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This guide compares 20 practical software tools for construction and renovation teams.
Software for estimates and accounting in construction
These tools help with estimates, calculations and financial control.
101 App
Built for builders and renovation teams, 101 helps create estimates, track expenses and report spending. The team can work in one app: a site manager allocates project funds for purchases and project execution, workers report costs and completed work, and the client can follow the balance and see how project money is spent.
Smetter
An online platform for estimators and site managers. It runs in a browser, automates estimate preparation and can reduce the time spent on calculations.
1C:Small Business
A broad system for tracking orders, payroll and taxes. It is more suitable for medium or large companies prepared to set up a substantial system and train employees.
Google Sheets
A cloud-based alternative to Excel that a team can open from different devices and edit together. It shares many of Excel’s limitations for construction estimates, but is useful for shared team tables. A free option may be available, depending on current service terms.
For a comparison, see our Excel and 101 estimate guide (in Russian).
Software for planning and managing projects
Use these tools to assign tasks, track deadlines and coordinate people across projects.
Asana
Asana helps teams manage tasks, deadlines and owners across several projects. Check the current access and payment conditions in your country before adopting it.
Notion
Notion can hold task plans, Gantt charts, team roles and files while helping a team track project progress. Check the current access and payment conditions in your country before adopting it.
TickTick
A relatively simple tool for keeping personal and work plans together. For example, a company director can share a calendar of meetings, family trips and other commitments with an assistant, who can then plan work around available time.
Google Calendar
Google Calendar helps plan meetings and share schedules with a team. Before rolling it out, check how it synchronizes with employees’ devices.
Weeek
A Russian task-management service whose creators describe it as a virtual office for remote teams. It can help assign and monitor tasks across projects. Its mobile app lets workers update information away from the office, which can be useful on construction sites.
Software for team communication
Work chats can keep construction teams from losing decisions among calls and messages.
Telegram
Telegram supports work chats, folders, muted notifications, reactions and file sharing. Availability of particular features depends on the country and current service conditions.
WhatsApp Business
WhatsApp Business offers automatic replies and a service catalog. Before sending campaigns, check the service rules and obtain recipients’ consent.
Software for storing and sharing files
Drawings, estimates, procedures and site photos need a reliable place where the team can find them.
Google Drive
Google Drive can store photos and estimates and let team members share them. Before choosing a cloud service, check storage limits, data requirements and backups.
Yandex Disk
This Russian cloud storage service is an alternative to Google Drive and lets users share files with clients.
Notion
Notion can organize project files inside the same workspace as tasks and notes, with access from a phone and other devices.
Software for video calls
When you need to discuss details with a client or hold a team meeting, a dedicated video-call tool can help.
Zoom
Zoom supports meetings with several participants. A host can mute participants to reduce background noise, share a presentation and record a meeting.
Google Meet
Google Meet works with Google Calendar invitations, so participants can receive an email notification and book a time slot in Google Calendar.
TrueConf
TrueConf is a Russian video-conferencing service used by some organizations. It may be an option for teams looking for a local video-call provider.
Software for work on a phone
These mobile apps can help directly on a construction site.
CamScanner
CamScanner turns a phone into a document scanner, so scanned documents can be sent to a client or the office.
Measure (Apple)
The iPhone Measure app uses the camera to estimate the size of nearby objects. Measurements are approximate; Apple recommends clear objects roughly 0.5 to 3 meters away for better results.
ChatGPT
ChatGPT can help organize ideas or polish a draft reply when you need to write to a client after a long workday. Review the result before sending it.
These tools can save time and reduce mistakes for builders and renovation teams. Try the ones that fit your workflow: files can be easier to find, tasks can have clear owners and communication can be simpler.
