More than 2,500 small - and mid-size general contractors are using BuildingBlok, a cloud-based platform to manage construction projects.

"It handles all of the paper processing and automates it," says Andrew DiSabatino III, project manager of EDiS Co., in Wilmington, Del., a member of the Delaware Contractors Association. "It allows us to get the job done and makes us dramatically more efficient."

BuildingBlok replaces manual workflow processes, such as spreadsheets and faxing, thereby, allowing more efficient tracking of documents. The software contains a host of forms commonly used in the industry, and users can access them to create change orders or other documents.

"This is taking what has been done for years in construction management, moving it online and focusing it and pricing it for mid-size builders," says Justin Nolan, CEO of BuildingBlok. "Any small- or midsized builders can setup anywhere in the United States and can create an online hub for everyone they work with."

From the mobile app, users can update daily reports and time sheets and take photos to maintain a real-time log of what happened at a particular jobsite.

Contractors, architects, engineers and owners can review and approve documents online, saving time. The software time stamps all entries and creates an audit trail.

"Because everything is tracked, there is nothing that falls off the table," DiSabatino says. "Everything has to be acted on in a timely manner or you get behind. It keeps everything moving quickly and smoothly and more accurately."

The general contractor subscribes and invites other members of the team to participate. Architects, engineers, subcontractors and owners can log in to the areas in which they have access, share information, and review and approve documents online, saving time.

"That audit trail protects them later on," Nolan says. 

Tech-savvy subcontractors find it less work with less paper, DiSabatino says. EDiS has held kick-off meetings with the contractor’s office and field staff to train them on the system.

"While some might prefer faxing their information in, everyone uses it," DiSabatino says.

Subcontractors can independently subscribe. Nolan says subcontractors began signing up independent of the general contractors to help them manage construction documents, time sheets, daily reports and price lists. The mobile app is free to download for any BuildingBlok subscriber.

BuildingBlok recently introduced a bid system, which is free to use for bidding. The system organizes bid info, helps the general contractor track emails sent to subcontractors and allows subs to quickly get bid info, download documents and submit requests for information and bid. Subcontractors can list information about their companies and qualifications in the free BuildingBlok Network.

"Then you can access our extensive network of subcontractors if you need coverage in a trade you do not have or you are going to a new area," Nolan says.

21 West 46th Street

Suite 803

New York, NY 10036

800-708-2565

$250 per month for general contractors (they can invite an unlimited number of companies to participate at no cost).

$50 per month for subcontractors to subscribe independently.