For contracting companies, every penny counts. Buyers want to trim costs wherever possible, and many contractors struggle to make a profit at the end of the day.

Fortunately, the use of technology in a number of areas can help your contracting company keep costs under control.

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Communication

Nothing compromises your productivity on a job more than having to stop to take phone calls. When the calls are from a prospective customer, it’s imperative to communicate and make a good impression. Thankfully, e-mail, texting and other tools are available to allow prospective customers to communicate with you in non-intrusive ways.

Proposals and estimates

It used to be that contractors had to calculate everything manually. If you’re still doing so, consider upgrading to estimating software that allows you to quickly and easily calculate the cost of your materials and labor which will aid in cutting construction costs.

Collaboration

Today’s business information software facilitates collaboration in what’s known as “4D” — between a structural engineer, architect, contractor, and client. The software includes all players in the process from the early stages of design, which can reduce errors, increase productivity and reduce construction costs.

Marketing

When you’re tied up on jobs, it’s tricky to find the time to market your business. Using the Internet, finding your next job is much easier and more cost-effective. Setting up a basic website in combination with strategic pay-per-click advertising and the use of social media can give your business in the construction industry just the boost it needs to keep work coming in.

Construction management

A seemingly endless number of software applications can help you manage your project from start to finish. Software keeps you on budget and on schedule, and it can increase your project management team’s productivity and cut construction costs because every part of the job is defined from beginning to end.

Purchasing

It used to be that finding the best price for materials meant hours spent on the phone. Today, visiting a few key websites can have the same result.

Research

Networking with peers historically has been tough for contractors, who typically are tied up on projects. Today, you can visit online forums to keep abreast of the latest products and learn from others’ experiences.

Expectations have never been higher for contractors to deliver exceptional work on time and at a competitive price. Fortunately, technology is available in a variety of areas to help you minimize costs and maximize productivity.