Business - 9 min read
Tradies have it tough, so it really pays to have every bit of assistance at your fingertips. Mobile phone apps are becoming smarter and more useful to tradespeople of all descriptions, meaning some of your most valuable tools can be in your pocket.
Below we explore the top 10 apps for tradies and outline how they can help you boost efficiency:
For subcontractors seeking work or general contractors needing a helping hand, the online community of qualified tradespeople, Home Improvement Pages (hipages) is a one-stop-shop.
hipages allows you to view jobs posted by ordinary Australians, list your business with a customisable profile, and send quotes to customers easily. Managing projects, collecting payment and receiving job notifications is all made simple with the easy to use app.
Get it on your iOS device here.
Get it on your Android device here.
Paper is a great tool for documenting sketches, diagrams, images and general notes on the go. The checklist function will a ppeal to project managers needing quick reminders, and ordinary tradies dealing with suppliers.
The app also allows you to spotlight details in photos, so should any design inspiration strike, “put it on Paper.”
Get it on your iOS device here.
Houzz is a free database app which is fast becoming a hub for sharing ideas about home renovation and design. It also connects homeowners to local tradies and other experts where they can request opinions and quotes. This means that there’s a huge amount of potential customers out there that you can take advantage of.
Get it on your iOS device here.
Get it on your Android device here.
If you’re facing looming deadlines and have all hands on deck as it is, finding quick help may be required. Airtasker allows you to put the call out for all manner of jobs, whether it be simple cleaning or painting a room.
With 400,000 active members and generating $43 million worth of paid jobs annually, Airtasker is the biggest open sourced marketplace of diverse professionals.
Get it on your iOS device here.
Get it on your Android device here.
Touted as the prettiest and handiest carpenter tool kit available, iHandy Carpenter has five important functions.
The plumb bob level will help you verify vertical lines or walls; the surface level and the bubble level bar will ensure you’re working on a flat and level plane; the ruler will measure whatever you need, in inches or centimetres; and the protractor will help you measure angles up to 180 degrees in a flash.
iHandy Carpenter will set you back $2.99.
Get it on your iOS device here.
You don’t always have a torch on you, but now you can.
This free app will let you see right into all those nooks and crannies with ease. It also offers a strobe option with a blinking function that can be adjusted to your desired speed.
Get it on your Android device here.
Studies show that over 90% of communication isn’t about the words we use; it’s our tone of voice (38%) and our body language (55%).
This means a text message or an email won’t carry the same weight as a proper interaction and may be misunderstood. And this can be costly.
Whether you’re chasing troublesome subcontractors or just checking in on a project, sometimes a text message can fall flat.
Get it on your iOS device here.
Get it on your Android device here. 
Xero has become the go-to accounting app for Australian small businesses, and for good reason. Users can access automated bank feeds, payroll, online invoicing, and easy to understand real-time financial data, and also customise their interface with hundreds of additional add-on features.
Xero seamlessly integrates with our powerful estimating software, Cubit, allowing you to import account codes and transfer finalised estimates for accounting purposes.
Get it on your iOS device here.
Get it on your Android device here.
An obvious addition to this list, but one that is a must for all tradies on the move. After all, tradies aren’t blessed with having an office to which they go everyday. Instead, you may be required to travel to a different part of the state every few weeks. This means you’ve got to know how to get there and get home.
Google Maps is the free navigation app with the best reviews. It’ll make sure you get to your job faster with real-time traffic updates, as well as help you discover places to eat or hang out after a long day.
It’s also supported by GPS, meaning you can access maps even if you don’t have internet coverage.
Get it on your iOS device here.
Get it on your Android device here.
Wrangling the everyday tasks of everyone on a building site is a fine art. Knowing what work needs to be done, who’s working on it and when is the key to completing the job on time and on budget.
Asana is a free app and is great for project management. It allows you to set tasks and priorities and get updates at certain times from various jobs. It also has a feedback service and a channel for communicating with different teams.
Get it on your iOS device here.
Get it on your Android device here.Working in the trades can be difficult, but by using the best technology available like these helpful apps, life can be made much easier.
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