoff manually. For the benefit of modern builders, software has been developed to streamline and create efficiencies for this procedure.

Why Are Construction Takeoffs Vital To A Project?

• Establish project viability: Since estimators often have a budget to stick to, construction takeoffs specify how financially viable a project is based on the cost of the materials and labor.

• Provide a profit estimate: By creating an accurate construction takeoff, estimators can calculate how much a construction company will profit from the project.

• Bids: Estimating a construction project is challenging enough. If you underestimate, you risk losing profits. If you overestimate, you risk losing the job.  This is why an accurate construction takeoff is so important.  It provides a financial figure you’ll need before submitting a bid.

How Many Different Kinds Of Construction Takeoffs Are There?

The two varieties of building takeoffs are as follows:

• Manual – With a printed set of plans in hand, and following a long list of material, home builders calculate the cost of each component individually to arrive at the total cost of the project. This method can be tedious and time-consuming, and utilizing the following process is better. 

• Digital – The days of a builder painstakingly going through physical printouts to create a list of items one by one are long gone. Takeoff software was designed specifically to aid in this complex task. Simply upload a plan and the necessary components into a takeoff software program. After the program has analyzed the data, each item is given a figure, and estimates are made to arrive at a total inventory cost.

A Closer Look At Construction Takeoff Software 

The computer software that helps users with estimating their material costs according to digital plans is called Construction Takeoff Software. Software for takeoff frequently includes tools for assessing costs and workforce. 

Takeoff software frequently uses digital model forms. The program often supports the most popular file formats for designs, including SVG, DXF, and even PDF or picture files.

Instead of physically estimating material quantities (a procedure prone to error) estimators may point, click, and drag information off the project designs using the digital representations of the blueprints.

Advantages Of Using Construction Takeoff Software

Although different providers’ software uses its own processes, they are very comparable.  Below, we discuss some essential tasks that takeoff tools may provide to builders and clients to expedite and enhance the takeoff experience.

• Collaborative Takeoff Process – This functionality will be most prevalent in cloud-based takeoff tools intended for big teams. Collaborators can view someone else’s comments and notifications and prevent future mistakes. The takeoff procedure for a specific configuration frequently involves the utilization of materials from a number of suppliers.

• Measurement Tools – Every takeoff tool available today enables users to locate and evaluate linear components on the drawings to extract the required dimensions of different materials. This might be any assortment of components assessed in length units, such as concrete, lumber, windows, doors, etc.

• A Record Of Material Costs – A record of prices for materials organized by manufacturers and suppliers is frequently included in and updated by the more comprehensive takeoff software. As a result, estimators won’t have to personally search for item or material costs.  Even if users can obtain better prices through supplier relationships and/or social connections, it can often add value to work with the pre-built system.

• Accessibility – Your work will be accessible to you anytime you have internet access if you use cloud-based takeoff software.  This means that you may use the software virtually whenever and wherever you want.  For example, if you are on the job site and need to evaluate an order or confirm material amounts, having the software at your fingertips is a huge convenience.

Closing Thoughts

Creating an accurate construction takeoff is a crucial step in estimating the building costs, regardless of how big or small the project is. Home builders must have the ability to thoroughly explain the project’s required materials, and their pricing, to provide a competitive proposal. 

Accuracy with old-school, manual takeoffs is challenging regardless of the home builder’s expertise level. Construction Takeoff Software provides the ability to create precise estimates in a quick time frame. We suggest using software such as BuilderPad, which can help you achieve your construction goals, keep you in touch with your clients, and help you provide accurate construction takeoffs. 

You can start a free 14-day trial to view what BuilderPad offers, so sign-up now! 

Creating and monitoring a construction project timeline can be difficult for any home builder.  The construction project schedule needs to be 100% accurate with schedule items in the short term, while flexible in the long term for it to be successful.

Targets are reached, and intentions are defined when the construction team, and clients, are informed weekly of the project timeline. Old-school Excel spreadsheets and CSV files were once the primary tools that helped achieve this goal, but not anymore.

Excel Schedule Templates

Using Excel scheduling templates may be helpful, but there are times when complicated project planning requirements just can’t be met using a spreadsheet. Through Excel spreadsheets, you will waste hours every day, trying to keep up-to-date information. This inefficiency costs you precious time and frequently leads to expensive errors. A quality construction management software automates this process which will help you in the long run. 

You might be amazed at how quickly and simply you can switch from employing a collection of building templates to purchasing appropriate construction management software.

Construction Project Management Software

The project will be easier to visualize and coordinate thanks to the automation of numerous processes by construction scheduling software solutions. These tools enable you to generate a precise construction timetable using a schedule template, with different views such as List, Calendar, and a Gantt chart.

Furthermore, assigning budgets, managing selections, and inviting your team (and clients) to collaborate within your construction projects can be made simpler by using the project organizing and scheduling functions available in many cloud-based construction software products.

Not all construction management software is the same.  Some versions leave home builders simply utilizing the basic planning features, devoting more time and energy than is necessary to maintain projects on schedule. By finding a modern software solution, you and your staff will find it easy to build schedule templates, with automated communication tools for the greatest potential effect.

Benefits Of Construction Management Software

Today, creating and maintaining a schedule for your project using a CSV file (or a sheet of paper) is a thing of the past. Several excellent construction management software programs are available today with scheduling tools that can assist users in organizing more effectively and accurately. Let’s look at some benefits: 

• Collaborative Environment – Within the software, you will work with other team members and subcontractors during construction. Additionally, your clients will be automatically updated as to the progress of the project. Collaboration is made simple if the software offers automation.

• Real-Time Alerts – Your construction team and trade partners no longer have to make unnecessary trips to the job site. Each team member receives schedule notifications and real-time alerts through a mobile app and/or web platform, creating efficiency to complete their jobs successfully. The software promptly alerts you when a scheduled project item or phase needs to be adjusted due to delays.

• Records – Project management tools, as opposed to Excel, keep a historical record of project activity. This is essential for settling disputes and raising collaborative output. You’ll be able to recall every detail.

• Monitoring Trends – They say that hindsight is 20/20. When it comes to building projects, the same rule applies. You can utilize historical data to determine how far your project has come since its beginning. The data and analytics tool allows you to automate these operations rather than manual data entry. It gives you a clear view of the project’s current state so you can assist them in identifying areas for development. 

BuilderPad Offers The Best Scheduling Template Approach (And Much More!)

BuilderPad, a lightweight, easy to use construction management software is currently the best in the business. BuilderPad improves communication between your construction team and clients, helping keep your project’s schedule on track. Clients receive updates, make important decisions about their home, and approve any changes that affect the schedule quickly and efficiently.  Project managers can link dependent activities that affect the schedule seamlessly, all the while developing a scheduling template that can be used again and again.

So how to get started? Simply sign up and create a project. 

After you have created your project, you may begin building your schedule. We recommend using the editable Default Template for your first project. After creating your schedule, you will have a clear view of what needs to be done, and when.  You will have an organized outline of all the activities, deadlines, and resources required to finish the project. 

You can then manage your own custom Schedule Templates via the Company Details tab. You can clone templates and tweak any information on a job by job basis. If your projects include condos with different elevations, each elevation can have a separate template, another key feature with BuilderPad.

Next up, add users like clients and project managers to their respective roles within the project.  BuilderPad also allows you to choose what data/permissions each member has access to. And voila, your project has started, and the schedule is available. Fast and easy, right? 

Conclusion 

With construction management software, you can consolidate all of your project scheduling responsibilities for building under one umbrella and do away with old Excel spreadsheets or CSV files. 

Builders may significantly improve the customer experience by keeping their clients aware of the job progress, obtaining consent for change orders, and delivering exciting information about their investments. And BuilderPad offers that by providing automated real-time alerts.  Whether it’s a schedule change, comment on the activity feed, or posting a photo, you will never be out of the loop! 

Do not wait; start your free 14-day trial now! 

Construction projects need to be organized so that communication, scheduling, selections, and basic financial information are kept in one place.  A project management software that supports these activities can help a business streamline this process, making workflows easier and more efficient. 

Construction project management software helps to make projects more manageable, no matter if the project is large or small.  This article will dive deeper into some of the most popular ones that can help builders and clients alike. 

1. BuilderPad

BuilderPad is our pick for the best construction project management software overall (ok, ok, we may be a little bias)!

But let’s see why….

Pros & Cons

Pros 

• BuilderPad has outstanding features, such as scheduling and communication tools designed exclusively for home builders and their customers.
• Selection management that provides real-time updates to budget and allowances for clients to reference as they go through the selection process.
• A modern mobile app that sync’s with the web app to have control of your projects while in the field. 
• An easy-to-use platform with almost zero learning curve.

Cons

• Some individuals may find the price point a bit high, however BuilderPad offers a free 14-day trial to allow their customers to find out for themselves if the software is a good fit.

While some construction software apps claim to have “plenty of functionality,” most home builders only use a small portion of the features available because they are clunky and challenging. BuilderPad was created to only offer the features that are most important. 

BuilderPad uses the most advanced technology to enable the home builder to understand what is occurring daily.  The home builder’s leadership and employees spend less time asking for project updates and developments, and the homebuyers are constantly kept “in the know” to prevent misunderstandings.  

Project managers handle several projects and schedules efficiently.  It provides the best daily scheduling tools and automation to help users deliver projects on time.  Furthermore, BuilderPad excels in communication. Project managers may gather and distribute the most current data with the appropriate people using the tools provided by BuilderPad. 

Be it through mobile or the web, BuilderPad does it all! 

2. CoConstruct

Coming in behind BuilderPad, CoConstruct takes second place on our list.  Here’s what we found: 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• A decent estimating feature that integrates with QuickBooks. 
• Proposal templates that look nice and clean.

Cons

• Feature-rich however not very intuititive, to the point where most builders only use a small fraction of what they offer.
• Invoicing is fairly limited and offer limited flexibility.
• The program can only be slightly customized.
• Unable to form internal tagging of teams for communication.

CoConstruct is a project management tool for the construction industry that enables users to integrate information from plans, change orders, proposals, and specs with QuickBooks Desktop or Online. With the help of their selections tool, users can give customers the option to make selections digitally, keep them updated on the project’s cumulative total, and obtain electronic signatures.

If you are looking for a platform that offers reasonable estimating and budgeting, CoConstruct provides decent features in these areas. Unfortunately, CoConstruct lacks an excellent team communication tool that would take it to the top of our list. 

3. BuilderTrend

BuilderTrend is number 3 on our list.  What’s interesting is that BuilderTrend acquired Co-Construct, which seems odd considering they both do similar things. Now the same business operates and maintains two separate apps which spreads internal resources.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Good reporting tools are provided by extracting the data while utilizing filters.
• The financing area maintains things on schedule for builders and clients using Change Orders.

Cons

• Limited tools for estimation.
• Lacks the capacity to assess various project data.
• BuilderTrend lacks superb team communication.

Pre-sale solutions are offered by BuilderTrend and include a customer relationship management (CRM) tool, project proposals, and more. The selection, estimating and bidding options offered by BuilderTrend is quite decent. Customers may create estimates, produce polished proposals, and ask for and submit digital signatures.

We found that one downside of BuilderTrend is that a free trial is unavailable. They do offer a 30–day money-back guarantee, but with a price point of nearly $1,000 for the complete package, not having the option to try out the features is worrying. 

4. ProCore

ProCore finds itself the second to last on this list!  While mainly for commercial builders, it does provide a feature-set that targets massive construction projects.

Pros & Cons 

Pros

• The fundamental features of ProCore’s construction project management are relatively solid.
• Easy-to-use mobile app. 

Cons

• Has no thorough accounting ability.
• Lacks the estimating features from other softwares. 
• Workflows for documents are not adjustable.

For commercial construction companies searching for a platform that combines decent project and financial management functions, ProCore is a reasonable construction management software option. 

This software has a learning curve and is designed for commercial construction managers with more excellent expertise and larger teams. ProCore is a good option if you require a lot more capacity and flexibility than typical commercial construction management software can offer. 

ProCore is, unfortunately, very costly. If you would like a free trial, it is also complicated. It’s not as easy as just filling out a form and logging in since you must first get in touch with a representative of the ProCore sales department if you want to sample the software before your purchase.

5. MarkSystems 

MarkSystems is the fifth and last entry on our list! 

Pros & Cons 

Pros

• Contract processing is easy.
• One integrated database for every feature. 

Cons

• Does not provide management-helping statistics or displays.
• The calendar could be more organized and easier to comprehend.

For production homebuilders, an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) is a decent solution. MarkSystems has more than 30 years of expertise in bringing an ERP system to home builders. MarkSystems consolidates data from several departments onto a single platform, working to help users in the accounting sector.

For Mark Systems to continue to be helpful in the management department, access to its data will need to be improved. Currently, no metrics on display can help clients with their project management. This is a significant downside in the ECi MarkSystems book. But if you are just looking for an ERP which will help you with daily inventory control, MarkSystems is a pretty decent software. 

Building a home can be a stressful and a confusing process. The proper steps will help you get the home you want, within your budget.  This article covers the typical steps you take throughout the construction of a new house, how to keep in contact with your chosen builder, and what occurs at crucial development moments of your new property. 

1. Choose What Kind Of House You Seek 

Tract, speculative, and entirely custom are three primary forms of home construction. The degree of customization is what distinguishes these options most from one another.

• Tract Homes – A developer buys a piece of property and divides it into separate lots to create a tract home. One builder builds the homes in that planned neighborhood. There will be shared amenities and similar-looking residences in most of the community. Condos, townhouses, or detached homes can all be considered tract homes.
• Customized Homes – Custom homes give you the most alternatives. You have total power over every detail when you build your own home. The property, floor plan, and all utilities are up to the buyer.
• Speculative Homes are comparable to tract homes, but if you buy early enough during the construction process, some personalization is possible. Early purchasers could choose customized details, like the color scheme, whereas the builder chooses the floor design.

2. Construction Site Readiness

Workers will clear rocks, debris, or trees during the construction site preparation phase. Before building the foundation, they want to properly grade the land to ensure water runoff and a flat area for where the house will go.

3. Creating The Substructure And Foundation

Poured concrete with steel rod reinforcement is what most builders will use for your foundation. You might have a concrete footing, a crawl space, or a full basement, depending on the region of the country you’re making in and the layout of your house. Regardless of the type of foundation, it will be waterproofed and inspected by the town before construction can start.

4. Framing

During this phase, the builder will put up the floor and rooftops, in addition to the walls, windows, and entrances. The “bones” of your future home are beginning to form. The contractor will apply a house wrap shield to insulate the building from water penetration, preventing mold and wood decay growth.

5. HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing Rough-ins

Workers will begin roughing in the home’s primary utilities, such as pipework, wiring, and heating and air conditioning vents. Final connections are not made until other stages of the project are completed. An inspection is required to approve the rough-ins before moving to the next stage in the construction process.

6. Drywall

Drywall pieces are screwed into place, sealed, mudded, and given a paint finish. A second and final coat of paint is applied, typically towards the end of the construction process.

7. Interior Decor

The majority of the inside elements of the house will be incorporated in this phase. This comprises of kitchen countertops, cupboards, casings, window frames, staircase handrails, baths, vanities, and hard-surfaced floors. Occasionally, throughout this stage, inside painting and hardwood installation are carried out; however, if it poses a risk of destruction, they might be completed afterward.

8. Outer Surfaces

Things are finally beginning to come together outside your new house. The builder will finish the outside leveling to guarantee appropriate outflow away from the residence and ensure your new garden is taking shape well.

9. Installation of fixtures

Toilets, sinks, lighting fixtures, heating vent coverings, electric water heaters, power lines, and HVAC systems are all installed. The second round of inspection is necessary for a lot of these components. The placement of glass fittings, including shower doors and mirrors, is another work carried out in this stage.

10. Putting in Flooring

The next step is for your contractor to install carpets, tile or wooden floors. When making decisions, its important to keep your budget and utility in mind. For instance, buying hardwood flooring might be a great option if you have allergies or don’t have pets. However, LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) is a popular vinyl option that are more durable and easy to clean. Afterward flooring, your dream house will appear to be almost ready for occupancy!

11. Last Inspection 

A building code inspector will give you a certificate of occupation following this last examination, indicating you can now settle inside. They will arrange a secondary inspection if they discover any flaws to be sure the builder fixes them. Getting an impartial examiner as well when constructing your home is wise advice.

12. Final Walkthrough

The builder will take you on a tour of your brand-new house to familiarize you with its characteristics, the functionality of multiple components, and your duties for repair and care. They will also go over the details of your guarantee and how to take advantage of it. This is frequently alluded to as a walk-through before moving in. Be alert and perceptive to identify anything that needs to be fixed or rectified.

How To Keep An Eye On Your Property? 

Maintaining continual contact with your builder is the best approach to obtaining an exact timeframe and feedback for your venture. Building a home takes around 7-8 months and staying in contact is more complex than it looks. 

But do not worry; we have the perfect solution to help connect builders and clients, BuilderPad. This one-of-a-kind platform is a cutting-edge, cloud-native software program that aids in the digital transformation of the building industry for property developers. 

BuilderPad is made to facilitate excellent client engagement while assisting house builders in completing projects on schedule and under budget. This project uses contemporary technologies to give owners insight into daily operations and helps with project management overall. 

It offers a free 14-day trial, so if you wish to take advantage of this unique platform, sign up now!