How CoConstruct Revolutionized Our Construction Projects

July 28, 2024

By J.P. Barlow, Custom Home Builder at JParrish Builders

I have tried numerous project management tools over the years, and while each had its strengths, none fully addressed the unique challenges of custom home building. That all changed when I integrated CoConstruct into our operations—it's been a game-changer in ways I never imagined.

Streamlined Project Management

Before CoConstruct, managing multiple custom home builds simultaneously felt like trying to keep a dozen plates spinning in the air. Every day was a flurry of emails, phone calls, and spreadsheet updates, with little time to actually focus on the craft of building. I really like how CoConstruct brought everything into one cohesive system.

The first time I used the project scheduling feature. I was able to assign tasks directly to my trades, set deadlines, and track progress—all within the same platform. It was like flipping a switch. Suddenly, my chaotic, paper-driven workflow was transformed into a streamlined process where everyone knew exactly what needed to be done and when. The daily job logs became an invaluable tool, allowing me to track job site activities and make real-time adjustments without ever losing sight of the bigger picture.

Real-Time Financial Insights

The financial aspect of custom home building can be a minefield. Keeping track of expenses, managing client budgets, and ensuring profitability requires meticulous attention to detail. Before CoConstruct, this meant endless spreadsheets and hours spent reconciling numbers across different platforms. It was a necessary evil, but one that took away from the time I could have been spending on the job site or with clients.

With CoConstruct’s integrated budget tracking, all that changed. I remember a particular project where the client was especially budget-conscious. With CoConstruct, I was able to provide them with a detailed financial summary, showing exactly where every dollar was going. This level of transparency not only reassured the client but also allowed us to catch potential budget overruns early, making adjustments before they became major issues.

The platform’s real-time updates mean I’m never in the dark about the financial health of a project. I can see at a glance how actual costs compare to estimates, and make informed decisions on the spot. It’s not just about avoiding financial pitfalls—CoConstruct has enabled me to manage projects more efficiently and with greater confidence.

Enhanced Client Experience

How it’s improved our relationships with clients was an unexpected benefits to me. The client-facing portal was something I was initially unsure about—would clients really use it? Would it complicate things? But the reality has been the exact opposite.

Clients love the transparency and control that the portal gives them. They can log in at any time, from anywhere, and see exactly how their project is progressing. They can review selections, approve change orders, and even communicate directly with the team through the platform. This has reduced the number of back-and-forth emails and phone calls, allowing us to focus more on building and less on managing communications.

There was a client who was initially quite hands-off but became much more engaged after seeing how easy it was to track their project in CoConstruct. They started to take a more active role in the decision-making process, which not only improved the final outcome but also made them feel more invested in their new home.

Looking Forward

In an industry where the stakes are high and the margin for error is slim, CoConstruct has become an essential part of our success. It’s more than just software—it’s a partner that understands the complexities of custom home building and helps us navigate them with confidence. I’m looking forward to continuing this journey with CoConstruct by our side, knowing that whatever challenges lie ahead, we have the right tools to overcome them.