Contractors: Apps for Project Management?

Question

Hi y'all!

For those of you who are contractors working on your own flips, how do you manage the projects? Can any of you recommend software or apps that you can't live without?

Thanks!

Nick Baldo · Answer

Hey @Stephanie Jacobson, thanks for the kind words.

I think Google Suite will certainly help form the foundation of a streamlined operating process. Here is a quick list of super useful functionality that you'll have right off the bat:

• Gmail
• Calendar
• Photos - Create and share albums of your projects. Auto-sync w/ your phone to save device space
• Drive (Docs, Sheets, Slides & File Storage) - Potentially the most used function in my business. Set up folders for each project. Make it a standard to keep all documents electronically. Share folders and files as needed. Everything is in the cloud...accessible anytime, anywhere
• Sites - Keep an internal "Intranet". Post project updates, provide access to subs, partners, vendors, investors, etc.

Trello is a nice product. Asana is another that I use and really like. These products will help you with basic task management at the project level. However, they don't quite have the comprehensive scheduling/ resource tracking that you need when managing full-scale rehabs.

Podio is a good option to get started. You can setup your apps to fit your business. E.g. A "vendors" app to store your contractors, a "Projects" app to store your projects and a "Deliverables" app to track everything you need to get done.

Since you mentioned that you own a renovation company...I need to mention both BuilderTrend and CoConstruct (I also own a high-end home remodeling company). These products, while expensive, are built specifically for our industry...and they are amazing! While generic project mgmt products can be twisted and customized to do what you need, they do not understand/ account for the specific requirements of our industry. The two products mentioned above were built by remodelers for remodelers.

Personally, I use CoConstruct and cannot live without it. It is the perfect marriage of Estimating, Scheduling, Vendor Mgmt, Client Mgmt, Team Mgmt (Time Tracking w/ GPS support), etc.

Let me know if you would like to set up some time to discuss any of the above. Also, we're not too far! I live in Rochester and my businesses all operate in Buffalo.

Talk soon!

Steven Gesis · Answer

G Suite  - a notebook, a badass surface laptop and lots of hope :) No just kidding, just plan well, make a detailed materisl list and go for it

Patrick Jackson · Answer

All these systems are useless unless you build a workflow that you understand and that fits into your business model.  i suggest taking it step by step and incorporate these items as you gain small successes going forward.  That way you can scale up as needed.  I work with a contractor that was going crazy managing 17 rehabs at the same time.  Now his goal is to rehab 120 properties in 2018!  30 a quarter.  BTW I was born in Rochester but now live in Florida!

Stephanie Jacobson · Answer

@Ola Dantis and @Nick Baldo, thanks so much! Nick, your website looks fantastic. I can't wait to read more about it and get into the blog! And I have a bunch of clients here in Binghamton who could really use your service.

I think the issue is less about managing multiple flips at this point (though we'll have that happy problem very soon), but more about the actual project management at a ground level; managing sub-contractors and renovation. We have been doing a lot of the work ourselves, and are growing faster than we can manage! We own a renovation company, but doing an entire house in three months is different than creating one amazing kitchen. Suddenly we have multiple subs and a lot of work. We're using Trello to keep track of tasks and timing, but it's getting to be a lot! Maybe the Google Suite would be better, as you suggested?

Ola Dantis · Answer

@Stephanie Jacobson Hey Stephanie, I think it depends on how many projects you are doing.

For example, if you are doing say a few projects/year, then Google Apps for business will suffice.

On the other hand, if you have 5 flips going on simultaneously, then you want to deploy software such as Podio or BaseCamp.

Hope this helps. Good luck. Thanks! - Ola

Stephanie Jacobson · Answer

Thank you all so much! I greatly appreciate the advice and resources. Keep me updated if you ever come across anything else, too!

Nick Baldo · Answer

Thanks @Ola Dantis! I would certainly agree that I cannot live without G-Suite! It is the backbone of each of my businesses!

Also, products like Podio can be quite powerful. Happy to answer any specific questions you have @Stephanie Jacobson

Ola Dantis · Answer

@Stephanie Jacobson Pretty the full G-Suite package, so docs, sheet, and calendar. Mainly you will be using sheets the most.

@Nick Baldo website:  www.incomedigs.com has a ton of really cool resources.

Hope this helps Stephanie. Thanks! - Ola

Stephanie Jacobson · Answer

Thanks @Ola Dantis! What kind of google apps would you recommend? Like google docs and calendar?

Contractors: Apps for Project Management?

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