Running a contracting business means doing a dozen things simultaneously: scheduling jobs, managing paperwork, keeping up with estimates, and tracking expenses. All this work takes time – way too much time if you’re doing everything manually. 

But in this day and age, there really is no need to do everything on your own: the right apps save time, help you avoid expensive mistakes, and let you focus on what really matters, which is getting the work done right and getting paid on time.

Whether you’re an electrician, general contractor, or project manager, the following apps are guaranteed to help you become better organized, work more efficiently, and keep your business running smoothly.

Joist: Estimates and Invoices for ElectriciansIf generating invoices and estimates and invoices takes a lot of time or you find it stressful, get yourself a Joist app. It greatly simplifies the process, letting you create professional estimates on the spot and send invoices with a few taps. This electrician estimate solution also tracks payments, helping you stay on top of your cash flow without chasing down unpaid bills.

Procore: Complete Project Management for Construction ProsIf you’re managing multiple projects, check out Procore. It centralizes blueprints, RFIs, punch lists, and scheduling, keeping your team aligned and reducing miscommunications. Since it integrates with other tools, you can pull data from accounting software, CAD files, and more. It’s a great way to keep all project details in one place and cut down on mistakes and miscommunication.

PlanGrid: Digital Blueprints and Field ReportsCarrying around stacks of blueprints isn’t practical. With PlanGrid, you can store and access all project plans from your phone or tablet. Markups, notes, and updates sync in real time, so everyone stays on the same page. Also, since paper plans can get outdated quickly, this is a convenient way to ensure your team always has the latest version.

Fieldwire: Task Management for Job SitesIf you run a crew, Fieldwire can help you keep tasks better organized. With it, you can assign work to specific team members, set deadlines, and track progress from anywhere. It also includes a messaging feature so workers can communicate without unnecessary phone calls.

GasBuddy: Find the Cheapest Fuel NearbyIf you’re anything like most contractors, you probably spend a lot on fuel.

GasBuddy can help you save money over time by helping you locate the lowest prices in your area. It even has a trip cost calculator to estimate expenses for upcoming jobs.

Safety Meeting App: OSHA Compliance Made EasyKeeping up with safety meetings and OSHA requirements is critical. The Safety Meeting App is great for this as it tracks completed training, documents incidents, and ensures compliance in case of an audit. Get it to stay compliant, avoid fines, and keep your crew safe.

Measure: Quick and Accurate Digital MeasurementsNeed to take quick measurements? The Measure app (available for both iOS and Android) turns your phone into a digital tape measure, letting you estimate lengths, heights, and areas without carrying extra tools. It’s a handy app for saving time when measuring smaller areas or verifying quick dimensions.

Which App Should You Start With?There’s no right or wrong answer here. For example, if estimating and invoicing take too much of your time, start with Joist. If project management is your biggest challenge, Procore or Fieldwire can help.

The right tools make the difference between a smooth workflow and daily frustration. Test a few, find what works best for your trade, and let technology handle the busywork while you focus on getting the job done.