We’ve been working for months on the idea of helping small contractors become more profitable. We’re also interested in helping folks jump into new construction ventures. Lots of resources for big firms, but almost nothing for those of us who contemplate starting a new construction related firm.

So our first offerings will be some phone apps that help solve the problem of keeping score. We see success in the construction business as follows:

1. Get Work
2. Do Work
3. Keep Score

The Construction Knowledge Database provides great resources for the Do Work aspect. Over time we’ll be adding more content for the Get Work part. But the new smart phone apps will focus on the Keep Score portion.

The Time Card app will allow anyone in the field to keep track of time and productivity on their smart phone. They can get daily feedback on how they are doing relative to the job estimate. Everyone does better when the goal becomes clear and measurable…and the tracking more accurate.

The Field Order app forces field personnel to get the scope of the requested extra work clear, and an authorizing signature, prior to proceeding. When facing potential change orders, the Prostitute’s Rule for Service Valuation must be understood…”The value of the service diminishes greatly after the service has been rendered.” Get it signed before you start the work!

These two apps will both email results in a format that can be easily read by office computers. So the data may be easily put into payroll and job costing programs.

We will finalize the design on the Time Card and the Field Order apps in the next few days. Please do me a favor and let me know if you have any interest in these apps? Or are there any features you’d like to see? Please leave me comments.