Construction Mobile App Development: What Do You Need to Know and Where to Start

The construction mobile app development sector will likely drive global economic growth during this decade, with output 35% higher than in the 2010s. The market may approach $22,874 billion in 2026, growing at a CAGR of 9.8%.

Simultaneously, the construction industry is still plagued by problems like poor on-field productivity and safety, skills shortage, insufficient trust across supply chains, and more. Innovations in the industry, including cloud technology and construction app development services, offer solutions for overcoming these issues. Currently, over 90% of construction workers use smartphones, and over 60% use tablets. Most companies understand the importance of mobile technology for their business processes and fulfilling a company’s potential.

If you aren’t sure about whether your construction business needs a mobile app or not, we are here to help you. From this article, you can learn the biggest benefits of construction mobile app implementation and where to start.

Why Is It Worthwhile to Develop a Mobile App in Construction

Most construction companies rely on specialized mobile applications to manage their projects digitally. The implementation of mobile construction apps results in the following improvements.

• Streamlined communication and collaboration between different departments reduce errors and increase productivity.
• More flexible and accurate documentation and record-keeping.
• Greater efficiency and transparency of the construction workflows.
• Increased accountability and safety on job sites.
• The reduction in paperwork, trips, and mistakes that lead to rework.

If you have a custom construction software solution, a mobile version will help you get its full potential.

The Most Popular Types of Construction Applications

These apps have become indispensable tools for construction specialists, offering solutions for a wide range of tasks, from design and project management to on-site operations. We’ve highlighted some of the most popular types of construction apps that are transforming the industry in 2023:

1. Building Information Modeling (BIM) software: BIM is a game-changer in the construction sector. It allows architects, engineers, and contractors to create 3D digital representations of a building’s design, enabling them to collaboratively plan and visualize the entire project.
2. Project management and collaboration tools: construction projects involve complex coordination and communication among various stakeholders. Project management applications help teams manage tasks, schedules, budgets, and resources. These tools facilitate real-time collaboration and keep everyone on the same page.
3. Estimating and costing apps: accurate cost estimation is vital for any construction project. Estimating software helps contractors generate precise cost estimates by considering labor, materials, equipment, and other variables. These applications, first of all, reduce the risk of budget overruns.
4. Drone technology and aerial imaging software: drones are increasingly used in construction for site surveys, progress monitoring, and inspections. Aerial imaging software can process drone data to create detailed maps, and 3D models, as well as track project advancements more efficiently.
5. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) apps: VR and AR software offer immersive experiences for design visualization, training, and site inspections. They help stakeholders see and understand projects more interactively and engagingly.
6. Safety and compliance software: safety and compliance apps assist in managing safety protocols, tracking incidents, and ensuring regulatory compliance. They reduce the risk of accidents.
7. Materials and inventory management tools: these apps help construction specialists track materials, supplies, and equipment on-site. Efficient inventory management minimizes waste and ensures that necessary resources are always available.

The popularity of these construction apps is a testament to the industry’s adaptability and its commitment to delivering better, safer, and more sustainable structures. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more innovative solutions to emerge, further transforming the way we build the world around us.

How to Build an Efficient Construction App? Basic Steps to Know and Start With

Already decided to develop a mobile application, but don’t know where to start? Here are the main steps you need to take:

Outline Your Business Goals

Determine your business goals based on:

• the critical problem or issues it should solve for your business or other companies;
• how it can benefit your business or generate revenue.

The identified goals will determine the type and feature set of the desired construction mobile app. For instance, if you want to sell construction materials, your app should enable online purchases, facilitate delivery, etc.

Hire Mobile Software Developers

• If you don’t have an IT department or there are no mobile application designers and developers on board, you can either hire them or outsource the project. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, but in any case, you need a team including:
• User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) designer.
• Front-end developers.
• Back-end developer.
• Quality assurance (QA) engineer.
• Project manager (PM).

Moreover, you’ll possibly need a solutions architect, DevOps, and other tech experts as well.

Design and Build Your Construction Application

The team you have assembled or contracted will implement the required app functionality and design. Make sure to test and optimize your mobile application before release.

Guarantee Continuous App Support and Upgrades

Software becomes obsolete and needs to be updated and maintained regularly. Make sure you have the resources and appropriate specialists to do this.

Wrapping Up

As the construction sector grows, so do its problems, but it gives the industry plenty of opportunities for startups that can offer and monetize solutions to those problems. Mobile apps help to stay on the same page with teams, subcontractors, and clients, and to keep everything organized, on schedule, and safe. They automate workflows, boost productivity, improve quality, and reduce costs.