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Projects & Tasks

Setup for Construction Companies

Manage construction projects, materials, crews, and job costing.

Intermediate18 min9 Steps

0 of 9 steps completed (0%)

Prerequisites

  • Business account created
  • Project list ready
  • Crew members added

Set Business Type to Construction

Select "Construction" as your business type in Settings. This enables construction-specific features: Job costing and estimates, Material tracking, Equipment management, Crew scheduling, Progress photos, Change orders, Subcontractor management. The interface optimizes for construction workflows.

Pro Tips

  • Construction mode includes specialized reporting

Create Construction Projects

Set up projects for each job: Project name and location/address, Client or general contractor, Project type (residential, commercial, renovation, etc.), Start and end dates, Total contract value, Payment schedule (milestones or progress billing). Detailed project records ensure organized job management.

Pro Tips

  • Use consistent naming (Client - Address)
  • Attach contracts and plans to projects

Build Detailed Estimates

Create accurate estimates with line-item breakdowns: Labor costs by trade and hours, Material costs by category, Equipment rental costs, Subcontractor bids, Overhead allocation, Profit margin. Estimate templates speed up bidding. Convert approved estimates to projects instantly.

Pro Tips

  • Include buffer for contingencies
  • Track estimate vs. actual costs
  • Save templates for similar jobs

Track Materials and Inventory

Manage construction materials efficiently: Create material lists for each project, Track material purchases and deliveries, Link receipts to projects, Monitor material usage vs. budget, Manage inventory of common materials, Generate reorder lists. Material tracking prevents cost overruns.

Pro Tips

  • Photograph delivery receipts
  • Assign materials to projects immediately
  • Track waste and returns

Schedule Crews and Labor

Coordinate your workforce across jobs: Assign crew members to projects, Schedule by day or week, Track hours worked per project, Monitor labor budget vs. actual, Account for different pay rates, Track overtime and benefits. Efficient scheduling maximizes productivity.

Pro Tips

  • Plan for weather delays
  • Avoid overscheduling crews
  • Track travel time separately

Manage Subcontractors

Coordinate with subs and track their work: Add subcontractor profiles with contact info, Create subcontracts with scope and pricing, Assign subs to specific projects or phases, Track sub progress and payments, Generate subcontractor invoices, Collect required insurance and licenses. Subcontractor management ensures quality and compliance.

Important Warnings

  • Verify insurance before work begins
  • Use written contracts always
  • Track lien waiver exchanges

Document Progress with Photos

Create visual project records: Upload progress photos by date and phase, Tag photos with location and description, Share photos with clients and stakeholders, Create before/after comparisons, Document completed work for warranty records. Photos protect you and impress clients.

Pro Tips

  • Take photos at each phase
  • Include photos in client updates
  • Store photos long-term for reference

Handle Change Orders

Manage scope changes professionally: Create change order requests with description and pricing, Get client approval before proceeding, Update project budget and timeline, Track change order impact on profitability, Document all changes in writing. Proper change order process prevents disputes.

Pro Tips

  • Price changes fairly but account for disruption
  • Get written approval always
  • Update schedule when scope changes

Track Job Costing

Monitor project profitability in real-time: See labor costs vs. budget by trade, Track material spending by category, Monitor equipment and subcontractor costs, Calculate gross margin and net profit, Identify cost overruns early, Compare estimated vs. actual costs. Job costing enables profitable growth.

Pro Tips

  • Review job costs weekly
  • Address overruns immediately
  • Use insights to improve future estimates

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