Industry Insights Archives | Buildxact AU https://www.buildxact.com/au/tag/industry-insights/ Estimating & Job Management Software Mon, 18 Aug 2025 23:48:06 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://www.buildxact.com/au/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/01/fav.png Industry Insights Archives | Buildxact AU https://www.buildxact.com/au/tag/industry-insights/ 32 32 Find the Construction Management Software that Works for You https://www.buildxact.com/au/blog/software-works-you/ https://www.buildxact.com/au/blog/software-works-you/#respond Mon, 18 Aug 2025 20:07:39 +0000 https://www.buildxact.com/us/?p=29206 Switching to construction management software can be challenging. Learn a few simple steps that get you on the path to the right choice.

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Software is a big help, if you choose right

Picture of Dustin Elliott

Dustin Elliott

Products and Customer Insights Analyst, Buildxact

With more than 10 years experience in software as a service, and many of that in helping small business owners like you, I’ve seen firsthand how making the leap from old habits to new software challenges us to think and act differently.

Not to mention that making a wrong choice can end up costing you 5-10x more than the annual subscription of the wrong software package. You have to factor in wasted time and a whole host of other factors. So where do we begin?

Step 1: Determine your needs

  • What is keeping you up at night?
  • What is that thing you have been meaning to do but haven’t had a chance yet
  • What is the bottleneck in terms of your business or personal life?
  • What part of your process makes you the most anxious to do?

Then write them out as to what you think you need. Write it down in a simple 2 step matrix – What the problem is – what the impact is – and what you think the solution is (don’t worry too much about the solution at this point). Something like what I have below:

Problem
Impact
Potential Solution

It’s hard to keep up with getting quotes out fast enough to keep up.

I don’t have a consistent pipeline of work leading to me to at times take jobs I’d rather not do.

An estimating tool that’s easy to learn that keeps me on top of all my prospects and bids.

Great, when you’ve taken the time to do Step 1, you have clearly defined your north star when navigating all the different construction software choices out there. Now we begin Step 2:

Step 2: The Hunt.

Generally, checking software review sites like Capterra or G2 are great places to start. You also can look at industry blogs, although trying to find reputable sources can be harder in an AI-driven world, so keep a healthy dose of skepticism when surfing the web. The best way to surf is looking for common search terms, like “construction management software” or “home construction estimating.”

As you’re looking at reviews and company websites. Keep a list handy of your favorite software packages,  as it’s easy to get lost in websites and feature pages.

Step 3: Get your hands on!!

Once you’ve checked some review sites and browsed their websites, get your hands on a free trial! Take it for a spin! You wouldn’t buy a car without taking it for a spin or at least checking inside of it would you? Be wary of a company that doesn’t offer some sort of free trial.

When trying out software, you might even discover things that help remind you of other pain points or challenges you have in your company. Take the time discover these things. Don’t try to cram too much investigating into too little time. The best trials are not just days long but usually a week or two.

Step 4: Chat with a sales person

Yes, they are there to sell to you, but trustworthy software providers ensure their sales team members are there to help you first and foremost. Now is not the time to be shy. Ask a lot of questions.

 This is where you critically evaluate each tool as you speak with a sales person. It’s your time to decide what the true impact software can have on your business. Yes, you might feel like your problems are tough and insurmountable, but chances are the person with whom you are speaking has heard something similar. So ask those questions!

Ready to get started, today?

If you think you’ve come to right place for advice, that’s great news! Thank you, and let me direct your attention to Buildxact’s free trial offer. Book a demo with one of Buildxact’s helpful representatives or start a free 14-day trial, today! Your next successful project, just might be a result of you using the best home construction job management software in the business, Buildxact!

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Streamline Your Next Renovation with Buildxact https://www.buildxact.com/au/blog/streamline-next-remodel/ https://www.buildxact.com/au/blog/streamline-next-remodel/#respond Thu, 31 Jul 2025 20:56:20 +0000 https://www.buildxact.com/us/?p=29011 Learn to grow a construction business with advice from Buildxact’s Dustin Elliott. In this blog, he discusses cost tracking and purchase orders.

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Why A Little Project Planning

Now Goes An Even Longer Way

Picture of Dustin Elliott

Dustin Elliott

Products and Customer Insights Analyst, Buildxact

I recently spoke to a renovator — for the sake of this conversation we’ll call him Max. Max’s renovation business, nestled in the vibrant heart of Miami, is a testament to the grit and evolution required to succeed in the world of residential renovations.

Over the past five years, Max’s business has become familiar with homeowners seeking to breathe new life into their kitchens, bathrooms and whole interiors.

His work, characterized by attention to detail and a hands-on approach, has largely grown through the oldest marketing tool in the industry: word of mouth. Referrals from satisfied clients have kept his calendar full and his reputation sterling.

Maintaining a consistently high reputation for quality work is important in a market like Miami where many high-end property owners insist on top-level service for their premium renovations.

But in Max’s case, as the flow of projects increased, so did the complexity of operations. Max found himself juggling multiple jobs simultaneously, each with its own demands, deadlines and ever-shifting expectations.

Like many small business owners, he had started out managing quotes, orders and costs using the familiar tools of Excel spreadsheets and Word documents. For a while, this patchwork system worked. However, as business scaled, the cracks began to show. Keeping up with the paperwork became a daily struggle.

A construction pro works on a bathroom remodel.

Growing Pains and the Search for Better Solutions

Today, Max keeps up with the growth using Buildxact construction management software. With Buildxact, Max has incorporated the traditional purchase order directly into his Buildxact preconstruction planning.

Buildxact is a construction management platform tailored for small to mid-sized businesses. By handling project quoting, cost tracking and purchase orders, Buildxact is the perfect construction management platform for builders like Max.

Buildxact Has You Up and Running

Max’s experience with Buildxact began with a training session on purchase orders. The training walked him through the platform’s features, showing how digital purchase orders could be generated, customized with materials and quantities, and sent directly to his favorite material dealers. Unlike the old methods, every order was time-stamped, searchable and easily referenced. This wasn’t just a time-saver; it was a transparency tool that would soon become a safeguard for his business.

You see, Max had learned a valuable lesson from a high-stakes project: a comprehensive renovation of four bathrooms and a kitchen. The client, with a firm deadline and high expectations, had requested a very specific tile-costly and central to the entire design. Max placed the order with his dealer over the phone, as he had done many times before, trusting that the details would be handled as agreed.

What happened next was a perfect storm of miscommunication and oversight. The dealer claimed to have sent a confirmation email for the tile order, but Max, swamped with incoming messages, missed it entirely. The wrong tile arrived on site, and by the time the error was discovered, the clock was ticking down to the client’s deadline. Rectifying the situation required purchasing the correct tile batch—at a cost of over $25,000—which Max had to absorb, as the original order could not be returned or refunded in time. The delay pushed the project back by several weeks and essentially wiped out any profit he might have made.

This costly error drove home the limitations of verbal agreements and scattered documentation. The experience was both a financial blow and a wake-up call. Max realized that as his business grew, so did the risks of relying on informal processes and manual record-keeping. A single missed email, in a sea of others, had been enough to derail months of careful work.

The Shift to Digital Purchase Orders

Armed with new knowledge from his Buildxact training, Max began to overhaul his workflow. Now, every purchase order is created within the platform, detailing exact product specifications, quantities and delivery notes. These orders are sent directly to Suppliers, leaving a digital paper trail that can be referenced at any time. No more relying on memory or searching through old emails—everything is organized and easily accessible.

This change brought immediate benefits. Disputes over what was ordered and what was delivered became a thing of the past, as every step was documented and confirmed. Suppliers appreciated the clarity, and Max regained confidence that his projects could proceed without costly surprises. The digital system also allowed him to monitor which orders had been fulfilled and which were still outstanding, ensuring that nothing fell through the cracks.

Visibility and Control: Tracking Costs in Real Time

Purchase orders were just the beginning. Buildxact’s integrated cost tracking enabled Max to see, at a glance, the actual versus committed costs for each project. This granular visibility made it possible to spot budget overruns before they became critical. Instead of piecing together expenses from various spreadsheets, he had a live dashboard showing where every dollar was going. This allowed for better forecasting, more accurate quoting, and ultimately, tighter control over profitability.

For Max, the shift wasn’t just about avoiding errors—it was about reclaiming control over his time and finances. The hours he once spent reconciling receipts and cross-referencing documents were now freed up for client communication, on-site supervision, and growing his business even further.

The Ripple Effect: Client Trust and Business Growth

Clients soon noticed the difference. With clearer timelines, more accurate estimates, and fewer hiccups due to supply issues, Max’s renovations ran more smoothly and finished closer to schedule. The transparency provided by digital purchase orders reassured clients that every detail was documented and accounted for. Word of his refined process spread, and referrals continued to flow in—this time accompanied by glowing testimonials about professionalism and reliability.

Suppliers, too, benefited from the new system. The clarity of Buildxact’s purchase orders reduced back-and-forth communication and minimized the risk of misunderstandings. Deliveries became more reliable, and relationships with vendors strengthened as trust replaced uncertainty.

A bath remodel is under way with two construction pros installing a bathtub.

Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead

Max’s journey underscores a lesson familiar to many small business owners: what works in the early days of a business rarely scales without adaptation. The strategies and systems that carry a company through its infancy can become liabilities as complexity increases. For Max, the turning point came through a combination of painful experience and a willingness to embrace new technology.

Today, Max’s business stands as a model of how the right tools can empower even the smallest operations to thrive amid growing demands. By leveraging Buildxact’s capabilities, he has not only avoided repeating costly mistakes but has positioned himself for sustainable growth in an ever-competitive market.

The world of residential remodels will always be subject to surprises—delays, supply chain hiccups, client changes. But with robust systems in place, those surprises need not spell disaster. Max’s story is a reminder that investing in better processes isn’t just about saving money; it’s about building a foundation for trust, reputation, and long-term success.

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Buildxact Technology Drives Maximum Value to Contractors and Homeowners to Leverage Current Market and Help Fill Housing Gaps   https://www.buildxact.com/au/news_media/value-amid-challenges/ https://www.buildxact.com/au/news_media/value-amid-challenges/#respond Sun, 20 Jul 2025 19:36:40 +0000 https://www.buildxact.com/au/?post_type=news_media&p=26122 Learn how Buildxact technology doubles builder project workload while helping homeowners boost equity in an aging housing stock.

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MELBOURNE – 21 JULY 2025 — Buildxact, a global software as a service company that provides a simple solution for small-to-medium-sized residential builders and renovators to better manage and grow their business, uses the best in technology to create new opportunities, to avoid market challenges, and to take full advantage of growing housing construction activity. 

As housing commencements increase along with the pace of renovations, builders need simple, smart tools to quote and win more jobs.  Buildxact provides those tools using its technology to connect builders, trade partners and material suppliers in new ways. Using Buildxact, a renovator can double their workload, moving from 10 to 20 projects in a year at an average of $200,000 per project.  

That is important at a time when the renovation sector is seeing a boost due to the aging housing stock and to necessary weather upgrades and repairs in the north of Australia. Another sign of growth comes from financing, where projects that require external finance are increasing and the number of loans for renovations are up by almost 10 percent from last year. 

Builders can use Buildxact’s comprehensive estimating and job management platform to help manage costs for the customer while maintaining profitability. In the end, builders win more of the right jobs, Chris Rennie, Buildxact Chief Product Officer, said. 

“Builders are worried about pricing going up and don’t want to quote jobs wrong and lose money,” Rennie said. “They want to be able to compete with other builders but are so cautious in today’s market and fear that everything will cost more and damage their business. Buildxact is removing those barriers with real time and preferred pricing from supplier catalogues.” 

Supplier catalogues now include Dahlsens, Mitre 10, and Bunnings. These catalogues drive healthy contractor returns by offering real-time pricing that allows the pro to stay on top of any material cost fluctuations from the first estimate through job completion.  Buildxact also is releasing new estimate templates and recipes that target the most common renovations based on internal data reporting and market trends. 

In addition to templates and recipes, Buildxact also speeds estimates with a new AI-powered takeoff and estimating assistant that fast tracks the quick-to-quote process based on thousands of previous builds to help quote in minutes, not days.  

Known as the Blu digital building assistant, this AI-powered assembly builder can quickly generate complete and accurate estimate costings and quotes based solely on project specs. That means that Buildxact pros can be more competitive—being the first to quote for a client increases the chance of winning the job.  

Simple AI technology is critical in today’s construction environment. The Association of Professional Builder’s 2025 State of Residential Construction Industry Annual Report stated that small-to-medium sized residential home builders, renovators, and contractors, are challenged daily to stay profitable while managing jobs efficiently. According to the report, contractors are challenged by adopting technology effectively, establishing systemised processes, and not having adequate financial literacy.  

Having more competitive builders has long-tail community impact, such as adding jobs, and building up its economic health. For an individual contractor and their business, there are huge positive impacts as well. Based on the prior example, a construction pro can double revenue from $2 to $4 million. That growth is a direct consequence of their investment in technology that costs less than $6,000 annually. 

Construction Outlook Turns Brighter 

Tom Deavitt, a senior economist with the Housing Industry Association, says that last year housing commencements were up 10 percent, and he forecasts that a gentle upward trend will continue, even reaching the government’s objective of 120,000 starts each year starting next year.   

In addition to that positive news, household spending is picking up from mid-2024, and in the last calendar year, there has been a population increase of 450,000 people. Plus, rates have been stable, and there is low unemployment. All of these factors are contributing to more renovation projects and more new home starts.  

Deavitt reports that the expectation going forward is positive due to consumer confidence returning and rates lowering. His research shows that homeowners will start to undertake projects that had been put on hold.  

For the homeowner, these projects add value to their investment in the home. The return on investment is different depending on the project, but it all adds to growing home equity, currently valued at $11 billion in Australia.  

 

About Buildxact  

Buildxact gives small-to-medium sized home builders, contractors and suppliers control of their business to get the job done. Using simple features, job estimates take less time and ordering materials is possible 24/7 using integrated supplier price lists. Founded in 2011 in Australia with North American headquarters in Austin, Texas, Buildxact continues to expand its global presence with customers in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand.  

 For more information about how builders and suppliers benefit using Buildxact, visit Buildxact.com or follow Buildxact on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. To get started today, Book a Demo with a dedicated team member or try before you buy with a 14-day risk free trial 

 

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GetApp Names Buildxact Construction Management Leader https://www.buildxact.com/au/news_media/getapp-category-leader/ https://www.buildxact.com/au/news_media/getapp-category-leader/#respond Mon, 30 Jun 2025 23:02:49 +0000 https://www.buildxact.com/us/?post_type=news_media&p=28918 Learn why Buildxact ranks among the top North American software products, based on ratings from residential construction pros.

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AUSTIN, Texas – June 30, 2025 — Buildxact, a global software as a service company that provides a simple solution for small-to-medium sized residential builders and renovators to better manage and grow their business, has been recognized in the top ten of construction job management software in the 2025  GetApp Category Leaders Report 

Buildxact users submitted feedback to GetApp, the recommendation and review website, earning it a placement as a leader among 563 construction job management products.  The logo for GetApp Category Leaders 2025

Buildxact users consistently rated Buildxact 4.6 out of a 5-star rating and 98 percent would recommend the construction estimation software to other residential construction pros.  

Buildxact includes AI-powered estimation and takeoff tools, quote and variance management, cost tracking, and project scheduling. One of the standout features of Buildxact is on demand pricing from connected suppliers.  

“Our sole focus is the user, and they continue to say it all,” said Marissa Wagner, chief marketing officer at Buildxact. “Through recognitions like this with GetApp we have the privilege of being recognized for our efforts to remain focused on the user experience. We listen to how they use the product, to what they tell us, and to what is happening in the marketplace to continue to provide them what they need before they know they need it.”  

GetApp category leaders are among the top-ranked North American software products, based on ratings from end-users in five key areas: ease of use, value for money, functionality, customer support and likelihood to recommend.  

Here’s what customers are saying about Buildxact:  

“The support team are responsive and helpful. Definitely increases productivity and efficiencies – saving time and money.”  

“Excellent isn’t a better package out there to suit my needs.”  

“Integration with my past, current, and future projects was easy. Buildxact is user friendly, and the technical support team is very responsive.” 

To create each Category Leaders ranking, the GetApp research team may evaluate hundreds of products. Only the products with the highest scores become Category Leaders.  

About Gartner Digital Markets: 

Gartner Digital Markets is the world’s largest platform for finding software and services. More than 100 million people visit Capterra, GetApp, Software Advice, and UpCity across over 70 localized sites every year to read objective research and verified customer reviews that help them confidently choose the right software and services. Thousands of B2B companies work with Gartner Digital Markets to build their brand, capture buyer demand, and grow their business. 

For more information, visit https://www.gartner.com/en/digital-markets 

About Buildxact  

Buildxact gives small-to-medium sized home builders, trades and suppliers control of their business to get the job done. With AI-powered technology alongside the strength of user-informed programming, job estimates take less time and ordering materials is possible 24/7 with integrated supplier price lists. Founded in 2011 in Australia with North American headquarters in Austin, Texas, Buildxact continues to expand its global presence with customers in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand.  

For more information about how builders and suppliers benefit using Buildxact, visit Buildxact.com or follow Buildxact on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. To get started today, book a demo with a dedicated team member or try before you buy with a 14-day risk free trial

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Running Low on Work? How to FIll Your 2025 Pipeline https://www.buildxact.com/au/webinar/running-low-work/ https://www.buildxact.com/au/webinar/running-low-work/#respond Mon, 30 Jun 2025 22:35:53 +0000 https://www.buildxact.com/us/?p=28901 Watch this webinar and learn how traditional marketing for your construction business is not enough. Learn to create a lead-generation system.

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Running Low on Work? How to FIll Your 2025 Pipeline

Want More Quality Leads for Your Building Business? Buildxact and Contractor Scale show you how.

Join Buildxact and Contractor Scale for a 45-minute, hands-on session where we don’t just talk about marketing—we help you build a lead-generation system.

In this webinar:

  • Learn the Ideal Client Profile
  • Use a proven 7-figure Ad Copy Template—customized for your niche in 90 seconds
  • Generate a full week of social content and a newsletter using AI
  • Build your lead funnel—from ad to booked call—with clear next steps
  • Get a real-time ROI calculator to make smart marketing decisions.

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Working Capital Builds Financial Resilience for Small Builders https://www.buildxact.com/au/blog/working-capital/ https://www.buildxact.com/au/blog/working-capital/#respond Wed, 18 Jun 2025 16:00:12 +0000 https://www.buildxact.com/us/?p=28741 Often overlooked: the cash flow from working capital keeps even profitable jobs running smoothly.

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For many small builders, renovators, and trades, success isn’t solely about landing jobs. It’s about managing the lag between ordering materials, sending customer invoices, and receiving payments. That’s where working capital makes or breaks the business.

Working capital—the cash you available to cover short-term expenses—keeps the lights on, the trucks fueled, and your crew paid. In today’s economy, with high interest rates and rising costs, managing working capital isn’t just smart—it’s essential. When you fail to monitor cash flow closely, even profitable jobs drain resources and hinder growth.

According to a Built study published in Morningstar, in May 2025, 70% of contractors report that payment delays are the top threat to their business, surpassing concerns about labour shortages, tariffs or inflation. Delays result in hidden construction costs, project cancellations and various other expenses.

In this blog, let’s explore why working capital is crucial, its daily impact on your business, and what can be done to strengthen it.

A builder manages his team schedule from the job site using Buildxact running on his mobile device

The Real Impact of Working Capital on Small Builders

When you have a healthy cushion of working capital, everything flows more smoothly. You can say ‘yes’ to the next job with confidence, order materials in bulk to save money, and avoid juggling multiple debts to meet payroll.

When working capital runs thin, as a small builder, you face real consequences, even if the business looks profitable on paper.

And yet, appearances can be deceiving. As Dave Yoho, a respected voice in the renovating industry, explains: “Many companies appear to operate at a profitable level yet have not increased their level of working capital to accommodate growth.”

Some potential consequences are:

  • Project Delays: If you can’t pay suppliers on time, materials don’t arrive, and deadlines slip. According to a Built study, more than a third of small builders have experienced project delays or cancellations due to financing issues.
  • Lost Opportunities: You might have to turn down a profitable job simply because you can’t find the upfront costs that get a job started.
  • Strained Relationships: Late payments can harm relationships with your trades, suppliers and crew.
  • Mental Load: Financial uncertainty is stressful, and you’ll likely spend more time chasing payments than managing your projects.

Consider ways to enhance your working capital to operate your business more efficiently during economic uncertainty. This approach will help you maintain liquidity while also seeking growth opportunities

Cash flow is the No. 1 challenge facing subcontractors—bigger than profit."

Common Challenges in Managing Working Capital

Even for experienced builders, managing working capital isn’t always straightforward. A few recurring challenges can quietly drain cash flow and catch small teams off guard.

    1. Delayed Payments

Delayed payments are one of the biggest threats to small builders. Of the 70% of contractors who face payment delays, 10% last over 30 days or more past their invoice date; that lag creates a cash gap, forcing builders to dip into reserves, use credit, or delay paying their vendors.

    1. Inventory Management

Buying in bulk can save money, but overstocking ties up cash you may need elsewhere. On the other hand, under-ordering can stall projects and erode client trust.

Finding the balance is tricky, especially when suppliers are dealing with their delays. Use software to closely track usage and utilise job management tools to prevent overordering while maintaining sufficient material on hand to remain efficient.

    1. Project Overruns

Unexpected site conditions, variations, subcontractor delays, and project overruns are common, and they’re expensive.

Even if the job is profitable overall, unbudgeted costs in the early phases can quickly erode working capital. Without a buffer, you may need to slow down work, push out payments, or borrow to get across the finish line. And when one job gets out of sync, it often throws off your next one, too.

The Importance of Cash Flow Planning

Cash flow planning provides small builders a way to get ahead. It involves forecasting how much cash is coming in and going out over a specified period for your business, such as week by week, month by month, or project by project.  For small builders, it can mean the difference between avoiding last-minute scrambles, strategically timing payments, and being prepared to make informed decisions on new work.

“A lack of cash flow can create immense problems,” noted Yoho.

Cash flow is to finances what a schedule is to job site harmony. Instead of waiting until money gets tight, you’re proactively planning and making necessary adjustments before cash flow becomes a crunch.

Tools such as Buildxact simplify the process by giving builders a clear, real-time view of where the money’s going—and what’s coming in by connecting project activity and invoices to popular accounting software like Xero or

Strategies for Managing Working Capital

A recent study by Built, cited in Construction Dive, reveals that 65% of subcontractors are more concerned about cash flow than profit. If you’re a small builder, this hits home. Here are steps you can take to regain control:

    1. Forecast with Precision — Utilise job management software, such as Buildxact, to outline upcoming expenses and expected income. Taking a forward-looking perspective allows you to prepare for potential shortfalls before they occur.
    2. Invoice Promptly and Follow Up — Don’t hesitate to send that invoice. Buildxact will trigger reminders, automate emails, and keep the money flowing.
    3. Negotiate Supplier Terms — You might be able to secure 30- or 60-day payment terms from suppliers. This extra breathing room can make a significant difference.
    4. Cut What You Don’t Need — Regularly review subscriptions, tool leases, and job site rentals. Eliminate what isn’t adding value.

With a few smart moves, you can begin planning for growth instead of merely reacting to cash flow problems.

Building a Solid Financial Foundation

Working capital isn’t just an accounting metric—it’s what gives small builders like you room to breathe, grow, and weather the unexpected. When it’s managed well, you can take on new jobs with confidence, pay your team on time, and invest in the future of your business without losing sleep over cash flow gaps.

However, when it’s tight—or worse, ignored—it adds stress to every decision you make, both on and off the jobsite.

The good news? Builders don’t have to go it alone. With thoughtful planning, the right tools, and a proactive mindset, managing working capital becomes part of building a more resilient business.

Start with visibility. Use software like Buildxact to track job costs, invoice faster, and get a real-time handle on your cash position.

Focus on flow. It’s not just about making a profit—it’s about getting paid on time and knowing where your money is going.

In today’s economy, working capital is more than a number. It’s your margin of safety—and your springboard to growth.

Learn More with Buildxact

Buildxact helps build consistent working capital when you estimate accurately using the latest material and labour pricing. Start today with a free trial or demo. Just follow the links and we can show you how easy professional construction management can be!

Understanding Working Capital

Working capital is the cash available to keep your business running day to day. It’s what’s left when you subtract what you owe (like supplier invoices and payroll) from what you own (like cash in the bank and unpaid customer invoices).

Working Capital = Current Assets – Current Liabilities

For builders and renovators, it’s the buffer that pays your crew, orders materials and keeps you on track between jobs. Because you often pay upfront for labour and supplies, managing working capital effectively is critical, especially since customer invoice and payment come long after incurring projecet expenses.

Example:

Say you’re working on a kitchen renovation. You order $15,000 in cabinets, pay trades weekly, and don’t see a cent from the homeowner until the job is 80% complete. If you don’t have enough working capital to float those upfront costs, the project could stall despite the overall profit you estimated.

When working capital is strong, you’ve got options and peace of mind. When it’s tight, one delayed payment can throw your whole schedule—and stress level—off balance.

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How building pros use cost-plus contracts in uncertain markets https://www.buildxact.com/au/blog/cost-plus-contracts/ https://www.buildxact.com/au/blog/cost-plus-contracts/#respond Thu, 10 Apr 2025 19:14:49 +0000 https://www.buildxact.com/us/?p=26453 For many, cost-plus contracts lie outside the norm. Learn how they can help home builders as costs rise and supply-chain hiccups persist.

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Navigating economic uncertainty isn’t new to the home construction industry. Just five years ago, during the pandemic, builders contended with supply chain constraints and keeping crews safe on the job site. Today, amid rising home prices, low inventory, labor shortages and tariffs, builders find it hard to be optimistic.

“Builders continue to face elevated building material costs exacerbated by tariff issues, as well as other supply-side challenges that include labor and lot shortages,” said Buddy Hughes, NAHB Chairman.

This new reality highlights the urgency to pivot from the norm, particularly for builders developing home-building contracts. As costs rise and supply-chain hiccups persist, traditional agreements may fail to address unpredictable variables. Staying afloat and thriving in a turbulent market can be tricky as these challenges mount.

A cost-plus contract is a strategy to consider. Cost-plus contracts provide flexibility for your business and enable you to navigate economic uncertainty while maintaining customer transparency.

Let’s examine cost impacts

Understanding the cost impacts in an uncertain market can be challenging. Material costs and labor shortages associated with a contract-price contract can strain your profit margins and potentially jeopardize project timelines and customer trust.

We’re examining the cost impacts and how to boost profits for small builders.

Rising Material Costs: Leaders of global markets are discussing import tariffs that could impact lumber and steel, with the U.S. focused on tariffs primarily from Mexico, Canada and China. Tariffs on building imports make it increasingly challenging to predict project costs accurately. According to NAHB members, the tariffs will increase material costs in the U.S. from $7,500 to $10,000.

Labor Market Volatility: Labor shortages have plagued the industry for the last two decades and will persist. Skilled workers have been in short supply as demand for housing continues to rise. Couple this with the workforce aging, and we are experiencing the perfect storm — increased labor costs and longer project timelines.

Tie to Contract-Price Risks: Contract-price contracts have been standard in the industry, but they can become a liability in today’s unpredictable economic climate. A contract-price contract means that the builder (you) is locked into an agreement and will bear full responsibility for the costs and losses arising from fluctuating material and labor costs. There is zero flexibility — cost overruns or project disputes mean you bear the full responsibility.

How cost-plus contracts work in home construction

A cost-plus contract provides a straightforward model for home construction and an effective pricing strategy for small builders. It guarantees that your customers cover the incurred costs—materials, labor, and other expenses—along with a fee. The fee can either be a contracted amount agreed upon in advance or a percentage calculated based on the total project cost.

For example, let’s use the latest median home price of $357,000 (according to Zillow) to determine how a cost-plus contract pencils out.

Actual costs

  • Materials: $200,000
  • Labor: $120,000
  • Other expenses (permits, utilities, etc.): $10,000
  • Total costs: $330,000
  • Fee
  • Percentage: 8% = $26,400. Total price is $356,400
  • Fee: ~$27,000. The total price is $357,000

As mentioned above, if material prices increase from $7,500 to $10,000 due to tariffs, you will still be compensated and not absorb these unpredictable increases. By displaying the adjustments on itemized invoices, you are being transparent and building trust with your customers.

A percentage—or fee-based structure has its pros and cons. A contract fee offers more predictability, while percentage-based fees provide flexibility and scalability.

Let’s offer some practical tips

Cost-plus contracts help builders navigate economic uncertainty, but not without thoughtful execution. Implementing a cost-plus contract can ensure a smoother experience for you and your customers. Here are four essential tips to assist you in making the most of a cost-plus contract.

Set Clear Terms: Clearly define what the “plus” means. Is it a contracted fee or a percentage? Consider adding a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) clause. This GMP clause will limit the overall project cost while maintaining flexibility. This approach offers peace of mind for your customers while protecting your margin.

Communicate Early and Often: Be clear on why you’ve implemented a cost-plus contract for your customer’s project. While they may be aware of the tariff situation, they may not understand how this may impact their project and your business. It is a great time to inform them with real-world examples to illustrate how cost-plus contracts adapt to rising lumber prices.

Track Costs Diligently: Now is the time to invest in a reliable real-time system to track expenses. Tools like Buildxact create detailed estimates, manage budgets, and log expenses efficiently. Share updates with your customers so they can see them firsthand, supporting the benefits of cost-plus contracts.

Pair with Technology: Buildxact was founded on the principle of simplification. You can generate precise and detailed estimates for a cost-plus contract and adjust project budgets dynamically as costs fluctuate. At the same time, you’ll enhance your overall efficiency, improve communication, and maintain customer transparency.

Cost-plus contracts offer greater flexibility and transparency, making them well-suited for today’s unpredictable economy. Compared to contract-price contracts, which provide upfront cost certainty for budget-conscious customers, they can strain builders in an unpredictable economy.

Choosing between a contract-price versus a cost-plus contract offers advantages and challenges. In a volatile market, contract-price contracts fall short for builders who face economic uncertainty, unpredictable material costs, and labor shortages.

Cost-plus contracts provide a flexible, transparent and adaptable approach to today’s economic uncertainty. Cost-plus contracts ensure that you can complete projects successfully and within budget.

How Buildxact helps

In an uncertain market, it’s best to communicate clearly to customers about the possibility of price increases. There’s no better way to do this than by using cost-plus contracts.

Buildxact is designed for builders and trades who need help with cost-plus billing. With Buildxact, builders can setup cost-plus once they win the job. They set up cost-plus along with a markup percent before beginning the job. As the builder progresses through the job, customer invoices are generated from the creation of purchase and work orders.

The key to invoicing with cost-plus is the ability to change the markup for individual work orders and purchase orders based on current market conditions. As a job progress over weeks and months, builders find this financial flexibility useful for protecting a job’s profit margin.

Build stronger connections with Buildxact

Buildxact is your secret to beating the competition and staying profitable during uncertain economic times. It is a dependable tool for clear, organized and professional customer billing.

Buildxact is a centralized platform that enables you to share real-time project updates, budgets and schedules with clients, fostering trust while showcasing transparency. To see how cost-plus job management works with Buildxact, start a free trial and experience Buildxact for yourself.

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 Buildxact earns spot on G2’s 2025 Best Software Awards for Australia and New Zealand  https://www.buildxact.com/au/news_media/g2-best-software-2025/ https://www.buildxact.com/au/news_media/g2-best-software-2025/#respond Wed, 05 Mar 2025 15:53:07 +0000 https://www.buildxact.com/au/?post_type=news_media&p=23392 Software user reviews place Buildxact as only residential construction project management software on all G2 best software lists for 2025.

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MELBOURNE, VIC — 5 MARCH 2025Buildxact, a global software as a service company that provides a simple solution for suppliers, residential builders and renovators to better manage and grow their business, has earned a spot on the G2’s 2025 Best Software Awards, placing 34 on the Top 50 in Australia and New Zealand.

A badge displaying Buildxact as a Top 50 in G2’s 2025 software rankingAs the world’s largest and most trusted software marketplace, G2 reaches 100 million buyers annually. Its annual Best Software Awards rank the world’s best software companies and products based on authentic, timely reviews from real users.

“It’s very meaningful to receive an award based on our user reviews,” Marissa Wagner, Buildxact’s CMO said. “At Buildxact, we value that customer success is our success, and nothing validates that we’re delivering on that value than to hear it straight from the voice of our customers. Not only do reviews validate our work is meaningful, but they provide peer evaluation for our new users and give us firsthand insights into where we can continue to develop the product to best serve our builders.”

As a project management software that touches a project from end to end, Buildxact customers use the platform daily and depend on it to run their business from first estimate to final invoice. Buildxact has an average review rating of 4.4 stars out of 5 from dozens of customer reviews.

“Nothing drives us more than being able to provide an exceptional product,” said Steve Yates, Buildxact CEO. “It’s significant to get any feedback from our users, but particularly meaningful to be on this list with companies like Atlassian, Canva and Xero. It’s a bonus that Buildxact is the only construction project management software on this list.”

“The stakes for choosing the right business software are higher than ever,” said Godard Abel, co-founder and CEO at G2. “With over 180,000 software products and services listings and 2.9 million verified user reviews in the G2 marketplace, we’re proud to help companies navigate these critical choices with insights rooted in authentic customer feedback. The 2025 Best Software Award winners represent the very best in the industry, standing out for their exceptional performance and customer satisfaction.”

G2’s 2025 Best Software Awards feature dozens of lists, ranking software vendors and products using G2’s proprietary algorithm based on G2’s verified user reviews and publicly available market presence data. To be eligible for the Best Software Awards, a software company or product must have received at least one approved review during the 2024 calendar year and appear on a G2 Grid®. Scores reflect only data from reviews submitted during this evaluation period.

To learn more, read about G2’s methodology.

About G2

G2 is the world’s largest and most trusted software marketplace. More than 100 million people annually — including employees at all Fortune 500 companies — use G2 to make smarter software decisions based on authentic peer reviews.

About Buildxact

Buildxact gives residential home builders, contractors and suppliers control of their business to get the job done. Using simple features, job estimates take less time and ordering materials is possible 24/7 using integrated supplier price lists. Founded in 2011 in Australia with headquarters in Melbourne, Victoria, Buildxact continues to expand its global presence with customers in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand.

For more information about how builders and suppliers benefit using Buildxact, visit Buildxact.com or follow Buildxact on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. To get started today, Book a Demo with a dedicated team member or try before you buy with a 14-day risk free trial.

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How home builders boost business with a standout website https://www.buildxact.com/au/blog/website-boosts-business/ https://www.buildxact.com/au/blog/website-boosts-business/#respond Fri, 28 Feb 2025 17:53:28 +0000 https://www.buildxact.com/us/?p=25799 A home builder must showcase their work, and a standout website makes it happen. Learn the importance of visuals and compelling stories to engage a prospect.

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Your website is often the first point of contact a potential client has with your business, and first impressions matter. It’s like the front door to your company. A well-designed home builder website says you’re professional, trustworthy and credible. And because first impressions are crucial, a home builder website is the best chance to make a memorable first impression. 

Showcasing work is crucial for small and independent businesses. Potential clients want to see capabilities, and a home builder website does this in an impactful way. Stunning visuals and compelling stories transform a curious visitor into an engaged prospect and, ultimately, a client. It’s not just about having an online presence—it’s about crafting an experience that resonates and inspires and an effective lead generation for builders. 

“Whether a new client hires you or your competitor is often determined by the experience they have exploring your online projects,” said Cindy Bouchard, owner and WordPress Web Designer at Flip Flop Freelance. 

Let’s explore how to create a standout website design for home builders and trades:

Yes, first impressions do matter 

Just as curb appeal is important for a home’s exterior, the first impression you make online is equally vital. It represents your online curb appeal. A well-designed, easy-to-navigate home builder website is visually appealing to attract and retain visitors.

It has an intuitive layout that ensures visitors quickly find the information they need, facilitating a positive user experience. Most importantly, it incorporates engaging content and high-quality imagery that reflects the craftsmanship a quality home builder brings to the table. 

“My web design clients who have put this careful effort into their website have been rewarded tenfold – they’ve attracted the kind of clients and projects they want and grown their business with intention,” said Bouchard. 

For instance, a small lumberyard in the Pacific Northwest supplies and sells premium wood products to customers on the West Coast. The lumberyard’s homepage immediately captures attention by featuring high-profile projects that rotate behind the company brand statement.

As you scroll, it seamlessly showcases what the company is, the products it carries, and the services it offers. It’s a visual demonstration of how a well-crafted website can make a powerful first impression. 

Let’s review essential website elements 

Establishing an online presence extends beyond just the home page. Consider all your efforts to build a project for your customers — a meticulous process of planning and execution.

Because the website acts as your calling card, it, too, deserves the same thoughtful attention to reflect your company’s identity and values. 

Along with visual ‘curb’ appeal, your website requires intuitive navigation and compelling content to create a positive user experience. Here are some essential website elements that every home builder website should consider to stand out and engage with the type of customers that grow your business. 

  • Portfolio—sometimes called a gallery, projects or inspiration, this section is your bread and butter. The portfolio page showcases your best work and demonstrates your capabilities. It is essential to: 
    • Use high-quality images to avoid any pixelation when images don’t meet the high-res quality for online use. 
    • Craft detailed descriptions of each project, highlighting essential features and materials used. 
    • Consider organizing the portfolio page by project type, making it easier for visitors to find what they may be looking for. 
  • Testimonials and case studies—sharing your real experiences with satisfied customers builds credibility and trust and is an essential tactic for home tradie marketing. Feature direct quotes from clients, as well as before and after photos. Take a deeper dive and offer a comprehensive overview, providing objectives, solutions and results in written or video format. 
  • About us—what do you stand for? Why should someone hire you? This is a great way to tell your story and include your personal and company history, your mission and values. If you have a staff—no matter how small—introduce key team members and include photos and brief bios highlighting their experience. You can have some fun with this by showcasing your personality. 
  • Services—this is a chance to showcase your services and explain how you can assist. Provide detailed descriptions and highlight the benefits of your services in a way that assumes your audience may not be familiar with industry jargon. 
  • Contact form—A great way to facilitate lead generation for builders is to add this essential communication form as a small corner pop-up on all pages and a stand-alone page so prospects can add specific details about what they are trying to accomplish. It should be easy to find, simple and clear, and offer a call to action (CTA) like “get a free quote/consultation” or “contact us today.” 
  • Blog—you may or may not be a natural writer, but you are an expert at what you do. A blog is an ideal way to share valuable content and establish yourself as an expert to build the credibility and trust we mentioned earlier. If this is an uncomfortable effort, write down essential points and find a writer or editor willing to work with you to finesse your voice and ghost-write your content. A blog page can improve your website’s optimization (see more on SEO for builders later in this article). 
  • Trust badges—add relevant certifications, industry affiliations/memberships, and accreditations to build credibility and demonstrate your expertise and reliability. 

And now for some SEO best practices 

We touched upon website optimization, which is also known as SEO (Search Engine Optimization). It’s a competitive marketplace and the best way to stand out is to implement an effective SEO for home builders strategy that helps you rank higher on search engine result pages (SERPs). This will make it easier for your ideal clients to find you. 

We’ve provided some examples of effective SEO for home builders: 

  • Keyword research—identifying keywords or phrases that potential clients might be using to find your services, for example: “home builder,” “home renovation service,” or “kitchen renovating near me.” 
  • On-page SEO—using title and header tags and meta descriptions ensures each page has a unique title tag and meta description that includes relevant keywords, and your content has structure helping search engines find your website pages. 
  • Content quality—posting blogs regularly and consider longer-length content, as those longer posts typically perform better in search rankings. For example, this blog post includes keywords, is long, and is (hopefully) clear and engaging. 
  • Local SEO for home builders—create a Google My Business profile with your information, add high-quality images and use local keywords (e.g., “home builders in [city]”). 
  • Backlink building—other small builder digital marketing include writing a blog for an industry partner or association with links to your website, press releases to encourage local media to cover you and collaborations with other businesses to earn backlinks from their websites. 

There are some great tools to help you with SEO for home builders. We’ve made a list below to help aid in your search.

SEO Service
Pros
Cons

Google Keyword Planner

Free, Integrates with Google Ads, Offers keyword search volumes and competitive data 

Limited to Google data, Less detailed than some paid tools 

Surfer SEO 

Content optimization, Keyword research, SERP analysis, User-friendly interface 

Limited backlink analysis, Can be expensive for small businesses 

MOZ 

User-friendly, Keyword research, Site audits, Rank tracking, On-page optimization 

Limited data compared to other options, Can be pricey 

SEMRush 

All-in-one SEO tool, Keyword research, Site audit, Competitor analysis, Content optimization 

Expensive, Can be overwhelming with many features 

Other engaging content strategies to consider

High-quality images, videos, and educational blog posts are crucial for building trust with potential clients and lead generation for builders. 

High-quality images create immediate visual impact and capture the essence and detail of your craftsmanship. Videos bring your projects to life, offering immersive experiences like virtual tours and client stories. Educational blog posts establish you as an industry expert, sharing valuable insights and tips. 

Together, these elements — part of your small builder digital marketing program — create a rich and engaging online presence that showcases your expertise and dedication to quality. This helps you build strong connections with your audience. 

Don’t forget user experience with mobile devices 

A seamless user experience on all devices could make or break the conversion of a visitor into a client. A responsive design ensures that your website adjusts to different screen sizes for a consistent experience and great lead generation for trades. Ensure your website offers easy and intuitive navigation, an engaging design, fast loading speeds, and clear calls to action on desktop, tablet and mobile devices. 

Closing with lead generation and conversion tactics 

Make lead generation for builders easy by offering simple lead-generation options for your website visitors.

Place a prominent CTA button on the homepage with a compelling offer or a lead capture form asking for basic information like their name, email, phone number, and a brief description of what they want to accomplish.

As part of your content strategy, offer a free downloadable guide that adds value and encourages visitors to provide their details, like “Top 10 Tips for Building an Outdoor Oasis.” Once visitors have engaged and offered their information, you must follow up — via an automated thank you and a personal phone call — to convert them from visitors to clients. 

Are you ready to elevate your online presence? Take the first step by auditing your home builder website and implementing our outlined strategies. Whether you’re enhancing SEO for home builders, optimizing user experience using SEO for home builders, or creating engaging content, following these vital steps for attracting and converting potential clients. 

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Construction punch lists: an overview for home builders https://www.buildxact.com/au/blog/construction-punch-list/ https://www.buildxact.com/au/blog/construction-punch-list/#respond Sun, 12 Jan 2025 17:47:17 +0000 https://www.buildxact.com/us/?p=24233 Learn how a proper punch list is key to concluding any successful home construction project.

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Let’s introduce the punch list process

Home construction projects consist of many phases and the complexity of each varies dramatically with the house design and size. That said, no project of any size is complete without the tried-and-true punch list.

A punch list is key to concluding any successful home construction project because it ensures homeowner satisfaction with the final result and final payment. It ensures the new home, or newly renovated space, does not come with defects, missing features and incomplete or incorrect installations.

Punch lists sometimes are generated and completed in multiple steps with the input of the original designer or architect of the home to ensure every room meets original specifications. No matter the case, effective communication and management is required to complete all work identified by punch lists.

The best punch lists are comprehensive, covering everything from small scratches in recently installed or existing finishes, to potentially larger issues, like adjusting the height of storage cabinets or installing the correct kitchen appliance 

Larger work identified by punch lists represents new project phases that require change orders to handle the estimating, scheduling, budgeting and completion of rework.

Because punch lists can tie closely with estimating, change orders and invoicing, it’s key to have punch list management as part of a larger platform of construction management tools.

The punch list process in home construction

Punch lists are an essential part of the construction process and are usually created at the final stage of a project. The process starts with an initial walkthrough, during which the project manager, general contractor and client inspect the site and identify incomplete or faulty items. Then, an itemized document, or punch list, details the tasks to be addressed before the project is considered complete.

Every item on the construction punch list must be thoroughly documented, including the location, specific issue, and any relevant details. Proper and detailed documentation helps avoid confusion and ensures that each task is added correctly

Team members are assigned responsibilities and deadlines for each task to ensure that all the punch list items are resolved on time for the final inspection and sign-off.

Let’s overview the punch list process

The construction punch list process involves essential steps to ensure all tasks are completed and the project meets quality standards.

  • initial walkthrough – inspect and identify incomplete or faulty items.
  • create the punch list – compile a list of tasks to be addressed. This critical stage of developing the punch list items must be thoroughly documented to avoid confusion.
  • assign responsibilities – assign items to team members responsible for fixing the punch list items. Keep the client involved throughout the punch list process to alleviate any concerns.
  • set deadlines – establish deadlines for completing each task for a timely resolution.
  • track progress – regular updates and monitoring to track the progress of each item on the punch list checklist.
  • final inspection – once all the tasks are on the construction punch list, a final inspection will verify that all issues have been resolved.
  • sign-off – the project manager, general contractor and client sign off on the completed work, officially ending the project.

Punch lists can present an administrative nightmare for office staff and onsite team members if not managed correctly. So let’s quickly walk through how to avoid common pitfalls. 

First things first: estimate your construction project correctly

The very first thing to consider is the time involved in creating punch lists and resolving the issues they will raise. The larger the home project, the greater the time involved; so be sure to estimate time and materials involved with a punch list and that it’s part of your original project estimate.

To estimate punch lists correctly, successful home builders use construction management software to create complete project estimates and schedules. These are typically based off templates created from their most successful projects.

As the software repeatedly tracks actual time and expense against estimates of these factors, the project and punch list templates become more consistent and accurate with each and every project.

This is important in an economic environment where materials and labor prices can increase over time. Writing estimates in a consistent manner ensures pricing trends can be followed and the right amount of labor is given to each project phase.

Construction management software provides a way to achieve this consistency and enables the builder to continuously improve their project management process — a process that must ensure the right amount of time and material for punch list completion.

Get the punch list details right

The best construction management software allows for the creation of a punch list filled with tasks or to-dos that can be assigned to specific team members or contractors working a specific project using clear descriptions of:

  • what’s needing to be done

  • who’s doing the work (i.e. the person responsible)

  • when the work needs to be done

  • and the correct order or priority.

Useful construction management software also does a stellar job of communicating both to the site crew and the office staff when items on the punch list are complete. Using today’s mobile software this can be done quickly and easily from the job site.

Communicate punch list items clearly

In addition to the details listed above, a rock-solid project punch list allows for the addition of notes both by the person who assigned the items on the list and the contractor or team that does the actual work.

Clear communication and mutual understanding within an online To Do List that can be shared to onsite team members via mobile devices allow for a central point of coordination. This translates technical concerns into actionable steps to resolve the defects and missing features that make up the punch list.

The punch list walkthrough in home construction and renovation projects begins with the home builder who leads the process using their expertise to identify outstanding tasks and flaws in quality and workmanship. 

Many home builders create weekly To-Do Lists to address these issues using what are called rolling punch lists.

Of course, whatever the process, the goal is to refine building processes so that a home construction project team achieves as close to a zero punch list as possible. A zero punch list has no items needing attention.

Subcontractors zero out a punch list by performing work on the specific items within their areas of expertise, such as plumbing, electrical, or carpentry. They ensure that the work meets both industry standards, local code and homeowner expectations regarding aesthetics, functionality and any personal preferences.

During a final walkthrough, home builders explain how the home was finished and demonstrate how major systems, like HVAC, function. This helps homeowners feel confident about the final result.

Meanwhile, homeowners have the opportunity to voice any concerns or request clarifications, fostering a sense of shared ownership in the project’s completion. 

Using Buildxact list building

Buildxact allows builders to create to-do lists based on key points, like item priority, status and available team members.

A conceptual view of how Buildxact users write To-Do Lists using software.

And with Buildxact, these lists connect with Buildxact’s mobile app Onsite. With Onsite, contractors can communicate list updates back to the office using their mobile phone.

A view of a builder’s To-Do List using Onsite

Connecting the administrative office with your team at the job site in this way means you never miss a beat. Buildxact Onsite with list integration allows you to manage the details of your projects from your mobile device, tablet, laptop or desktop.

Whether on the job site or in the office, view construction projects, follow their progress on both small fixes and large, and communicate with your construction contractors and team members.

Ready to start with Buildxact?

Do yourself a favor and contact our friendly team at Buildxact and book a demo or get your 14-day free trial of our estimating and construction management software. Let us do what we do best, give you back your free time.

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