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December 26, 2024

Best Contractors and Trades Apps for Running Your Business in Canada

The trade and construction industry has seen a steep increase in digital construction project management tools. Project managers use apps to streamline operations, increase business efficiency, and improve client happiness. 

Construction management apps offer a wide range of key features to help manage various aspects of construction projects, such as customer communications, project management, and team tracking. In this guide, we discuss the best contractors and trades apps for running your business in Canada, as well as ways to safeguard against the cyber risks they may pose. 

Contractor using an app on a job site

Image Source: Canva

Best Trades Apps for Construction Project Managers 

As much as simple communication apps like WhatsApp, Slack, or Teams are excellent options, we’re diving into a few more robust apps that offer construction project managers a lot more features with a competitive edge. Here are the top apps for construction workers in Canada.

1. Procore 

Procore is the number one construction management platform. It provides real-time collaboration tools and budgeting capabilities. What makes this app stand out is how well it integrates with various other software tools. 

Pros Cons
  • Provides budgeting, resource planning and project management features.
  • Seamlessly integrates with other software like Quickbooks.
  • User-friendly app allows collaboration in real time.
  • Unparalleled document management that allows for reporting and process tracking.
  • Limited offline abilities
  • Expensive, especially for smaller firms
  • Steep learning curve

2. Fieldwire 

Many Canadian construction companies, including EllisDon, trust Fieldwire. It features a user-friendly design and serves as a comprehensive solution for all construction app-related needs. 

Pros Cons
  • Great offline functionality
  • Intuitive and easy-to-use interface
  • Affordable for smaller contractors
  • The best tool for those who require a blueprint and drawing management.
  • Not the best option for complex construction projects.
  • Low level of integration with other software options.
  • Limited financial tools for invoicing and budgeting.

3. Buildertrend & CoConstruct 

Buildertrend recently acquired CoConstruct, which has allowed them to merge their technologies into one place. Buildertrend primarily catered to construction and remodelling professionals, while CoConstruct primarily served custom home builders. 

Pros Cons
  • Accessibility from anywhere— cloud-based platform.
  • Tailored toward residential and commercial contractors.
  • Major focus on client communication and building customer relationships.
  • Budgeting and invoicing tools
  • Advanced features create a learning curve
  • Different tiered pricing; may not be best for smaller contractors.

4. Fusion by eSub 

This is a unique app as it caters to subcontractors. Fusion by eSub provides various tools like document management and change orders. This is a must-have app for subcontractors looking for assistance with operations management. 

Pros Cons
  • Specifically caters to subcontractors
  • Fieldworkers find the interface easy to use
  • Integrates with accounting software
  • Excels with its field reporting tools
  • Limited functionality for larger contracting firms.
  • Training is required to use it efficiently
  • Outdated

5. Raken 

Raken provides an easy-to-use platform that supports construction companies from big to small. It allows construction professionals to create daily reports, track project progress, and manage their tasks, to name a few. 

Pros Cons
  • Easy to use with a clear interface
  • Provides real-time updates
  • Allows users to attach photos to reports
  • Integrates with other apps like Procore and Autodesk.
  • Not suited for complex tasks because of limited features.
  • A subscription-based app whose costs could be a barrier for smaller companies.
  • Doesn’t have the best offline capabilities; can cause inconsistencies when syncing.

6. Tradify 

This app helps tradespeople, like plumbers and electricians, with their daily operations. Tradify assists with organizing and managing appointments. 

Pros Cons
  • Easy to use with a clear interface
  • Customizable templates
  • Seamless integration with accounting software
  • User-friendly interface
  • Not suited for complex tasks because of limited features.
  • Subscription-based app; cost could be a barrier for smaller companies.
  • Doesn’t have the best offline capabilities and can cause inconsistencies when syncing.

Regardless of your construction business type, these are some of the best construction and trade apps currently on the market, but how do you choose? 

Contractor using an app on the job site

Image Source: Canva

Choosing the Best Trades App for Your Business 

To find the right construction productivity software for your business, analyze your company requirements. Determine specific needs, consider budget, and research what others are saying in the industry.

Assess Business Needs 

Selecting the best apps for construction workers depends on the business requirements. It should address pain points and tackle areas to streamline. These could be in:

  • Job management
  • Invoicing
  • Estimates and quoting
  • Time tracking 
  • Client management
  • Documents management 

Integration With Other Tools, Apps, and Software 

If you currently use other software, like Quickbooks, Asana, or Trello, you’ll want an app that seamlessly integrates. This removes the need for duplicate work and cuts the time spent updating accounting records. 

Weigh Pricing and Customer Support 

Consider the monthly, annual, or total cost associated with the app you’re choosing. Does this amount fall within your budget? Will you get the value you seek from it? 

In addition, many contractors or construction workers have never used an app before. The best contractors and trades apps for running your business in Canada should have straightforward tutorials and user training to help everyone get up to speed quickly.

Prioritize Data Security 

Ensure your chosen app provides security for the project data it’ll store, such as personal client details for invoicing. Review the app’s terms to see if it offers enough encryption to protect against cyber threats.

Read more: What is Cyber Liability Insurance?

Contractor shaking hands with client

Image Source: Canva

Streamline Your Work Without Risk 

The best construction apps make every task more efficient and your job much easier. However, they can also expose you to cyber threats that can bleed your company dry. Protect your construction business from irreparable financial and reputational damage with tailored cyber liability insurance from Contractors Insurance.

As Ontario’s leading insurance provider for construction professionals, we provide insurance policies tailored to your business’s unique risks. We’ll work with you to find the right coverage protecting you from any liability.

Optimize your company’s efficiency without putting yourself at risk. Contact us today for a free quote and soar your business to new heights.

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