Comprehensive Guide: How to Build Construction Software to Manage Operations

In the construction industry, finding the right software solution can make or break your project’s efficiency. While traditional software like Buildertrend or Procore might seem like convenient options, they often fall short in flexibility, customization, and long-term cost-effectiveness. That’s where Knack comes in as the best solution for building your own custom construction software quickly and efficiently.

Knack offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing construction companies to tailor every aspect of their software to fit their unique workflows and business needs. With Knack, you have multiple pathways to build: leverage pre-configured templates for a fast start, use the innovative AI App Builder to streamline development with intelligent automation, or create your solution from scratch for complete customization.

No matter which option you choose, Knack’s intuitive platform empowers you to build robust, scalable software without needing advanced coding skills. The result? A custom-built solution ready to evolve with your business, seamlessly integrate with existing systems, and deliver better return on investment—all in a fraction of the time it would take with traditional development methods.

Building vs. Buying Your Own Construction Solution

Building your own construction software offers significant advantages over purchasing traditional, off-the-shelf solutions like Buildertrend or Procore. Custom software provides unmatched flexibility and customization, allowing you to tailor every feature to your construction business’s unique needs, ensuring smoother operations and better user adoption. Unlike traditional software that can be rigid and come with recurring fees and costly upgrades, a custom solution can be more cost-effective over time, eliminating unnecessary features and associated expenses. Additionally, custom software gives you full control over updates, security measures, and data privacy, allowing your system to evolve seamlessly with your business and offering peace of mind regarding data protection.

While traditional software may be easier to implement initially, it often falls short when it comes to scalability, integration capabilities, and aligning with specific business processes. Building your own software ensures seamless integration with your existing systems and provides complete ownership, empowering your business to make timely improvements and adaptations. This long-term investment in custom software not only enhances efficiency and growth but also offers greater return on investment and flexibility, making it the ideal choice for companies seeking to stay competitive and secure in a dynamic industry.

3 Ways to Build Your Custom Construction Management Software

Option 1: Leveraging Knack’s Construction Template

Step 1: Choose a Construction Management Template

Knack provides a variety of templates tailored for different fields, including the construction industry. Here are some of the top templates for construction teams:

• Work Orders template >>
• Construction Project Management template >>
• Document management template >>
• Construction estimating template >>
• Customer Relationship Manager (CRM) template >>

These templates come pre-configured with essential features to manage projects, track progress, allocate resources, and oversee budgets.

Step 2: Integrate with Your Data

Upload your existing project and client data into Knack via CSV or sync from data sources like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets by clicking the “+” next to the “Tables” header. Ensure you connect related data tables—such as project schedules with budgets—to streamline the software’s functionality.

Step 3: Customize the Template

Once you have chosen the template, personalize it to fit your company’s specific needs. Modify forms and fields, adjust page layouts, and incorporate branding elements like colors and logos. Configure user roles and permissions to control what data team members and contractors can access.

Step 4: Launch and Test

Thoroughly test the app before deployment to ensure all data displays correctly and the workflows function as intended. Once you confirm that everything is working smoothly, share access with your team and start managing projects more efficiently.

Option 2: Leveraging AI App Building Tools

Using Knack’s AI App Builder can make creating custom construction management software faster by automating much of the initial setup process. Here’s how to take advantage of this feature:

Step 1: Sign Up or Log In

Ensure you have a Knack account. You can start building for free with a 14-day trial.

Step 2: Start a New App with AI App Builder

Navigate to the dashboard and select “Create New App” then “Start with AI.” This tool enables you to describe your desired app, and the AI will suggest an initial data structure based on your input.

Step 3: Describe Your App

Input a prompt. The AI will create a suggested structure with objects like Projects, Resources, Tasks, and Expenses. Here are 5 sample prompts:

• “Create a construction management app that tracks change orders, stores punch lists, manages submittals and approvals, updates project timelines, and logs budget adjustments.”
• “Develop a construction app for financial management that tracks project budgets, expenses, profitability, and payments in real-time and generates detailed cost reports for ongoing and completed projects.”
• “I need project management software to track project timelines, store project information, manage budgets, assign tasks to subcontractors, and oversee resources for multiple job sites.”
• “Build a construction client portal app that allows clients to view project progress, view accurate estimates and pricing, access project documents, submit feedback, and track invoices and payments in real-time.”
• “Create a construction app to manage vendors, track contracts, monitor performance, and oversee purchase orders and payments efficiently.”

Review what Knack’s AI App Builder built, then click “Stop Preview” to start editing the back-end

Step 4: Refine Your Data Structure

Review and customize the AI-generated objects and fields. Add additional components specific to your company, like contractor details or equipment logs.

Step 5: Set User Roles and Permissions

Create roles like Project Manager, Supervisor, and Team Member. Assign permissions for each role to determine access levels and maintain data security.

Step 6: Build Pages and Views

Develop pages for key areas such as Project Dashboards, Budget Reports, and Team Assignments. Add tables, forms, and charts to each page for data visualization and input.

Step 7: Customize the Interface

Use Knack’s interface tools to brand your app with your company’s colors, fonts, and design elements.

Step 8: Add Logic and Automation

Set up workflows to automate routine tasks, such as sending progress notifications or updating budget summaries. Connect related data objects to create a cohesive, efficient system.

Using Knack’s AI App Builder helps reduce development time and allows you to focus on customization. Comprehensive support and documentation are available for any additional help you may need.

Option 3: Build Your Construction Software from Scratch

Building your construction management software from scratch using Knack provides complete control over features and design. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Define Your Requirements

Identify the essential functionalities your software needs, such as:

• Project timelines
• Resource allocation
• Task assignments
• Budget tracking
• Equipment management

Step 2: Set Up Your Knack Account

Sign up here and start your free 14-day trial. Explore the dashboard where you’ll create and manage your app. When you’re ready, click “Create New App” then “Start with a Blank App”.

Step 3: Create Your Database

Create objects representing key components like Projects, Employees, Resources, and Budgets. Define relevant fields for each object, such as Project Name, Start Date, Assigned Resources, and Total Costs. Set relationships between objects, such as linking Employees to specific Projects. You can also import your own spreadsheet via Excel or Google Sheets to let Knack build the tables for you.

You can also import your Excel or Google Sheets file or use pre-made tables to expedite the process.

Step 4: Build the User Interface

Develop pages for your app, each catering to specific operations like Project Management, Task Tracking, and Budget Monitoring. Customize each page with views such as data tables, forms for task submissions, and charts for visual summaries. Create a user-friendly navigation menu for easy access to all sections.

Step 5: Configure User Login and Permissions

Set up secure user authentication so users can log in and manage their profiles. Define permissions to control what each user role can view and edit, ensuring data security and clarity.

Step 6: Customize the Design

Choose from Knack’s pre-built themes and tweak them to match your company’s branding. Apply custom CSS for more detailed visual adjustments.

Step 7: Test Your Software

Perform thorough testing using various user accounts to ensure all functions operate correctly. Seek feedback from your team and make necessary adjustments.

Step 8: Go Live and Maintain

Launch your construction management app and guide your team on how to use it effectively. Continue to update and improve the software based on user feedback and changing business needs.

Step 9: Monitor and Report

Use Knack’s reporting tools to analyze how the software is used and identify popular features. Create custom reports to monitor project timelines, budget adherence, and resource allocation.

Building your construction management software from scratch with Knack provides flexibility and full control, ensuring that it meets the specific needs of your business.

How Derock Electric Built a Custom Construction App with Knack

Derock Electric leveraged Knack to build construction management solutions, modernizing operations and achieving significant improvements. With Knack’s intuitive platform, Derock Electric quickly transitioned from paper-based processes to digital applications that streamlined field services and boosted productivity. By starting with Knack’s templates, they gained insights into database structuring, allowing them to build customized apps tailored to their needs efficiently.

Read the full story >>

Their flagship app included essential features such as an e-ticketing system to replace manual forms, ensuring accurate data capture and reducing lost revenue. The app allowed technicians to record job details, labor hours, and equipment usage while integrating with payroll for seamless tracking. Derock Electric also developed additional Knack apps to manage their fleet and track employee training certifications, reducing manual errors and increasing compliance. Through Knack, Derock Electric transformed its operations, improving efficiency, data accuracy, and overall revenue generation.

Do you want to build construction software like Derock Electric? Check out this template app to get started.

Conclusion: Start Building Your Custom Construction Solution with Knack

In a rapidly evolving industry, having the right tools to streamline construction operations can set your business apart. While traditional software solutions may offer quick fixes, they often come with limitations in customization, integration, and long-term scalability. Knack stands out as the ideal platform for creating tailored construction management solutions, offering unmatched flexibility and multiple pathways to get started—whether through templates, AI-powered app building, or creating from scratch. With Knack’s easy-to-use platform, even non-coders can build powerful, scalable apps that adapt and grow with your business needs.

Ready to revolutionize your construction management process? Start building with Knack today and experience how quickly you can create custom solutions that drive efficiency, accuracy, and profitability. Begin your 14-day free trial and take the first step towards a smarter, more customized construction management system.