Best construction apps at a glance
1. Time tracking apps: ClockShark, QuickBooks Time
2. Mileage tracking apps: Driversnote, MileIQ
3. Measurement and takeoff apps: Leica DISTO Plan, Magicplan, ViSoft Smart
4. Calculation apps: Construction Master Pro, BuildCalc
5. Weather apps: Met Office Weather App, RainViewer
6. PDF scanning apps: CamScanner, Genius Scan, Docutain
7. Site organisation app: BauMaster
Get to know our construction management software
1 – Construction apps for time tracking
Manual time tracking can be a major drain on valuable working hours – especially on busy construction sites. A time tracking app simplifies this process by allowing working hours to be recorded quickly and accurately via smartphone or site terminal. If you are introducing digital tools, a construction mobile app for time tracking is often the best place to start.
ClockShark
ClockShark is a time tracking and scheduling app designed specifically for construction and field service businesses. Employees clock in and out using their smartphones, with optional GPS location tracking. Working hours are assigned directly to jobs and projects, giving site managers full visibility of labour costs.
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QuickBooks Time
QuickBooks Time is a popular time tracking solution widely used by construction companies. It integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting software, making it particularly suitable for businesses that want to link recorded working hours directly to payroll, invoicing and cost control.
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2 – Construction apps for digital mileage logs
Managing journeys to and from construction sites is another key organisational task. A digital mileage log makes this process fast and easy: Instead of handwritten notes, journeys are logged automatically via GPS or entered manually using a mobile device. Below are two construction-friendly and HMRC-compliant solutions:
Driversnote
Driversnote is one of the most widely used mileage tracking apps in the UK. Journeys are recorded automatically via GPS or added manually, then categorised as business or private. Reports can be generated in a format that is compliant with HMRC guidelines.
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MileIQ
MileIQ is a popular mileage tracking app used internationally. The app automatically detects drives and allows users to classify trips with a simple swipe. Mileage data can then be exported for expense claims or tax reporting.
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3 – Measurement and takeoff apps
Measurement and takeoff apps are valuable tools for everyone involved in construction projects. Data is captured directly on site and transferred without manual re-entry, ensuring accuracy. When combined with laser measuring devices, measurements become even more precise and can be used immediately for drawings, calculations, or client presentations.
Leica DISTO Plan
If you already work with Leica laser measuring devices, using the corresponding construction app is highly recommended: Leica DISTO Plan is designed to work seamlessly with Leica laser distance meters. Measured distances are transferred directly into the app, where floor plans and sketches can be created and exported.
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Magicplan
Magicplan enables users to create floor plans from manual measurements, laser devices or photos. This makes the construction app particularly useful for early planning phases and client presentations.
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ViSoft Smart
ViSoft Smart can be used to create floor plans and basic 3D room visualisations directly on site. The app is compatible with laser measuring devices from various manufacturers and is often used to give clients an initial impression of layouts or design options.
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4 – Calculation apps for construction sites
Accurate calculations are a daily requirement on construction sites. Construction apps help reduce errors and support quick decision-making. The following tools are widely used for quick checks and calculations during day-to-day work.
Construction Master Pro
Construction Master Pro is the mobile app version of the well-known Construction Master® calculators. The app is designed specifically for construction-related calculations such as lengths, areas, volumes, roof pitch, stairs, and angles.
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BuildCalc
BuildCalc is commonly used for calculations directly on site, particularly where simple dimensions, angles, or material quantities need to be checked quickly. The app focuses on ease of use and speed, making it a good complement to more comprehensive calculation tools.
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5 – Weather apps for construction sites
Weather conditions should never be underestimated, as temperature, rainfall and other factors have a direct impact on daily work planning. While basic weather apps are often pre-installed on smartphones, specialised weather apps provide much more detailed information.
Met Office Weather App
The Met Office Weather App is the official weather service of the UK and one of the most trusted sources for accurate forecasts. It provides detailed weather data, warnings for severe conditions, and location-based forecasts.
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RainViewer
RainViewer is a weather app that focuses on real-time rainfall tracking. Using interactive radar maps, users can monitor precipitation movements in detail and receive alerts before rain reaches the construction site. This makes short-term planning far more reliable.
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For fast and reliable documentation of weather conditions in site diaries or daily construction logs, the BauMaster construction management app includes an integrated weather feature. Weather data for the stored project location is automatically added to reports and logs.
6 – PDF scanning apps for construction
Plans, reports, delivery notes, invoices and signed records are often exchanged between project team members as PDFs. However, many documents are still brought to site in paper form. A construction app for PDF scanning allows site teams to digitise these documents on site and store them securely.
CamScanner
CamScanner allows a wide range of documents – such as invoices, site reports, handwritten notes or contracts – to be scanned and converted into PDF files using a smartphone camera. The app automatically enhances image quality to improve readability.
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Genius Scan
Genius Scan is a reliable mobile scanning app that helps digitise paper documents on site. Pages are detected and cropped automatically, while distortion correction and filters ensure scan quality comparable to a traditional office scanner.
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Docutain
Docutain combines high-quality document scanning with document management features. Users can scan, edit, organise and share documents such as site records, invoices, or contracts. Originally developed in Germany, the app is now available internationally.
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7 – Site organisation with a construction app
As projects become more complex and documentation requirements increase, relying on paper files, emails and isolated tools quickly leads to inefficiencies and misunderstandings. A comprehensive construction app that combines documentation, communication, and planning in one system helps keep projects under control.
BauMaster is a construction management app designed to support site managers, contractors, and project teams in their daily work. The benefits become particularly clear in three areas:
Complete and traceable documentation
All documents, plans, photos, and records are stored securely in a digital construction file, organised by construction project. Site teams can access all relevant information directly via smartphone or tablet, eliminating the need for paper folders and reducing the risk of missing or outdated documents. Information can be retrieved quickly and reliably anytime.
Transparent communication across all trades
All communication with subcontractors, consultants, and other project partners takes place within the app. Meeting minutes, snag lists, reports, and comments are recorded on site and shared with the relevant parties. This ensures that everyone involved is working with the same information.
Clear overview and control
Dashboards and structured reports provide a constant overview of project status. Deadlines, open tasks and completed activities are visible at a glance, allowing site managers to react early and keep projects on track. This is particularly valuable when overseeing several construction sites in parallel.
Construction apps as everyday helpers on site
As this guide shows, there is a wide range of construction apps that can support daily work on site – from time tracking and mileage logs to measurement, calculations, document scanning and full site organisation. Which construction apps are truly useful ultimately depends on your role, project size, and day-to-day requirements. What matters most is choosing tools that fit naturally into your existing workflows.
FAQ: Construction apps
What is the best construction app?
There is no single best construction app for every situation. The right choice depends on the requirements of your construction business and the tasks you want to support. It is often useful to test several construction apps. Many paid apps offer free trial periods.
Can construction apps help manage site teams and subcontractors?
Yes. Many construction apps – such as BauMaster – support centralised communication, task management and documentation. By working with shared plans, task lists and site records, coordination between project members becomes significantly easier and more transparent.
How secure is my data when using construction apps?
Professional construction app providers place a strong emphasis on data security and typically use encryption and secure cloud infrastructures. Nevertheless, it is important to review the data protection and security policies of each app and follow general IT security best practices, such as keeping mobile devices and apps up to date.
