Business Operations

FECC Saves $100K+ per Year with Mobile Forms

FECC team photo

How a Leading Hazardous Waste Haulage and Disposal Provider, FECC, Saves Over $100,000 Annually with Mobile Forms

FECC Background

  • Industry: Environmental Services
  • HQ Location: Orlando, FL
  • Website: Visit Here

Highlights

  • $116,000+ Total Net Annual Savings
  • $114,000+ Productivity Savings
  • $2,600 + Savings in Paper Savings

Form Types

The Case for GoCanvas

Since 1989, FECC, has created dynamic solutions for the remediation, transportation and disposal of hazardous and industrial materials. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, FECC offers services throughout the United States. As the company expanded its services, information became increasingly difficult to track. FECC needed a way to get information to and from their managers, drivers and technicians in real time. GoCanvas was the perfect solution.

Prior to GoCanvas, FECC collected information from their employees via paper. Alex Naster, the System Administrator at FECC, described their manual process stating, “We had a major paper problem.” Paperwork was difficult to keep track of and became very costly. Lost paperwork, inconsistent reporting, and long turnaround times were not uncommon. Since the information was collected by pen and paper, items such as daily tickets and inspections would take a week or more to return and process. They needed a solution so that drivers did not need to pick up and drop off paperwork from the office each week. Alex goes on to say, “Since we were only getting 10% of drivers’ paperwork each day it was creating a major billing issue and was becoming incredibly time-consuming.” In addition to this time-intensive process, they uncovered other issues, such as people not even doing the paperwork or important information not captured for accurate billing. With a workforce that primarily is out on the road, drivers and office staff needed GoCanvas to help make their reporting consistent and immediate.

FECC decided they needed to eliminate their paper processes. When they came across GoCanvas it was a clear solution to their dilemma.

“No longer having to move paper from the site to the office, then reading, scanning, and filing it away has had a huge impact on our team’s productivity.”

– Alex Naster, System Administrator FECC, Inc.

Benefits of Automation and Efficiency

FECC revolutionized its data collection in less than 6 months with the help of GoCanvas. Now, a driver or technician can pull up all relevant documentation needed from their mobile device. When the mobile document is submitted it is received in real-time by the support staff. This process allows for consistent reporting across locations and personnel. With features such as required fields and conditional data, all management teams can ensure reports are accurate and complete at the time of submission. Alex explains their improved process by stating, “Now, there is no confusion or extra work. The driver can just hop in the truck and go.” GoCanvas’s workflow features have made it so each submission is automatically sent to the intended supervisor for an approval signature before it is sent to their accounting team.

“I love how customizable and easy GoCanvas makes it to create, edit, and dispatch forms for my team!”

– Alex Naster, System Administrator FECC, Inc.

To automate FECC’s process further, they have integrated GoCanvas with their accounting system. Once a submission has been approved by the supervisor, the data is read by the integration and pre-fills all the billing information for the accounting team. This not only saves their internal workforce hours of data re-entry, but it also allows the company to start billing immediately and in turn has improved their customer experience. Additionally, this integration updates equipment and vehicle information every few minutes so auto-populated information is always accurate.

“GoCanvas worked side by side with us on this integration, as if they were part of our team. Our real-time cashflow, P&L, and other KPI goals have been reached.”

– Kellan Lawing, Chief Information Officer at FECC Inc.

FECC has continued to improve their flow of information by using a custom GoCanvas and Zapier integration. Using Zapier, their drivers and other field techs are able to request funds for a pre-paid debit card and send receipts to payroll. This is done through their integration between WEX and GoCanvas and makes sure employee billing is timely and accurate.

Since their implementation of GoCanvas, FECC has worked hard to modernize not only how they capture data but how the information is used. Using GoCanvas Analytics, FECC has transformed the way they manage information. After a submission is made the data is pulled into custom dashboards on the GoCanvas platform. FECC is using GoCanvas Analytics to get real-time insight into their profitability. The ability to provide accurate and relevant cost analysis has been a game changer for their company. GoCanvas makes their dashboards easily understandable for all employees and can alert management to areas that need attention.

Waste companies, big and small, that operate in almost every industry can search from over 20,000 pre-built mobile form templates in the GoCanvas Application store or drill down further and look specifically at mobile form templates for Transportation and Disposal. These can be completely customized with the online, drag-and-drop App Builder tool to fit an organizations’ specific processes.  Using that same tool many businesses, like FECC, elect to build their own mobile forms from scratch. FECC, ultimately chose GoCanvas because of the platform’s design flexibility and quick deployment.

Since fully implementing GoCanvas, FECC has been able to be a leader in the Hazardous and Non-Hazardous Waste, Remediation, Disposal, and Transportation industry. Their forward thinking and innovative nature has set them ahead of their competitors and has helped grow their success.

Overall, FECC has seen an amazing return on their investment in GoCanvas. Their returns have not only shown up on the balance sheet, but also in their daily productivity as a business.

Ready to Rethink How You Work?

GoCanvas has helped a variety of businesses across multiple industries transform their safety processes and rethink their efficiency, ultimately saving them money. Why not do the same? Reach out to one of our experts today to kickstart your process revolution.

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15 Free Work Order Form Templates

Posted on by Danny Kanev

15 Free Work Order Form Templates

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Work orders are widely used in many industries to request the performance of a task or job. The work order is most commonly generated to fulfill a customer request, but it can also be used internally within a company as part of a larger project.

The work order includes the details of the job to be performed and often will have a worker assigned or dispatched to complete the job in the field, on a job site, or in an office.

Work orders are used by many different types of industries and business types. Using the GoCanvas form builder, your business can create entirely digital work order forms that are custom to your business. All of this can be done with no-coding required, making GoCanvas an easy-to-use solution for all of your work order needs.

How GoCanvas works:

  • Create mobile work orders, forms and work process apps with no coding needed
  • Get information back in real-time, eliminate redundant data entry and automate your processes
  • Never miss another work order form, inspection or other crucial information due to problems with paperwork and outdated processes

Core features include:

  • App Builder. Easily create and edit your own GoCanvas Apps (mobile forms) with our online drag-and-drop App Builder tool.
  • PDF Designer. Once your team fills out a GoCanvas App a PDF can be generated and emailed. Customize this PDF to engage your customers and colleagues.
  • Image Capture. Whether you need photos for inspecting equipment, or tracking rhinos, do it with a click.
  • Signature Capture. Need to confirm a package or a sales order? Easily grab someone’s signature on your mobile device.
  • GPS Tracking. Know where your equipment or team members are at any moment with GPS capture.
  • Barcode Scanning. With one click, look up equipment or inventory.
  •  

15 Free Work Order Form Templates and Examples

This article summarizes our most widely used work order form templates that you can get started with for free. If you don’t see an app listed here, simply search the GoCanvas website where we also have thousands of additional form templates available.

1. Construction Work Order Form

Man and woman working on tablet on construction site for estimates

The construction work order form is designed for construction companies and contractors to manage all of the work orders throughout a project. The form has fields to capture important contract details, including the scope of work, change orders, extra work authorization, materials and services requested, subcontractor fees, and hours worked.

The template can be customized to suit your business needs and can also be used as a subcontractor work order form. Construction companies use this digital work order form to sync up with the construction contract, helping to organize and store pertinent information for completing the requirements of those contracts. Collect signatures, share PDF reports, and more with this digital form for construction work orders.

2. Change Order Form

shaking hands after signing construction contract

The construction change order form is used when projects require a change to account for any additional work that is needed. Whether you have small changes to the construction project’s estimated costs or need to scope out the overhead costs for more substantial work, this template can quickly generate the form for you. Use this form in the field or at the client office’s so that you don’t fall behind on the construction contract.

3. Stop Work Order Form

construction worker filling out near miss reports on phone

The stop work order form is used in the construction industry to document when it is required to stop work due to a violation or incident. This form can be used to document items such as project name, project number, individual’s name of the letter, contractor, and subcontractors. It also captures relevant signatures and can be emailed as a PDF in real-time.

4. HVAC Service Work Order Form

HVAC worker on a mobile device

The HVAC service work order form is designed as a template to use for HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning) technicians to help cut down time spent on paperwork. Dispatch workers to the correct location, so contractors in the field can fill out the forms on a mobile device. Invoice reports can be automatically generated as a PDF sent via email to the customer to automate manual processes for your business.

5. Electrical Work Order Form

electrical worker fixing wires

The electrical work order form is designed for electrical contractors, electrical installation companies, and master electricians for work on all types of electrical systems. Instead of relying on paper invoices or electrical contracting software, the digital form provides a completely mobile way to manage all types of electrical services work. The mobile form automatically calculates charges for electrical equipment, electrical wiring and labor, and jobs can be assigned to different electrical contractors in the field using the Dispatch feature.

6. Maintenance Work Order Form

maintenance worker holding a ladder

The job work order form is a generic template that can be used for all types of maintenance and service requests. This digital job invoice template works for many types of jobs, including plumbing, HVAC services, and other types of maintenance work. Simply customize the app to fit your maintenance business requirements.

7. Mechanic Work Order Form

This mechanic work order form is ideal for repair shops and repair facilities of all sizes. Customers will appreciate the professionalism and simplicity of the digital work order app that is designed to streamline the work order and invoice process. The app allows you to quickly document vehicle information, detail the service request, list all parts, labor, shop supplies, and capture the customer authorization. All parts and labor (including sale tax) can be automatically calculated for you within the app.

8. Cleaning Work Order

cleaning cart with supplies

The residential cleaning work order form offers a simple way for professional housekeepers, independent cleaning services, and housekeeping agencies to manage daily or weekly cleaning jobs. The app can be used to track all the details of a housekeeping services visit, including the customer contact information and details about the services provided. The housekeeper invoice form app also tracks labor and materials hours and the hourly rate, calculating the total cost at the end of the visit.

9. Handyman Work Order Form

handyman tools including hammer and measuring tape

The handyman work order form provides a simple way to manage your handyman business. Use the app to track a variety of handyman services, including plumbing work, appliance repairs, yard maintenance, and more. Any contractor or handyman business owner can customize the app to suit their needs.

The app lets you generate a handyman invoice template based on the work order, with fields for hourly rate, work performed and other important details. Once the service call has been completed, the contractor can email the handyman invoice directly to customers for payment.

10. Graphic Design Work Order

woman working on an ipad

The graphic design work order form offers a simple way for print shops and graphic design teams to generate work orders electronically. The graphics work order form covers all the important details of the work order request, including facility service details about the job, customer contact details, turnaround time, order approval information, and more. Once completed, the form is automatically saved for your records.

11. Fleet Services Work Order

fleet managers on ipad inspecting vehicles

The fleet services work order form is perfect for fleet management professionals and helps make the day-to-day operations of a fleet easier. The app can improve preventive maintenance in a variety of ways, such as better equipment and item management, notifications when vehicle maintenance needs to be performed, field service task lists, and more.

12. Manufacturing Work Order

manufacturing line on a job site

The manufacturing work order form offers a simple way to track manufacturing production orders using a smartphone or tablet. The work order form can help track materials used, add details about the finished goods, and add notes about raw materials consumed during the process. Once the manufacturing process has been completed, you can enter notes about additional materials or equipment used and other work instructions and operations notes as needed. 

13. Landscaping Work Order Form

The landscaping work order form is perfect for landscape architects, landscape designers, professional landscapers, and others who provide professional landscaping services. Available on any smartphone, mobile device, or PC, this app will help you complete work order forms for your next landscaping project, especially those related to irrigation and landscape planning.

14. Painting Work Order Form 

painting contractor on a job site

The painting work order form is an easy-to-use tool for painting contractors and professional painting services. Track all customer details, capture basic painting services details, terms of service, and calculate the final costs. All types of painting businesses can benefit from this handy work order form app, which lets you quickly and easily generate new work orders for your painting services. The app automatically calculates tax, materials, and labor charges for painting invoice forms, eliminating the need for manual calculations. Additionally, the application also features Dispatch functionality, making it possible for scheduling managers to assign different jobs in the painting business to the right employee while in the field.

15. IT Work Order Form

worker looking at a laptop device

The IT work order form provides a basic work order template that computer maintenance and IT support desks can use to stay organized. This computer work order management app includes fields for customer name and location, details about the service request, equipment details, actions completed, and recommended maintenance. The service desk technician can add his or her own comments about the work request to the work order template and save the form for their records.

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About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

Check out even more resources

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Gown Your Business with GoCanvas Partner Program

Join our Partner Program and gain instant access to our global network of thought leaders and industry experts enjoying shared collaboration and collective success.

Learn more
Forte Supply Chain Solutions Partner Video

Partner Snapshot: Forte Supply Chain Solutions

Explore how Forte Supply Chain Solutions partnered with GoCanvas, combining in-house industry expertise with our white-label mobile forms to revolutionize their processes.

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GoCanvas Integrations: Streamline your Workflow

Integrate with over 1,000 software applications. Enhance your GoCanvas experience by syncing real-time data to one or all of your business tools.

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10 Free Checklist Apps for Business

Posted on by Danny Kanev

10 Free Checklist Apps for Business

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Construction checklist apps are widely used by businesses to simplify the collection of data in the field or on a job site. The simple checklist that was once completed on a paper form, is now available to businesses as a digital app with forms that can be checked off using a mobile device.

GoCanvas is a leader in construction jobsite management software and forms, with thousands of pre-built templates that can be used for checklist apps. Using our no-code form builder, you can customize checklists to meet your business requirements, all without needing advanced technical knowledge.

10 Free Checklist App Templates on GoCanvas

This article compiles the 10 most popular use cases for checklist apps. If you don’t see a checklist app listed below, simply search our website for more free examples and templates your business can use for checklists apps. All of the apps listed can be customized and branded specifically for your business. Contact our team any time to access a free trial and learn more.

1. Home Inspection Checklist App

Real Estate House Appraisal And Inspection graphic

Every home inspection business uses checklists as part of their field work. Instead of relying on paper forms and manual data entry, companies are moving to digital checklist apps that simplify the process for home inspectors. 

The checklist can be dynamic based on the property type, saving your employees time when filling out the forms. All of the data is recorded on a mobile device or tablet, and a home inspection report is generated automatically for the home buyer. Leverage the dispatch feature to streamline how you assign work in the field, save your employees time by automating the reporting process, and turn around inspections faster for your customers with fully digital home inspection checklists.

2. House Cleaning Checklist App

Cleaning businesses commonly use checklists to ensure that all areas of the property are cleaned. Instead of using paper forms, employees can use their mobile devices to run through the cleaning checklist on an app, submitting any photos and signing off on their work. 

Any time you are removing paperwork from your operational workflows, it will help to reduce any manual work that is required to enter data into a computer.  The housekeeping checklist app is designed to track items related to house cleaning tasks, deep cleaning work, standard hotel cleaning tasks, cleaning staff assignments, and more. Simply customize the digital checklist to meet your specific business needs.

3. Driver Pre-trip/Post-Trip Inspection Checklist App

two truck drivers with tablet performing a pre-trip inspection

There are regulations that require vehicle operators to perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure that commercial vehicles are able to operate safely. Instead of having workers fill out paper forms on the road, switching to digital forms brings all of this essential information online.

This commercial motor vehicle safety inspection form makes it easy to identify when vehicle maintenance is needed and protects trucking companies, commercial vehicle operators and truck drivers from unnecessary accidents.

4. Building Inspection Checklist App

builder contractor at jobsite on tablet

Building inspections are common in the construction industry and this app is perfect for contractors and workers in the field. The app includes a building inspection checklist and tracks all aspects of a building including exterior, heating systems, electrical systems, housekeeping, fire safety, evacuation plans, and other miscellaneous areas ensuring compliance with building codes. 

Once completed, an inspector can sign off digitally on the work and have an inspection report automatically generated and sent as PDF via email to anyone that needs documentation. This saves time and ensures that important records can always be accessed in case of a dispute.

5. Coronavirus Workplace Safety Checklist App

Health temperature check on construction site

Coronavirus has created workplace challenges to health and safety for businesses of all types. Using the  COVID-19 workplace safety checklist app, businesses can take steps to ensure that proper procedures are followed to minimize the risk of spreading coronavirus.

This comprehensive checklist app will help your business take steps to plan and protect the health and safety of your staff and colleagues. Topics include Administration and Logistics, Work Protections in the Workplace, and Travel. 

6. Construction Job Site Inspection Checklist App

Man holding tablet on construction site

Job site safety inspections are important in construction to promote the safety of workers. Going digital with inspections helps to ensure compliance across job sites and give businesses greater insight into their safety operations.

The safety inspection checklist for construction sites covers personal protective equipment, sanitation, fall hazards, worker safety plan details and other workplace safety standards and considerations. Once the construction site safety checklist is complete, an email with the results can be sent directly to the project managers, contractors and others who work on the project and need to save the results for their records.

7. SDS Sheet Compliance Checklist App

safety manager on construction site working on laptop computer

If your business handles hazardous materials, you know that safety data sheets are required for your workplace. The SDS Sheet Compliance checklist is designed to help ensure compliance and that your business is following the required local regulations for chemical inventory management.

Use the SDS Compliance checklist app with your smartphone or tablet to ensure that employers and workers use the material safety data as sources of information about chemical hazards and to obtain advice on occupational safety for any work area that contains a chemical inventory.

8. Food Safety Checklist App

thermometer checking for food safety temperature on chicken

Restaurant inspections are critical, and this app allows you to develop a customized checklist to meet the requirements at your food service establishment. Include checks for ensuring hazardous foods are identified and removed, food is kept at the proper temperature, and food safety is top-of-mind for all employees at your food facility.

9. Roof Inspection Checklist

roofing contractor building a roof

The roof inspection checklist is designed for roofing contractors to use as a template form to create invoices, sales orders for roof repairs and roof replacement. The mobile app can be used to inspect and detail the condition of a roof, helping to detect any roof problem or damage.

Roofing contractors can leverage the mobile app from a customer’s location, allowing them to perform the inspection checklist and create an instant report with photos for reference. The digital experience is preferred by customers and simplifies the job for inspectors.

10. Plumbing Checklist App

plumber checking systems in building

Plumbing contractors can use the checklist app when performing the inspections for buildings. This checklist app makes it easy to identify when plumbing work is needed to keep plumbing systems running as efficiently as possible. The results of the inspection make it easy for plumbing companies to recognize when problems exist, so they can quickly be fixed before issues get worse.

 Instead of relying on paper forms that can get lost or damaged, simplify the process for everyone involved by going completely digital with your checklist forms for plumbing.

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About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

Check out even more resources

business people discussing project

Gown Your Business with GoCanvas Partner Program

Join our Partner Program and gain instant access to our global network of thought leaders and industry experts enjoying shared collaboration and collective success.

Learn more
Forte Supply Chain Solutions Partner Video

Partner Snapshot: Forte Supply Chain Solutions

Explore how Forte Supply Chain Solutions partnered with GoCanvas, combining in-house industry expertise with our white-label mobile forms to revolutionize their processes.

Watch VIDEO
Closeup of a handshake.

GoCanvas Integrations: Streamline your Workflow

Integrate with over 1,000 software applications. Enhance your GoCanvas experience by syncing real-time data to one or all of your business tools.

View integrations

Connect with an Expert Today.

We’ll help you put together the right solution for your needs.

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5 Free Templates for Builder Checklists

Posted on by Danny Kanev

5 Free Templates for Builder Checklists

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What is a construction checklist?

A construction checklist is a simple project management tool used to help contractors keep track of a list of items that need to be completed or inspected as part of a job or work order. Building construction includes many different types of jobs to be completed throughout the project lifecycle, so companies will typically have many types of standard checklists to use for a given job. 

How do you create a construction checklist?

The most basic construction checklist can be created using a paper form. Excel checklists are also commonly used to create templates for building construction. Excel checklist templates are technically free to download, however, this form of recording data is not always in the best interest of a construction company.

For example, if you are a medium or large business with a distributed workforce, keeping track of Excel spreadsheets or dealing with manual data entry from paper forms can be a drain on company resources. The hidden costs of Excel templates and paper forms include:

  • Redundant and time-consuming work
  • Lost data and rework
  • Lost revenue and productivity
  • Decrease in employee satisfaction

A better way to create construction checklists is to use mobile apps and forms designed to increase productivity and streamline business operations.

Why every builder needs digital tools for construction

Construction work requires a great deal of paperwork to start and finish projects. Instead of relying on paper forms, construction companies have started to use digital building construction forms that eliminate manual work.

These building and construction apps can be accessed by desktop and mobile devices, making them ideal for workers who want to use them at work sites without an internet connection. Form fields are completed using an app and PDF reports are automatically generated to be stored in the cloud and shared with anyone that needs to access the information.

Builders can create checklists and other types of forms to digitize all of the critical information that is created and stored as part of a project. Builders and contractors need digital tools for construction to create a competitive advantage, increase their productivity, and lower their costs by embracing simple technology designed for the jobsite.

5 Free Templates for Builder Checklists

GoCanvas is a trusted provider of mobile apps and forms for the construction industry. Using our no-code platform for mobile apps, contractors and builders can quickly digitize their paper forms without help from IT. The GoCanvas App Store has over 20,000 templates that can easily be customized to fit your business needs. Simply search the app store for building construction templates or follow the links below to some of our top checklist forms used by builders.

Project Startup Checklist Template

The project startup checklist is a project management app to make sure that all pre-construction services are checked before work begins. The construction project plan app covers everything from defining the scope of work at the job site, to developing the construction project plan and timeline. 

You can also customize the construction requirements checklist for your business needs to ensure that every step of your process is included. Once completed, the general contractor, management, and other stakeholders can sign off on the project requirements electronically to ensure that all quality standards are met.

project startup checklist template

Project Closeout Checklist Template

The project closeout checklist app is designed to help with quality assurance, project closeout forms, and the entire contract closeout process. The app helps with inspecting completed work and getting the appropriate signoff from the contracting officer, design, and construction teams. 

Use this app to ensure that all details are covered when handing off project work for quality assurance purposes and that requirements from the general contractor and project managers have been met.

project closeout checklist template

Work Site Inspection Checklist Template

Routine occupational safety inspections are required at all job sites. The work site inspection app ensures that your work areas are meeting necessary safety requirements and safety training is completed prior to work.

This safety report app reviews personal protective gear, employee fall protection, and other safety standards for the job site. Use this app to help ensure that your company is meeting employee safety standards and that all construction work is performed in a safe work environment.

worksite inspection checklist template

New Home Construction Checklist Template

The new home construction checklist is designed to ensure that homes are move-in ready. The app also generates an electronic version of the report that can be accessed and shared online. 

Designed for use throughout the building process, the app covers both indoor and outdoor items in a new home, including inspecting the hot water heater, garage door, air conditioning unit, and plumbing fixtures. The customizable app for house building also helps ensure that building codes are followed and that the building project is completed according to the original house plans.

new home construction checklist

Simple Construction Task List Template

The construction task list app helps managers and construction contractors keep their tasks organized each day. Add notes about the construction process, manage schedule milestones, and more using the digital task list. This app helps ensure that construction contractors are all on the same page when it comes to timeline management and the work schedule, giving management transparency into the status of the project. Reports are saved electronically and can be easily shared with the general contractor, construction manager, and others on the construction team.

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About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

Check out even more resources

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A Complete Guide to Construction Daily Reports [+Templates]

Posted on by Danny Kanev

A Complete Guide to Construction Daily Reports [+Templates]

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What’s a construction daily report? 

A construction daily report or daily log is a document that includes all of the details and events of a single day working on a construction project. Site managers or contractors fill out and file these reports to keep an up-to-date record of the relevant project information. The reports typically include things like a list of crew members, material and equipment usage, incidents, job progress, and more. 

What’s the purpose of a construction daily report? 

The purpose of construction daily reports and logs is to provide a detailed description of an ongoing construction project. The daily report includes anything that the stakeholders, investors, project owners, and contractors need to know about that project.

These reports are useful for keeping everyone on the same page. They help to make sure that everyone is aware of any potential delays and that they are getting updates on the progress that is being made toward project completion.

Given how essential these documents are to the project’s success, it’s important that your construction daily reports and logs are accurate and thorough. That’s why we’ve created a complete guide to writing construction daily reports. Continue reading this article for everything you need to know about creating and filing your documents.

How to write a construction daily report

Here are four basic steps to follow when writing your construction daily reports:

Step 1: Create a cover page 

The very first step in creating a construction daily report is drafting the cover page. A cover page provides basic information about the project, including the project name, the date, the location of the job site, and your name. The report’s cover page lets you and your client know at first glance what’s inside.

Step 2: Record details of crew and job site

The majority of a construction daily log will include essential information and even minute details about the project. Recording these details of your project will be the most involved step in creating your daily report. 

Make sure to complete the report in a timely manner and don’t wait until the end of the workday to try and complete the entire daily report. You should add information to your report every hour or so throughout the day, or any time a significant event occurs.

Timely recording can also reduce the chance that you’ll forget important details about the project that day. Consider leveraging technology like construction project management software that can streamline the process and simplify your workflow for creating reports.

Step 3: Sign and date 

Don’t forget to sign and date your construction daily reports, as this makes them official. Once work at the job site is finished, you should set aside some dedicated time to review your completed report to look for any mistakes and review the progress your team made. 

When you’re satisfied with your report, sign, and date it. Making this part of your routine helps you ensure that the daily report is accurate and completed at the end of every day.

Step 4: File the report

Once you’ve reviewed and signed your construction daily report, be sure to promptly send it to your client. Construction software apps for daily reports can streamline the process for sending these documents to your clients. Apps can enable you to create your reports digitally and send them instantly to your client or other team members in real-time.

10 things you need to document on your construction daily reports 

Construction daily reports provide the most accurate picture of what goes on at the job site. That’s why it’s important to include as many details as possible when creating your report. Here are ten must-have sections to include in your construction daily reports and logs:

1. Job details

The first section should include specific details about the job or project, including things like the job name, the job type, and the job number.

You should also include a brief description of the phase the job is in. For example, you should note if the workday included demolition, groundbreaking, framing, and so on.

2. Crew list

It’s best to record all crew members present at the job site. This information helps you cover your bases in case questions arise concerning attendance or payroll. 

A crew list also helps promote safety in your work environment. Knowing who is on the site will help you ensure you’ve got enough workers to complete daily tasks and that no one is being stretched beyond their limits to work safely.

3. Weather conditions

Your documentation should include the weather report for that day, including things like temperature, wind speeds, and any precipitation. 

Bad weather can bring your workday (and sometimes your work week) to a grinding halt, so it’s important to note the conditions of each day so you can record delays that are caused by the weather.

4. Work accomplished 

In this section, detail project completions and progress that occurred. Make sure to record individual tasks and what took place to move them forward, as well as include the job’s progress as a whole. 

Some days, you might have to note that no progress was made or that you’re experiencing delays because of material or staff issues. Even if the project doesn’t see forward progress, document what’s been done and the overall status of the job.

5. Site visitors

Sometimes you might have visitors to the construction site. These visitors could include investors, reporters, company leadership, and even family. 

Any time someone other than your crew enters the work site, you should record it in your daily report. This helps you stay compliant and provide accurate paperwork should an accident occur on-site.

6. Equipment on site 

All heavy machinery on a worksite must be accounted for. You’ll need to include the equipment present and how many hours each machine was used. 

Even if a piece of machinery wasn’t used that day, note that it was parked at the site. This documentation provides information that can be used to maintain the equipment and ensure that every piece is where it should be.

7. Material quantities

A daily construction report also helps you keep track of the amount of materials available each day, as well as the quantity of those materials used. 

This data gives you a clear picture of how much progress a crew makes each day. It also helps you to plan new orders by knowing what you begin and end each day with for materials.

8. Material deliveries

Material deliveries go hand-in-hand with material quantities. Knowing how many and which building materials arrived on-site ensures that your company receives the shipments they’re paying for. 

You should make a note if a shipment doesn’t arrive as scheduled. If your crew is delayed in completing tasks due to a lack of materials, you will then have a record of the missed delivery and show that you’re not at fault.

9. Potential delaying events

A late material delivery can cause severe delays at your work site. But that’s not the only reason for slowed or even halted progress. 

Your daily construction report needs to include any event that caused a delay or could potentially cause a delay. These events could be things like a significant crew absence, weather, or malfunctioning equipment, for example.

10. Incidents and accidents

Safety is the number one goal for all contractors. But when incidents occur, you are required to report them.

Your daily reports should note both significant incidents, as well as any near misses that occur. In addition to your daily report, you are also required to formally file a separate incident report.

Consider using incident report apps that can help with the process and provide templates to use when incidents happen for creating the reports and sharing them with all the appropriate parties.

How to use reports to improve your services

Construction daily reports offer more than just a record of what occurred on a work site. When utilized correctly, they can also serve as tools to help you improve your services. Here are three ways your daily logs can improve your team’s productivity and quality:

1. Increase efficiency 

Construction daily reports are more than just progress notes for the client. You can also gauge the efficiency of your entire operation by reviewing and analyzing the data on your reports.

Mobile apps can help to create your reports and then the data is available so you can see the full picture of your team’s progress and if they are completing tasks to your standards.

2. Save money 

Every company wants to save money, without cutting any corners. Your daily reports provide valuable data about money spent on materials, employees, and more.

Data from your reports can help you to discover patterns and trends. It can help to understand when and why a job is being delayed. By analyzing this information, you can discover patterns in spending, and where budgets can be restructured to save both time and money.

Digitizing your daily reports through mobile apps can help to ensure that you’re collecting the right information and the data is easily accessible in the form of analytics that provides useful insights for your operations team.

3. Streamline workflows 

Daily logs detail everything that happens on a job site and they can help you see what you’re doing well and what can be improved. 

Digitizing this information and making it more accessible will enable your team to find better, faster, and even safer ways to complete your projects. 

When you complete your reports on an app, the reports can instantly be sent to the office, clients, and other team members who need access in real-time. This helps to streamline workflows, save time for your employees, and improve the processes that are in place for sharing and communicating documentation for your business.

Optimize your daily reports with digital processes 

Construction daily reports contain essential information for documenting the progress and status of your projects. Consider implementing simple mobile apps for contractors that can help you to easily capture the details of a day on your site with digital documentation.

Your peers in the construction industry have found that these tools give them a competitive advantage, increase productivity, and eliminate much of the time spent on paperwork and other manual tasks.

All of this can lead to greater profitability for your business, projects completed on schedule, and increased satisfaction and retention of your workers with modern processes in place to help them succeed.

Why you should use construction daily log apps

Many contractors and construction firms are moving their daily logs to the digital format using mobile apps to record daily logs and create PDF reports. This technology works well for the construction industry because it provides mobility and ease of use for many people to enter the required information into mobile forms. 

Once the information is collected, it’s instantly shared as a formatted report and the data can be used for reporting and analytics purposes. The end result is a more efficient way to collect information in the field and greater visibility into operations. 

This saves valuable time by reducing manual paperwork and outdated processes and it gives the business insights needed to make decisions that help the business operate in smarter ways.

Free Examples and Templates

General Construction Daily Log

The construction daily log makes it simple to keep track of a daily report of work performed and noteworthy updates that occur daily on a job site. The mobile app can be completed using a tablet or a phone to ensure that all of the important data from the field is captured and shared back with the office.

The mobile app can also be used as a time-tracking tool, helping to eliminate paperwork for managers on-site. The daily log is designed for documenting all employee’s activities so that management can monitor productivity in real-time to avoid potential delays. 

How it works:

  • Capture images of work completed
  • Add details about potential safety hazards and other daily work details
  • A digital report is automatically generated and sent to the construction manager, general contractor, and safety managers.
  • Customize the app to add specific inspections or other required documentation that is required for your job site.
example of a construction daily report template

Subcontractor Daily Logs

Looking for a specific template to use based on the type of subcontractor work? Follow the links below to find additional examples and templates by use case.

  • Carpenter Daily Log
  • Cleaning Crew Daily Log
  • Drywall Daily Log
  • Electrical Daily Log
  • Fire Sprinkler Installer Daily Log
  • Heavy Equipment Operator Daily Log
  • HVAC Daily Log
  • Mold Remediation Daily Log
  • Painting Daily Log
  • Plumbing Daily Log
  • Roofing Daily Log
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About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

Check out even more resources

Three inspection workers on job site.

The Ultimate Guide to Quality Control Inspections

Managing a construction project is a complex and stressful process. Among other things, you have to coordinate project team members, materials, and equipment and ensure that contractors are not afflicted by the potential risks and hazards present at the construction site. That said, quality means different things to different people which is why you should…

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A man using GoCanvas for the digital transformation of his workflow.

Constructions Digital Transformation

Your competition is finding faster ways to capture data and get critical insights from the field into their existing systems. In short, they’re not going bigger, they’re getting smarter. In this 15-minute broadcast on the construction industry’s digital transformation, find out why the trend is to modernize workflows – and how you can stay ahead of the curve…

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See how VIP Lighting optimized efficiency with GoCanvas

VIP Lighting is a retail lighting and electrical maintenance business that services over 10,000 retail locations all over Australia and New Zealand. Before GoCanvas, VIP Lighting had two separate systems that were impossible to integrate, leading to inefficiencies. GoCanvas made it easy to integrate their systems into single, centralized platform…

read their story

Connect with an Expert Today.

We’ll help you put together the right solution for your needs.

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9 Examples of Construction Forms for Contractors [+ Templates]

Posted on by Danny Kanev

9 Examples of Construction Forms for Contractors [+ Templates]

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The construction industry uses forms to collect and share information at every stage of a project. Traditionally on paper, these forms are now being converted into digital forms that enable workers to share information via mobile devices and tablets on the job. There are many benefits of moving to a digital form rather than paper:

  • Reduction in manual work and costs
  • Greater business insights
  • Data loss prevention
  • Lowered risk and liability
  • Better client and employee experience

Bringing construction forms online is one step in digitization for construction firms and contractors, bringing information online into a secure cloud location for real-time and accessible data to use in reporting.

What are the top forms used by construction firms and contractors?

As a leading provider of mobile forms for the construction industry, GoCanvas has seen many different types of forms created using our no-code platform to launch apps and forms in the field. All of this can be done without advanced technical knowledge and our platform is highly customizable to meet all of the construction industry’s needs for mobile forms. 

This blog article compiles the 9 common types of forms that are used by contractors to streamline their workflows and create business efficiencies. Continue reading for a summary of how these forms are used and follow the links in this article to dive into our free templates and examples.

#1 Inspection Forms

Construction companies are required to perform routine inspections for many different purposes. The construction inspection form is a template with all of the fields that need to be filled out by an inspector. Common inspection forms include:

  • Safety inspections
  • Building inspections
  • Machinery or equipment inspections
  • Vehicle inspections
  • OSHA inspections

The common workflow for companies is to dispatch jobs to workers to perform the inspection, collect required signatures on the job, and automatically generate a report that is sent after the inspection is completed. 

Find Inspection forms and templates here on the GoCanvas App Store.

inspection form template

#2 Construction Checklist Forms

Often included with inspection forms, construction checklists are very widely used in the construction industry. A simple construction checklist provides employees with a common template that is used to ensure the proper items are all being covered. Digital forms provide the added benefit that required fields can be used to make sure that information is completed, cutting down on the need for re-work and mistakes. The digital construction checklist can also have dynamic fields, meaning that certain form fields can be added or removed depending on the responses. This helps save time for workers by reducing the number of form fields to be only what is required for that specific job. 

Find Checklist forms and templates here on the GoCanvas App Store.

checklist form template

#3 Work Order Forms 

Work order forms are widely used in the construction industry to help automatically dispatch workers to perform a job or task. Using digital forms for work orders, contractors can streamline the process and eliminate manual work. Using work order templates and forms, contractors can complete work orders offline and have them sync back to the cloud once internet service is available. Using digital forms allows workers in the field to take advantage of automatic calculations for things like labor and material costs and it enables digital signatures and automatic reports to be generated. If change orders are required, all of this can be done from the same platform and brings greater efficiency and visibility into job operations in the field and on job sites.

Find Work Order forms and templates here on the GoCanvas App Store.

#4 Construction Timesheet Apps

Contractors are using construction project management apps to track employee hours worked. Having this information online allows for more efficient operations, with the ability to integrate with payroll and HR applications that your business already uses. Construction timesheet apps make it easy for workers to fill out their timesheets from anywhere using a mobile device to complete the form. Construction timesheet apps have other advanced features like GPS monitoring to automatically track arrival and departure times from a jobsite or to create a record that the work was performed at the correct location.

Find Construction timesheet forms and templates here on the GoCanvas App Store.

#5 Safety Forms

Safety is a top priority in the construction industry and there are many types of safety forms that are used to help track and manage these safety programs. Some common examples include:

  • Digital toolbox talks to ensure workers engage with safety programs and management can track compliance across job sites.
  • Forms to complete job safety analysis 
  • Digital copies of safety data sheets
  • Incident and accident reports and other forms to ensure compliance with OSHA

Safety forms allow companies to track and report in real-time on the progress of their safety programs, giving safety managers the opportunity to understand trends and take the appropriate next steps. This helps to reduce a company’s risk and liability, leading to greater workplace safety and productivity.

Find Safety forms and templates here on the GoCanvas App Store.

safety forms templates

#6 Construction Daily Reports

Construction daily reports are essential for capturing the progress and details of a project. Digital forms are used by construction companies to digitize their logs and give managers the ability to capture all of the required information through a mobile device for the construction daily report. Mobile logs help with project management, helping to eliminate paperwork and other manual tasks for workers. For complex projects, digital logs can help to keep projects on schedule and provide greater transparency into your operations for all stakeholders that need this information. Simply log all of the details from a job site and mobile apps help to digitize this information for reporting purposes.

Find Log forms and templates here on the GoCanvas App Store.

log form templates

#7 Estimate Forms 

Digital forms are useful for contractors that need to provide estimates on the job. Using a mobile phone or tablet contractors can generate estimates in the field and have the information digitized for records. Most commonly, contractors use estimate forms to help them calculate the exact pricing for materials, parts, and labor costs using data that is stored in the mobile application. All of this information is updated in real-time with the latest pricing information, helping to ensure that estimates are accurate for clients. With digital signatures, clients can sign off and reports can be generated to document the entire process for your business.

Find Estimate forms and templates here on the GoCanvas App Store.

estimate forms templates

#8 Invoice Forms

Similar to the use case for creating an estimate and work orders, digital forms can also be used when your business needs to generate an invoice for a customer. Once the work has been completed, an invoice can be generated using mobile forms and apps for contractors. This digital experience allows you to manage the entire process from a mobile device. Integrated with payment processing via services like Square or Stripe, mobile forms provide an easy way to generate invoices and collect payment from the field.

Find Log forms and templates here on the GoCanvas App Store.

invoice forms templates

#9 Contract Forms

Contracts are widely used in the construction industry as legal forms to document an agreement between the contractor and client. Instead of managing this process using paper forms that can be easily lost or damaged, companies are switching to digital forms for contracts and proposals.

Contract forms can be customized to include all of the relevant information, including client project needs, budget information, solution details, and project timeline. Make changes in real-time as the project progresses and collect signatures to track updated agreements.

Find Contract forms and templates here on the GoCanvas App Store.

contract forms templates
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About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

Check out even more resources

Three inspection workers on job site.

The Ultimate Guide to Quality Control Inspections

Managing a construction project is a complex and stressful process. Among other things, you have to coordinate project team members, materials, and equipment and ensure that contractors are not afflicted by the potential risks and hazards present at the construction site. That said, quality means different things to different people which is why you should…

Read the blog
A man using GoCanvas for the digital transformation of his workflow.

Constructions Digital Transformation

Your competition is finding faster ways to capture data and get critical insights from the field into their existing systems. In short, they’re not going bigger, they’re getting smarter. In this 15-minute broadcast on the construction industry’s digital transformation, find out why the trend is to modernize workflows – and how you can stay ahead of the curve…

see for yourself
A electrician inspecting equipment.

See how VIP Lighting optimized efficiency with GoCanvas

VIP Lighting is a retail lighting and electrical maintenance business that services over 10,000 retail locations all over Australia and New Zealand. Before GoCanvas, VIP Lighting had two separate systems that were impossible to integrate, leading to inefficiencies. GoCanvas made it easy to integrate their systems into single, centralized platform…

read their story

Connect with an Expert Today.

We’ll help you put together the right solution for your needs.

Let’s Build A Plan Together

Free Material Schedule Template for Construction

Posted on by Danny Kanev

Free Material Schedule Template for Construction

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What is a material schedule in construction?

The material schedule in construction is a document that lists all of the building materials that are required to complete the project. Material schedules are often organized based on the category for the building, with different schedules for each component. The material schedule often will include additional information such as the quantity, description, unit price, total price, and other relevant information related to the building materials.

How to prepare a material schedule in construction

For complex construction projects, there are enterprise software solutions that allow you to create a material schedule. But if you don’t have a large IT budget for technology, there are many low-cost alternatives for preparing a material schedule in construction that can help with project management. One such option to consider is using the GoCanvas material schedule template that can be built using our no-code platform for mobile forms and apps.

Why you should avoid Excel templates for a material schedule

Excel templates are available for material schedules, but this is not always the best option for businesses today. Excel is a powerful tool for analysis, but not always the right tool for every job. Some of the pitfalls of Excel templates include:

  • Human error. Information can be overwritten by mistake and it becomes hard to recognize these errors when dealing with larger volumes of data.
  • Incorrect calculations. It can be difficult to perform calculations in Excel and a formula error can lead to incorrect pricing calculations that are hard to notice.
  • Lost data. If documents are stored locally on your PC, it’s always possible that the document gets inadvertently lost or destroyed before you can save it.
  • Data is not dynamic. Most of the time in Excel the information being input is updated at a given point in time. Should prices change, the data has to be manually updated, and this can be time-consuming to keep up with.

Your contracting business can’t afford to waste time or lose money – Excel templates can become a hidden cost and drain on your business. That’s why contractors are turning to mobile apps and forms that create business efficiencies and cost savings.

Top Reasons to use GoCanvas for Material Schedule Templates

GoCanvas templates are simple for anyone to use. Using our drag and drop editor, you can create digital documents that can be used for all types of construction forms. 

Instead of using paper sheets, Google Sheets, or Excel, you can convert these documents into digital forms and apps that elevate your business operations. This can be material schedules, work orders, contracts, safety reports, and any other important documents your business uses throughout all phases of a project. Some of the top reasons to use GoCanvas templates include:

  • Secure, cloud-based data. Ensure best practices are met for data collection, using secure mobile forms and apps that digitize key business information. Ensure material schedules are accessible by anyone that needs them in real-time.
  • Integrations with other apps. Once your information is digitized, you can enrich this information with data from any other cloud-based apps your business already uses. Dynamically populate pricing information in real-time to ensure the material schedule created always has the current numbers.
  • Automatic report generation and sharing. Generate reports, gather signatures, and share documents automatically via PDF templates for material schedules.
  • Customizable form fields. Customize the form fields based on your unique business needs and do it all without any coding required. Create separate material schedules for different projects or customize the type of information that is included.
  • Embracing mobile technology. With mobile apps and forms, you can keep track of material design and parts shipments no matter where you are. Work offline from any remote location and have any information sync back to the cloud once you are able to access the internet again. 

Going digital with GoCanvas can save your construction business time and money, increase productivity, and create a competitive advantage.

Download the free material schedule template

When it comes to construction management and placing purchase orders, it can be difficult for builders to stay on top of everything that a construction project and building contract require. Use this template provided by GoCanvas to help with scheduling construction projects and tracking building materials. GoCanvas customers have found that by going digital they can save time and lower costs with apps designed for the construction industry. Management can use this app to ensure the appropriate material resources are tracked and available. The app is designed to be a planning tool to ensure the complete delivery of your construction project to your client on time through proper site preparation.

Get started with this template or simply request a demo to see how it can work for your business.

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About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

Check out even more resources

Three inspection workers on job site.

The Ultimate Guide to Quality Control Inspections

Managing a construction project is a complex and stressful process. Among other things, you have to coordinate project team members, materials, and equipment and ensure that contractors are not afflicted by the potential risks and hazards present at the construction site. That said, quality means different things to different people which is why you should…

Read the blog
A man using GoCanvas for the digital transformation of his workflow.

Constructions Digital Transformation

Your competition is finding faster ways to capture data and get critical insights from the field into their existing systems. In short, they’re not going bigger, they’re getting smarter. In this 15-minute broadcast on the construction industry’s digital transformation, find out why the trend is to modernize workflows – and how you can stay ahead of the curve…

see for yourself
A electrician inspecting equipment.

See how VIP Lighting optimized efficiency with GoCanvas

VIP Lighting is a retail lighting and electrical maintenance business that services over 10,000 retail locations all over Australia and New Zealand. Before GoCanvas, VIP Lighting had two separate systems that were impossible to integrate, leading to inefficiencies. GoCanvas made it easy to integrate their systems into single, centralized platform…

read their story

Connect with an Expert Today.

We’ll help you put together the right solution for your needs.

Let’s Build A Plan Together

The Ultimate Guide to Construction Contracts [Examples + Templates]

Posted on by Danny Kanev

The Ultimate Guide to Construction Contracts [Examples + Templates]

| |

No contractor and no client should begin a substantial construction project without a contract. What does “substantial” mean, here?  First, that the complexity and duration of the project leave room for disagreements about the scope of the work. Second, that the amount of money involved for both the contractor and the client warrant legal protection.

The essence of a construction contract is often described as the contractor and client “being on the same page” about the project. That means the scope of work, timetable, payment, payment schedule, quality of work, penalties for late completion or late payment, and emergency situations.

Creating a contract with a client, and getting approval, take time. But it is safe to say no time is ever better spent on a construction project. What follows is a description of what a construction contract should include, why different types of contracts fit different projects, and some required details for any contract.

What is a construction contract?

A construction contract, of course, is a legal document. It can be enforced in a court. It outlines the scope of a project, the agreed-upon payment, and how to handle unexpected developments. Because the contract states objectively what both parties agree on, it represents a layer of protection as important to the contractor as to the client. Every contractor has run into a demand for work, without additional payment, that was not included in the original plan and run into arguments about the schedule of payments.

A contract has two great virtues: 

  1. It enables the work to begin with the client and contractor “on the same page” about what has been agreed. 
  2. It defines the legal recourse of each party if during the project they are not on the same page.

Types of construction contracts

There is no single type of contract for all construction projects. For example, a contract for a residential client will look different from a contract for a commercial client. But for any client, there are contracts with different structures that largely depend upon now payment is calculated. Here are the four most common:

Lump sum/fixed price: The client asks “How much will it cost?” and wants a single figure or lump sum for the entire project. This provides the client with an assured expenditure they are ready to accept; it provides the contractor with an incentive to get the project done fast, done right. But contracts allow for contingencies. What if the contractor finishes before or after the completion date? Is there an incentive for the former and a penalty for the latter? The contract should specify that.

Cost plus: This means that the client agrees to pay all costs of the project and, on top of that, a fixed amount or percentage of cost for the contractor’s profit.  Often, this is viewed as full protection for the contractor, but it also can produce a project cost that does not include a contractor’s “just cover myself for any problems” boost in the fixed price.  

Time and materials: In this type of contract, payment is tied to an hourly or daily rate charged by the contractor and actual costs for materials.  But consistent with the principle of a contract, clients pay additional, unexpected costs that arise during the project. One may be the contractor’s overhead or the contractor’s markup on materials the contractor obtains.

Unit pricing: Unit pricing contracts view the project in terms of measurable units—the type of task or its scope or work and the materials required.

The construction contract that is best for you, for the type of project, and for your client, depends largely upon how the contractor and the client want to structure payment.

The essentials for your construction contract

Any type of construction contract for your project will have certain key elements:

Identifying/Contact Information

Who is entering into this agreement? 

For the client, that means a name (or business name), phone number, email address, and the specific location of the property where the construction project will be taking place.

For the contractor, that means a name, business name, phone number, email address, company address, and any relevant license and insurance information.

A title for the project with its description

Your contract both names the project–“Two-Car Garage with Second Story Studio”–and describes the scope of the work. The scope of work could be a description, with dimensions and other specifications. But a blueprint or other plan could be attached to the contract to pin down the scope of work. In that case, the attachment would be signed, as well, by the contractor and the client.

What is essential is the size, components of the project, and materials to be used. Again, that may require blueprints and other attachments.

Any required licenses and permits for the project must be specified.

Projected Timeline and Completion Date

Of the essence, in any project, is the expected time to completion. Make sure to include the starting date (when the contract goes into effect) and the projected completion date.

You should be clear about what happens if you cannot complete the project by the specified completion date. That means at least that you, as the contractor, inform the client and give a new projected completion date.

Cost Estimate and Payment Schedule

In any type of construction contract, you will want to include your cost estimate and the schedule of payments for the project. Of course, before reaching the contract stage, the client will want an estimate. If that is agreed, then it can be included in the contract.

No project ought to begin before payment of a non-refundable deposit.

The additional required payment should be tied to milestones in completion of the project.

And, lastly, the contract should include late fees to protect you, as the contractor, so that late payment of what is owed includes, for example, an interest rate to be paid on the balance due.

Stop Work Clause and Stop Payment Clause

Because the contract requires you, as the contractor, to complete the work on a given schedule, you will need a clause that gives you the legal right to stop the work if the client fails to pay. At the same time, the clause will have to give the client the right to withhold payment if the project milestones are not reached on schedule.

Act of God Clause

Naturally, you will not “re-invent” the language of a contract. You will rely on one of the many templates available, now in digital form. Your construction contract template will include language that you need for protection against the unexpected. In other words, how will the work continue in circumstances beyond your control?

Such a clause outlines how you and the client will proceed if faced with a hurricane, earthquake, or drastic shortage of a given material. To some extent, this will depend upon your location and the possible exigencies. The standard language, or boilerplate, in most construction contract templates should cover this.

Change Order Agreement

As projects proceed, ideas may change. Your client may want to make some changes or additions. This means enlarging the essential “scope of work” of the project. That, in turn, means changing certain elements of the contract. The contract must specify how that will be done. A “change order” agreement makes such changes in scope, and, of course, payment, easier to handle.

Warranty

A client entering into a contract will need to know that you stand behind the quality of your work and will be responsible for correcting problems. A warranty clause addresses this issue by guaranteeing that for a certain period of time, you will correct any problems. Typically, the warranty period is one year. Contractors who do quality work will gain from offering this warranty, which addresses many vague client concerns and gets the project going.

Dated Signature from Both Parties

Your contract with the client becomes official, legally binding, when both of you have signed and dated the contract.

Your contract in today’s digital era

You will want to choose a high-quality, flexible “template”–or standard form–for your construction contract app. This gives you a contract expressed in precise legal language into which to insert all the required specifications of your project.

You can download, print, and fill-in such a construction contract template, but, today, construction contracts, like so much business, are digital documents filled out via mobile forms and apps. They are readily adaptable to the specifics of your construction project and easily shared with your client for alterations.

Going digital helps to avoid the hassles of lost or misplaced paper contracts, and your digital version is saved automatically. For definite legal agreement, you have authorized digital signatures.

For the construction contract of any type that you need, your first step can be GoCanvas, where the forms you need at any step in the contractor-client relationship are available, can be modified, or can be created from scratch to suit your distinctive needs. Follow the links below to learn how GoCanvas can reduce your paperwork and make all your business documents more professional.

Construction Contract Templates and Examples

Prime Construction Contract

With the Prime Construction Contract app, general contractors, project managers and others in the construction industry have access to electronic versions of all building contracts in one location. Add details about the prime construction contract directly into the form, including design and construction planning costs, bid details, dispute resolution information, payment requirements, the scope of work, and more. All parties can sign off on the agreement once all requirements have been reviewed.

prime construction contract template and sample

Cost Plus Fixed Fee Contract

The cost plus fixed fee contract app can be customized by the project owner or contractor, making it easy to manage all types of work and price details. Construction managers and general contractors can edit the total cost, manage the contractor price and add in their cost plus fixed fee details for the scope of work. Once the cost-plus fee contract has been completed, both parties can sign off on the details electronically.

Project Management Contract

Just about every element of a successful project in construction involves a project manager coordinating the various change orders and working directly with the general contractor to keep project team members on track with the work.

This construction project management app makes it easy to track all of the important construction contract details, including project owner contact information, general contractor name, pre-construction outline, task list, project milestones, and more. 

project management contract template

Time & Materials Contract

Similar to cost-plus contracts in construction projects, the time and materials contract template includes cost estimates and markup in the hourly labor rate in the Overhead and Profit section. In construction projects, it’s critical to stay on top of the details to ensure that projects stay within the scope of work, and in case there are questions down the road about the contract document and terms, the general contractor or the construction services provider.

time and materials contract sample

Cost-Plus Percentage Contract

Under a cost-plus construction contract, the client agrees to reimburse the contractor for the direct cost of the work, plus a percentage of all costs incurred, to cover overhead and profit. Unlike a fixed-price contract, cost-plus contracts guarantee the contractor a fair return, while allowing for various changes in the scope of work. As a construction manager, use this form to efficiently establish cost-plus pricing for long-term contracts with multiple change orders. With this design-build contract type for an agreement, use this app to best assess the estimated cost or fee according to a percentage of completion.

cost-plus-percentage-contract-sample

Looking for something different?

We have hundreds of pre-built forms with a variety of features to fit all of your business needs. Discover more inspections in our Application Store.

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About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

Check out even more resources

Three inspection workers on job site.

The Ultimate Guide to Quality Control Inspections

Managing a construction project is a complex and stressful process. Among other things, you have to coordinate project team members, materials, and equipment and ensure that contractors are not afflicted by the potential risks and hazards present at the construction site. That said, quality means different things to different people which is why you should…

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Constructions Digital Transformation

Your competition is finding faster ways to capture data and get critical insights from the field into their existing systems. In short, they’re not going bigger, they’re getting smarter. In this 15-minute broadcast on the construction industry’s digital transformation, find out why the trend is to modernize workflows – and how you can stay ahead of the curve…

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See how VIP Lighting optimized efficiency with GoCanvas

VIP Lighting is a retail lighting and electrical maintenance business that services over 10,000 retail locations all over Australia and New Zealand. Before GoCanvas, VIP Lighting had two separate systems that were impossible to integrate, leading to inefficiencies. GoCanvas made it easy to integrate their systems into single, centralized platform…

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Job Card Apps – Examples & Templates

Posted on by Danny Kanev

Job Card Apps – Examples & Templates

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What is a job card?

Job cards are used to record all of the pertinent information that workers need to know about a job or task to be performed as part of a work order. Many industries leverage job cards, including construction and contractors, manufacturing, engineering, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other similar types of field service organizations. 

What should a job card include?

Job cards should include any of the necessary information that will be needed to complete the job assigned. Typically, this would include:

  • Client information and project-specific details
  • Scope of work and what is being done
  • Form fields to note the time, materials, stock, and total cost of work
  • Signature lines to be signed by worker and project manager or client
  • Relevant images and additional notes

All of the fields on a job card will be custom to the work being performed and the job at hand. While these have historically been managed using paper forms for job cards, more companies are switching to apps for job cards to digitize their workflows.

Why use an app for job cards?

Construction Management Software for job cards are gaining popularity with businesses because they can be completed via a mobile device or tablet from anywhere. Instantly having all of the information digitized is a time-saver for teams and businesses benefit from eliminating paper forms. Some of the main drawbacks of using paper forms include:

  • Incomplete or illegible data
  • Lost or misplaced documents
  • Inefficient workflows that require manual work

Mobile apps are designed to simplify the process for everyone involved. Job card apps can be customized to include all of the key details, form fields, and automatic calculations for time and material costs, digital signatures, and image capture for additional context. All of the information is created as a report or PDF and sent automatically to anyone that needs the information. 

Seamless process for job management

Beyond just the basic use case for a job card app, many companies also benefit from integrated job card apps with other business processes related to the job card app. App platforms today are designed to automate work and fit into many of the workflows that happen on a job site or out in the field. 

This means that apps for job cards can be one part of the entire process for job management. You may also want to design the app platform to have other components like quotes, contracts, work orders, dispatching systems, invoicing, and payment processing.

Modern app platforms like GoCanvas can enable your business to streamline how this work gets done, with a completely seamless process for handling all of these different components from start to finish. Using our no-code platform for apps, companies are able to digitize their operations and enable employees on job sites and in the field to easily enter data using their mobile devices.

These tools are designed to be simple, giving businesses of all sizes the ability to embrace digital technologies to save time, reduce risk, and create a competitive advantage for the business. Learn more about how it works by visiting our website, or you can get started for free using one of our job card templates listed in the next section.

Getting started with one of our templates, you will see how easy it is to build and customize apps for job cards and many other key business processes.

Job Card App Examples and Templates

Material and Labor Job Card Mobile App

The material and labor job card app is used to record all of the materials used for a project. The app also has a worksheet for recording all the labor work used for the same project. The material section covers both the acquired materials at the course of the project and the offcuts which were left out after the project.

material and labor job card example

Subcontractor Job Card Mobile App

This subcontractor job card app is used to collect all the relevant information required by the general contractor for an ongoing contract or job. This includes project requirements, the scope of work. estimated cost, estimated completion date, risk analysis, and more. Once the contractor requirements form is complete, the job card sheet is stored for your records and can be edited as needed. This makes it easy for general contractors to maintain current records for construction projects and all other jobs that require the help of subcontractor employees.

subcontractor job card app example

Engineering Job Card: Service Installation Mobile App

The engineering job card app enables the professional engineer to record excavation and reinstatement information. This mobile application can be modified to meet your customer expectations, including preventative maintenance and quality assurance.

engineering job card app example

Looking for something different?

We have hundreds of pre-built forms with a variety of features to fit all of your business needs. Discover more inspections in our Application Store.

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About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

Check out even more resources

Man inputting digital work order into a tablet from a work site.

How Digital Work Orders Impact Your Key Business Outcomes

Is your company still using paper sheets to manage work orders? The drawbacks of using paper forms are often hidden, making it difficult to understand the true impact of paper forms on a business…

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Woman reviewing data via her mobile phone.

See How Centurion Got Amazing ROI from GoCanvas

Centurion is the largest heavy haulage provider in Australia. They deliver national supply chain solutions to the resources, energy, construction & retail sectors throughout Western Australia, Queensland & the Northern Territory…

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5 Tips to Improve How Your Business Collects Data

Companies rely on collecting data in order to operate. In a fast-changing world, companies that focus on streamlining and improving their data collection processes will be able to do more. The good news is that it’s become easier than ever for businesses of all… 

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3 Reasons to Invest in Safety Apps for Construction

Posted on by Danny Kanev

3 Reasons to Invest in Safety Apps for Construction

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Safety programs managed on paper are difficult to track. That’s why construction companies are going digital with their safety programs to gain more visibility into safety and track compliance. With digital training or toolbox talks, employees have an easier time accessing information through mobile devices. A digital record is created for documentation purposes within a safety meeting app.

Beyond safety meetings, apps for contractors can act as a comprehensive safety management solution. With robust reporting that’s visible in real-time, organizations can address potential hazards and limit OSHA violations and fines. 

This article covers some of the top reasons why construction companies and contractors are moving away from paper-based processes to modern, construction project management apps and digital operations using safety apps.

#1 Modern Operations

Safety apps like GoCanvas are designed to empower businesses of all sizes to completely digitize their operations and business processes. There are many components of a safety program that can be moved away from paper sheets, including things like incident reporting, inspections, safety data sheets, safety meetings, job safety analysis, and much more.

Safety apps for the construction industry take these paper-based processes and convert them into digital programs that are completely accessible to employees via a mobile device on a job site or on a computer.

Making this type of investment in digital technologies is good for workers and the company’s bottom line. 

For businesses, investing in worker safety means lower direct and insurance costs, lower legal fees, more competitive bids, and better overall company performance. An article from Construction Executive even cited that an effective safety program “will increase business value and return between $2 and $6 for every $1 invested in injury prevention.” 

And for employees, an investment in digital apps brings a modern solution for construction safety. This helps to formalize the programs, makes them accessible for everyone, and promotes best practices in the workplace. All of this can lead to greater employee satisfaction in the long run when employees see a clear investment in programs that benefit their well-being. 

#2 Greater Insight into Safety Trends

Data and analytics have historically been underutilized in the construction industry. Research from FMI suggests that 96% of data in the construction industry goes unused.

With mobile apps for safety, construction firms and contractors can have a better understanding of the data that is collected across job sites, automatically rolling this information up for easy reporting. 

The end result is time saved on manually manipulating data for reporting purposes and greater insights into trends. A survey of GoCanvas customers found that going digital with forms and apps for construction has saved their teams 50+ hours per week that was historically spent on manually creating reports.

When thinking about greater insights and visibility into the business, take safety meetings as an example. 

By digitizing safety meetings through apps, management can get real-time visibility into who has attended required safety training and which job sites are underperforming compared to others, in terms of compliance.

Having the data rolled up instantly for analytics and the ability to drill down into specific job sites or other demographic data can be incredibly useful for spotting safety trends, so your organization can take the appropriate next steps.

#3 Ensure Compliance and Lower Risk 

Safety apps are designed to help construction companies and contractors stay in compliance with OSHA and other regulations. 

With digital and mobile apps for safety, GoCanvas customers have reported and 18% reduction in their risk and liability. Some of the most common risks with paper forms are data loss, errors on paper forms, and missing or lost information.

Moving from paper to mobile apps can make your OSHA compliance efforts much easier and more effective. With digital technology you can:

  •  Enter data in real-time and that data is not only stored in the cloud but can be immediately shared with a supervisor or manager, minimizing response times
  • Create a variety of inspection checklists for various tasks and sites – all accessible from a smartphone or tablet
  • Update your mobile apps as OSHA guidelines evolve and change to reflect changes and immediately deploy the information across your organization

Your mobile safety apps will help to ensure that your business is in compliance with the latest regulations and employees won’t have to rely on paper sheets and inefficient processes.

To learn more about digital apps for safety, check out the GoCanvas website and sign up for a free trial of our no-code platform with app templates designed for the construction industry. Go digital with safety apps for incident reports, inspections, safety data sheets, safety meetings, job safety analysis, and more.

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About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

Check out even more resources

Three people in hard hats looking at a tablet.

Smarter, Faster, Safer: Improving Safety Compliance with Mobile Technology

Compliance, there are many ways we talk about it. A necessary evil, a chore, a struggle, or a critically important part of business. We all know how crucial it is, helping save…

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Woman reviewing information on a tablet.

Your Guide to Waiver Forms — Examples and Templates

Waiver forms are a type of legal protection used by businesses to reduce their liability and risk. This type of agreement between a business and its customers is used…

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Duotank Transforms Business Processes with GoCanvas

Duotank is a bag-in-tank alternative to the traditional keg beer system. The aseptic tank environment enables breweries to maintain the quality of their beer after it leaves…

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