Construction Apps for iPhone

Yesterday, I told you about interior design apps for the iPhone, iPod Touch and the new iPad. But what if you are building a new bathroom instead of just designing it? Here are a few cool apps for remodeling and construction projects.

My Measures and Dimensions

If you have ever gone to the hardware store and fumbled to try and explain the project to a sales clerk, My Measures and Dimensions is for you. With the 99-cent app, you can draw lines, dimensions and other text on any photo. That means you can quickly share visual representations of any project. An April 5 update adds angles and arrows to the program for even more versatility.

Two interior designers on the iTunes site say this is their favorite and most well-used application. It's also handy for architects, carpenters and real estate agents.

InchCalc

The 99-cent version of InchCalc is essentially a calculator that is better at fractions. Converting partial inches from decimals to fractions makes it much easier to use standard measuring tapes. The $4.99 upgrade, InchCalc+, also converts measurements into metric units, and helps with right triangle calculations and other construction functions.

Carpenter's Helper Pro

This complete construction calculator is more versatile (albeit more expensive, at $9.99) than InchCalc, offering the specialized functions for calculating stair lengths, roof pitch and more. The creators will let you test a trial version of the program for free, including basic calculator functions and quick metric-imperial conversions.

Concrete Calc Pro, etc.

Another 99-cent calculator program has exactly one function - converting concrete slab dimensions into cubic yards, and providing a cost estimate. Calculators also are available for asphalt, lumber, tile, sod, roofing, drywall. Not the most versatile programs, but easier than trying to do the math in your head. There are a few versions of some materials calculators. Check the user ratings for any of the programs. Users have complained about inaccuracies with some apps.

LEED AP Building Design + Construction

Designers and builders can bone up for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification exam with 200 flash cards and a 100-question practice test. The $19.99 price tag may be steep, but it's a potentially valuable investment toward a hot new green construction job.

Green Pro

After receiving LEED certification, it's time to start tallying all those LEED credits for each construction project. This $3.99 program comes loaded with the most recent LEED guidelines for contractors to find and check off qualifying products and strategies.

Quick Guide to Construction Claims

Finally, this month brings the first iPhone e-book about construction claims. It's not as much fun as some of the other apps, but it could help either file or defend against construction-related suits.

There are plenty of ways to use an iPhone on the construction site or for the remodeling project. However, it shouldn't replace the entire toolkit. Take care using the level and plumb bob for structural calculations. They are probably okay for hanging paintings, but not for setting studs and beams.

Posted by: Steve Graham