Tools Matter: Buildertrend Software
Not every design build tool fits in a tool belt or box. In fact, some work best in the clouds.
Over the past two years we’ve been integrating a new multi-purpose tool into our repertoire that does a lot of heavy lifting for both the RIC team and our clients. But unlike a rusty, complicated Swiss Army knife, this tool is actually useful. Buildertrend, a construction project management platform, goes beyond just organizing project materials and budgets, it integrates every aspect of a job in a way that’s easy to access and update for both the design build team and the client.
Before construction begins on each project, we upload the renovation drawings, specifications, selections, budgets, and schedules and add our clients to the platform. From there we continue to add information such as to-do lists and tasks, client messages, photos, change orders and more. From the client’s vantage point, they are able to log in at any time and see updates on their home including a daily work log from their project lead. Because it’s a cloud-based system, both our team members and clients can access it from a mobile device anywhere they have internet through the secure app.
The Buildertrend client portal is easy to access and use anywhere you have access to the internet.
Every project lead at RIC is equipped with a cell-enabled iPad to access the Buildertrend platform. This means that throughout the day they can take and upload photos, make detailed notes, add comments to an item or task, assign tasks to other team members and more. All RIC team members, from our newest construction helper to our senior production manager, have access to the app as well, so everyone is on the same page at all times. And all of this means no more crumpled, out-of-date drawings on the jobsite when 100% of the current project information is available on Buildertrend!
Buildertrend on the jobsite - all RIC team members have access to the app to stay informed.
During the design phase of a project, we use Buildertrend’s “Selections” interface to review and approve options for light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, door hardware, etc. with our clients. This makes it super easy to compare options, prices and features, and clients can check back anytime and see which items they've selected.
The selections information in Buildertrend makes it easy to compare and keep track of what the client has chosen.
Clients can also check in on the running total project budget, including payments, change orders and additional costs they may have approved, as well as where the project is at in its schedule.
Detailed information on where a project is at in the schedule.
For clients who are traveling or currently live out of the area, they can still watch the project progress through the daily logs and photos. They’re also able to share the photos and updates with friends and family along the way.
Daily logs keep clients in the loop no matter where they are.
The information we consistently add to the app provides a detailed window into the construction process. And while a client may not necessarily want or need to know every detail (“plumbers are roughing in this week” or “framing inspection today”), the information is there for them to stay informed and hopefully expand their understanding and appreciation of all that goes into the building process.