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buildup

Jun 20
0

The Future Is Worn

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How Smart Tools & Wearable Tech Are Transforming Jobsites

The construction industry is entering a new era where hammers and hard hats are now joined by smart sensors, connected tools, and wearable technology. These innovations aren’t just flashy gadgets either, they’re solving real jobsite challenges in safety, productivity, and data accuracy.

Wearable tech (think smart helmets, AR glasses, and sensor-equipped vests) are giving workers real-time access to project data without leaving the field, empowering frontline teams to make smarter decisions across jobsites.

Meanwhile, connected tools and equipment equipped with IoT (Internet of Things) sensors are changing how project managers monitor progress and detect maintenance needs before downtime hits. Paired alongside digital workflows and project management apps like Buildup, smart tools are helping create more predictable, data-driven construction environments.

As smart tech continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the future of construction is hands-on and high-tech. Technology on jobsites isn’t about replacing workers, it’s about augmenting and expanding their capabilities. Construction professionals embracing these tools are positioning themselves for greater efficiency and safer worksites in the long run.

May 28
0

Building Stronger Foundations

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Navigating Supply Chain Disruptions in Construction

The construction industry has always faced its share of challenges, but recent years have cast a harsh spotlight on a critical vulnerability: the supply chain. From material shortages and price volatility to logistical bottlenecks, disruptions are no longer anomalies but a persistent reality that need to be planned for. For construction procurement, simply reacting isn’t enough; building resilience is paramount.

Navigating this complex landscape requires a strategic shift from traditional, cost-centric procurement to a more agile and proactive approach. Here’s what that shift looks like:

Enhanced Visibility and Data-Driven Insights: You can’t manage what you can’t see. Implementing robust supply chain visibility tools allows companies to track materials from source to site, anticipate potential delays, and identify alternative suppliers before a crisis hits. Leveraging data analytics helps predict future disruptions based on historical trends and global events.

Diversification of Suppliers and Geographies: Over-reliance on a single supplier or region is a significant risk. Cultivating relationships with multiple vendors, including local and regional options, helps mitigate the impact of disruptions in one area. This doesn’t mean sacrificing cost-effectiveness, but rather strategically balancing it with redundancies and backup plans.

Collaborative Partnerships with Key Stakeholders: Strong relationships with suppliers, subcontractors, and even clients are crucial. Open communication channels, shared risk assessments, and long-term agreements can foster trust and ensure prioritization during times of scarcity. Exploring concepts like early contractor involvement (ECI) can also integrate supply chain considerations earlier in the project lifecycle.

Strategic Inventory Management and Buffers: While lean principles are valuable, a “just-in-time” approach can be disastrous during disruptions. Implementing strategic buffers for critical, long-lead-time, or high-risk materials can provide a crucial cushion. This requires careful analysis and planning to avoid excessive carrying costs and inventory.

Embracing Digital Procurement and Automation: Automating procurement processes, from order placement to payment, reduces manual errors and frees up teams to focus on strategic tasks. Digital platforms can also facilitate quicker communication with suppliers and provide real-time updates on order status.

The goal isn’t to eliminate all supply chain disruptions – that’s an unrealistic expectation. Instead, it’s about building an adaptable and robust procurement framework that can absorb shocks, minimize their impact, and ensure projects stay on track. By focusing on visibility, diversification, collaboration, strategic inventory, and digital tools, construction companies can transform supply chain vulnerabilities into competitive strengths.

May 09
0

How 3D Printing Is Redefining the Construction Industry

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3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s an active force reshaping how we design, build, and think about the built environment—one layer at a time. With the global push toward automation, sustainability, and cost-efficiency, 3D printing in construction is rapidly moving from novelty to necessity.

Using traditional methods, building a home or office complex can take months—sometimes years. But with large-scale 3D printers, entire structures can be printed in days using specially formulated concrete or composite materials. These printers operate by depositing material layer-by-layer, following a digital blueprint with extreme precision.

Why 3D Printing Matters for the Future of Construction

The impact of 3D printing technology in construction is multifaceted. Here’s why the industry is taking notice:

Speed and Efficiency
With 3D printing, structures can be built significantly faster than with conventional methods. Reduced manual labor, fewer supply chain dependencies, and 24/7 operability make it a time-saver—especially critical in post-disaster or remote-area housing.

Cost Reduction
By minimizing material waste and reducing labor costs, 3D printed construction can lower the overall expense of building projects. For affordable housing initiatives, this could be a game-changer.

Design Freedom
Architects and engineers are no longer confined by the limitations of traditional building materials. 3D printing allows for more complex geometries, enabling the creation of previously unbuildable designs.

Sustainability
A lot of 3D printing technologies utilize locally sourced or recycled materials. Reduced transportation emissions, minimal waste, and the potential integration of smart building features make this a more eco-conscious option.

Labor and Safety Benefits
With ongoing labor shortages in construction, automation provides a practical solution. At the same time, automated building processes reduce worker exposure to hazardous conditions on-site.

What’s Next?

As construction innovation accelerates, we can expect an increase in hybrid models—where 3D printing complements traditional building methods. Integration with robotics, AI, and BIM (Building Information Modeling) will create a more connected, data-driven construction ecosystem.

As the industry evolves, embracing construction technology like 3D printing isn’t just about staying ahead—it’s about building smarter, faster, and more sustainably. For stakeholders across the value chain—from architects and engineers to developers and city planners—now is the time to explore how additive manufacturing can unlock new value for your business.

Apr 02
0

Building a Tech-Savvy Construction Company Culture: Boost Efficiency & Innovation

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Are you and your team struggling to integrate technology into your construction projects? The solution isn’t just new software, it’s building a company culture that understands the benefits of new tech and thrives on digitization and innovation. But simply implementing new tools isn’t enough. You need to cultivate a tech-savvy construction company culture to fully unlock the benefits of digitization. This involves more than just training – it’s about fostering an environment where innovation is encouraged, and technology is seen as a powerful asset, not a burden. This transformative process, while requiring dedication, can be achieved through a few key strategies.

Key Strategies to Build a Tech-Savvy Culture:

Lead by Example: Top-down buy-in is crucial. Demonstrate your commitment to construction technology by actively using or exploring new tools and encouraging your team to do the same. Show them how technology streamlines construction project management and improves efficiency.

Provide Ongoing Training & Support: Don’t just dump new software on your team. Offer comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure everyone feels comfortable and confident using the technology. Implementing changes and new processes can leave some people feeling overwhelmed, so make it clear that questions are encouraged and that learning is a continuous process.

Encourage Experimentation & Feedback: Create a safe space for your team to experiment with new technologies, ask questions, and provide feedback. Encourage them to share their ideas for how technology and other new advancements can improve current processes on-site and solve problems for your team. This fosters a culture of innovation and inclusion, and empowers your team to take ownership.

Highlight Success Stories: Celebrate your team’s successes with technology. Share examples of how technology has improved project outcomes, saved time, or reduced costs. This reinforces the value of technology and motivates others to embrace it. Emphasize how BIM technology, drone technology, or other innovations in the industry have made a positive impact and be sure to highlight team members for their contributions to advancing innovation.

Building a tech-savvy construction culture is an investment in your company’s future. It’s about empowering your team to work smarter, not harder, and positioning your business for long-term success in the era of digital construction. By fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning, you’ll not only enhance efficiency and productivity but also attract and retain more top talent.

Ready to see how Buildup can revolutionize your projects and transform your construction company with cutting-edge technology? Request a Demo today and discover the future of construction management.

Mar 06
0

Building Harmony: Aligning Subs and Contractors On-Site for Project Success

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Construction sites are a dynamic ecosystem of skilled tradespeople, heavy machinery, and tightly scheduled tasks. It’s also a place where the success of a project hinges on the seamless collaboration between general contractors and subcontractors. However, achieving that harmony can be challenging. Misunderstandings, scheduling conflicts, and communication breakdowns can derail even the best-laid plans. So, how do we align these critical partners on-site? Let’s delve into the strategies that foster a collaborative and efficient construction environment.

The Challenges of On-Site Alignment:

Before we explore solutions, let’s identify and acknowledge some of the common pain points:

  • Communication Gaps: Misinterpretations of plans, unclear instructions, and delayed information sharing can lead to costly errors and rework.
  • Scheduling Conflicts: Overlapping schedules, delays in materials, and changing priorities can cause friction and disrupt workflow.
  • Differing Expectations: Variations in quality standards, safety protocols, and work ethic can create tension and impact project outcomes.
  • Lack of Clear Roles and Responsibilities: Ambiguity about who is responsible for what can lead to confusion and inefficiency.

Strategies for Successful Alignment

Clear and Comprehensive Pre-Construction Planning

  • Detailed Scope of Work: Ensure every subcontractor understands their specific tasks, deliverables, and timelines.
  • Pre-Construction Meetings: Facilitate open dialogue, clarify expectations, and address potential concerns before work begins so that everyone is aligned.
  • Comprehensive Project Schedule: Create a realistic and detailed schedule, shared with all parties, that outlines key milestones and dependencies.

Effective Communication is Key

  • Regular Site Meetings: Conduct daily or weekly meetings to discuss progress, address issues, and coordinate tasks.
  • Utilize Technology: Implement project management software, mobile apps, and communication platforms to streamline information sharing.
  • Clear Chain of Command: Establish a clear hierarchy and communication protocol to ensure everyone knows who to contact for specific issues.

Promote a Collaborative Culture

  • Promote Teamwork: Encourage collaboration and mutual respect among all tradespeople.
  • Address Conflicts Promptly: Resolve disputes quickly and fairly to prevent them from escalating.
  • Recognize and Reward Performance: Acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of subcontractors to boost morale and motivation.

Prioritize Safety

  • Consistent Safety Protocols: Enforce strict adherence to safety regulations and conduct regular safety training.
  • Open Communication About Hazards: Encourage subcontractors to report potential hazards and address safety concerns promptly.
  • Lead by Example: Demonstrate a commitment to safety from the top down.

Leverage Technology

  • BIM (Building Information Modeling): Utilize BIM to visualize the project, identify potential clashes, and improve coordination.
  • Digital Documentation: Employ digital tools for document management, progress tracking, and quality control.
  • Real-Time Communication Tools: Use apps that allow for instant messaging, photo sharing, and document access.

Aligning subcontractors and contractors on-site is not just about managing tasks; it’s about building strong relationships and fostering a culture of collaboration. By prioritizing clear communication, comprehensive planning, and a commitment to safety, we can create a construction environment where everyone thrives and projects are completed successfully.

Feb 27
0

Managing Multiple Construction Projects: Tackle Data Challenges with Digital Solutions

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Managing multiple construction projects (or even just one larger project) can be a daunting task, especially when maintaining accurate data across various sites and locations becomes a challenge. Siloed information, inconsistent documentation, and communication gaps can lead to delays, budget overruns, and even quality issues. In today’s fast-paced construction environment, embracing digitization is no longer optional—it’s essential. Below we explore some of the pain points plaguing construction teams managing multiple sites and dive into the digital solutions being adopted across the industry to combat them.

The Pain Points:

  • Fragmented Data: Multiple sites often mean different formats and platforms for data, complicating accurate reporting and decision-making.
  • Communication Gaps: Without a unified system, important project updates can be lost or misinterpreted.
  • Inefficient Task Management: Manual tracking and outdated methods increase the risk of errors and missed deadlines.

Solutions for Streamlined Construction Management:

  • Task Management Apps: Modern task management tools like Buildup allow you to quickly swap between active projects, keeps all your project tasks and data organized, and gives teams the ability to assign clear responsibilities and track progress in real time. This approach minimizes miscommunication and ensures everyone is on the same page.
  • Integrated Project Dashboards: A centralized project dashboard provides real-time insights into data from multiple sites, enabling you to monitor progress, track key performance metrics, and quickly identify discrepancies. This consolidated view reduces manual errors by compiling all of your data into one place, and simplifies decision-making across projects.
  • Pen & Paper to Digital Platforms: Transition from outdated paper-based records to a unified digital platform. Digitization not only improves data accuracy but also integrates disparate systems into a single source of truth for your projects, allowing you to access project data from anywhere in the world, rather than just where your paper records are located. (Want to learn more about digitization in construction? Check out our last blog: Strategies for Reducing Rework Through Digitization)
  • Cloud-Based Collaboration Across Projects: Utilize cloud-based collaboration platforms to ensure seamless information flow among all teams, regardless of their location.

By leveraging these solutions, you can overcome the challenges of managing multiple construction projects, ensuring data accuracy and efficient communication across all sites. Embrace task management apps, integrated dashboards, and comprehensive digitization to help drive project success and boost your bottom line.

Feb 12
0

Strategies for Reducing Rework Through Digitization

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Rework is more than just a headache—it’s a hidden cost burdening construction projects worldwide. Mistakes and miscommunications often lead to expensive delays and wasted resources, ultimately inflating project budgets. These challenges not only extend project timelines, but can also quickly strain client relationships and erode profit margins. Fortunately, new innovations in construction technology are offering powerful solutions to these longstanding issues, enabling teams to digitize jobsites, streamline processes, and catch errors before they escalate.

Bridging these challenges to actionable solutions is critical. By leveraging digital tools, construction professionals can address the causes of rework, ensuring a smoother workflow and better project outcomes. Below, we highlight key digitization strategies that can transform your approach to construction management and significantly reduce rework.

Strategies for Reducing Rework Through Digitization

Embrace Digitization
Transition from outdated paper-based processes to integrated digital systems. Digitization streamlines communication, enhances data quality and accessibility, and breaks down data silos by providing a single source of truth for project specifications. This unified and integrated system helps catch mistakes early, saving both time and money.

Adopt Digital Task Management Tools
Utilize task management apps and software to clearly assign responsibilities, track progress in real-time, and ensure every team member is on the same page. Effective digital task management minimizes oversights and miscommunications, paving the way for a more organized and efficient project execution.

Implement a Digital Construction Checklist
A construction checklist is a proven method for maintaining quality and consistency. By digitizing your checklist, you ensure that every step is followed correctly, reducing errors during inspections and preventing costly rework. This approach helps uphold rigorous standards throughout the project lifecycle.

Enhance Communication with Digital Platforms:
Cloud-based collaboration tools enable seamless communication across teams, ensuring that everyone has access to the most up-to-date project information. This enhanced connectivity reduces misunderstandings and the likelihood of rework, ultimately fostering a more cohesive and responsive work environment.

By integrating these digital solutions into your construction management process, you not only reduce rework but also enhance overall efficiency, quality, and profitability. Embrace these strategies today to stay ahead in the competitive construction industry while delivering projects on time and within budget.

Jan 07
0

Top 5 Construction Trends to Watch in 2025

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Welcome to the Buildup blog! As the construction industry continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, staying ahead of trends is no longer just a competitive edge—it’s a necessity. At Buildup, our mission is to empower contractors and subcontractors with tools to streamline their projects and deliver excellence. Through this blog, we aim to share insights, strategies, and innovations shaping our industry. Let’s build smarter, faster, and better—together.

From emerging technologies to sustainable practices, 2025 is set to bring transformative changes to the construction industry. In our latest blog we’ll highlight the top 5 key trends shaping the industry and how they are setting the stage for a more efficient, sustainable, and connected future in construction.

 

Top 5 Construction Trends to Watch in 2025

 

1. Increased Adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Construction

Companies are increasingly leveraging AI to enhance project management by predicting risks, optimizing schedules, and forecasting costs. Meanwhile, AI-driven machines – from bricklaying robots to drones for site inspections – are further revolutionizing labor and project efficiency while simultaneously elevating safety standards. These advancements not only help reduce project delays but also cut down on unforeseen expenses.

2. Sustainable and Green Building Practices

Sustainability has rocketed to the forefront of the construction industry, with more companies than ever prioritizing net-zero construction goals, focusing on energy-efficient designs and renewable energy systems. Innovative materials like low-carbon concrete and cross-laminated timber are replacing traditional, less eco-friendly options, helping to ensure that sustainability is a seamless part of every project.

3. Digitization of Job Sites

Job sites are are undergoing a digital transformation, driven by advancements like smart wearables, IoT devices (Internet of Things: sensors, tools, machines, etc. connected to the internet), and digital twins. These technologies are now capable of providing real-time insights through equipment trackers and safety wearables, optimizing resource management and placing worker safety at the forefront of construction operations.

4. Prefabrication and Modular Construction Methods 

Prefab and modular construction methods are gaining momentum as they significantly speed up building timelines while reducing costs. By manufacturing sections off-site and assembling them on-site, construction teams are able to work faster with more consistent results – which is especially impactful for larger projects like housing developments where scalability is critical.

5. Advanced Task and Workflow Management

Unified communication platforms are revolutionizing task management by eliminating siloed workflows and promoting transparency. These tools allow for real-time collaboration, making it easier to resolve issues and keep projects on schedule. By providing a centralized space for punch lists and task tracking, construction software and apps like Buildup help enhance visibility, foster accountability, and ensure every project runs like a well-oiled machine.

The construction industry in 2025 will thrive on innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. With tools like Buildup enabling contractors to stay ahead of the curve, there’s no better time to embrace these trends and build a smarter future. By adopting forward-thinking practices and leveraging cutting-edge technology, construction professionals can deliver projects more efficiently while shaping a more sustainable and connected world.

Aug 15
2

Buildup Help Center & Best Practices Guide

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Buildup Help Center & Best Practices

Are you new to Buildup? We’ve put together numerous articles and a Best Practices guide for new users. We’ve created an FAQ section from our support team and composed articles with easy to follow instructions for all of your Buildup questions.

You can find advice and answers, including helpful videos from the Buildup team here:

Let us know your feedback! We’ll continue to update content as we develop new features and receive more feedback. Is something missing? Have more questions? Let us know, and we’ll answer your questions!

 

 

Jul 25
1

How Corigin Real Estate Group used Buildup to cut their punch list time in half

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SAN FRANCISCO, July 25, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Corigin, a privately held holding company specializing in real estate (Corigin Real Estate) and venture capital (Corigin Ventures) in Manhattan, recently completed construction at 20 East End in New York City’s Upper East Side. The building includes 41 condominium residences including townhomes and two penthouses. Buildup was implemented for the project’s punch list process and will be incorporated throughout turnover to homeowners when they’re ready to move in and occupy the residences. Buildup is an onsite collaboration app, currently used by over 50 real estate developers and general contractors nationwide, used to improve task management, punch lists and reporting.

Before implementing Buildup, Corigin’s standard punch list process was tedious and time consuming. Steve Schroeder, a Project Manager for Corigin, oversaw this process. Tasks were handwritten while on site. After returning to his office, Steve would organize punch list tasks in a spreadsheet based on his site visit notes. Each task to be completed would be discussed with subcontractors in person to further elaborate on details including the location of tasks as well as priority.

Over time, subcontractors requested a collaborative process so they could provide comments and timely updates. This posed a challenge, as it was difficult to track changes made by subcontractors without any type of specialized software. They also weren’t able to associate the task with an exact location or view photos to see the condition of the task.

With Buildup, Steve created and assigned all tasks during his inspection while still on site. Subcontractors were immediately notified of tasks and automatically reminded when tasks were overdue via a daily summary email. The tasks had more detail including photos with markups, the location on a floorplan, and a due date. For the first time, subcontractors easily communicated timely status updates without requiring in-person meetings. With the automated language translation feature they could also respond in their preferred language.

Steve Schroeder said, “With Buildup, the time required to complete the punch list process was cut by 50%. All tasks were automatically documented, and all data could be downloaded for the project’s historic records.”

Buildup will also be utilized for turnover to homeowners after the sale of the property. Homeowners will receive all data in a report showing that all final tasks have been completed.

To learn more about Buildup go to www.buildup.co and request a free demo.

CONTACT: [email protected]

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