Read latest news, blog and feature articles in the residential construction industry. HousingZone.com serves the business information needs of residential construction professionals, specifically home builders, remodelers, architects, exterior-replacement contractors, kitchen and bath specialists and many more. It is the parent portal for Professional Builder, Professional Remodeler, Custom Builder and Housing Giants magazines.
Brought to you by:
With the tap of the screen, users can quickly locate a certified green contractor in their area. This app also includes a carbon-footprint calculator and a green-building guide supported by the NAHB Research Center with information on green-building products and technology.
MagicPlan allows users to measure, draw, and publish interactive floor plans on the web, just by taking pictures. Create a floor plan in minutes without the need to measure, draw, or move furniture.
This app calculates quantities of concrete and rebar required for any concrete-pad project. It also calculates material cost and waste, and allows users to instantly email estimates to team members and clients.
Calculating the precise dimensions of a space is a breeze with this construction calculator. The tool allows users to quickly perform simple math using the feet, inch, and fraction format — as it appears on a tape measure.
Simply input the dimensions of a space and this app will provide the total square footage and the number of 4 x 8-foot drywall sheets required for the job. Gypsum board sizes can easily be adjusted.
Siding a wall, shingling a roof, laying patio stones? Enter the length of the area to be covered, the width of the individual items (boards, shingles, patio stones, etc.), and the number of items. The app will tell you the space between the items or the amount of overlap.
For homeowners with the Schlage LiNK system, this app allows them to remotely monitor their doors and grant entry to their home from anywhere in the world via a tablet computer.
iOS, Android
Identify different types of woods from around the world in seconds with this handy app. The tool provides high-definition screen samples and information form nearly 160 species, both raw and non-finished). It also includes a wood glossary, dimensional lumber conversions, hardness scale, nail size reference, and other tools.
USG Solutions is like having your own contractor right on your smart phone or iPad. The tool includes project how-to's, material estimators, product catalogs, and contact information for USG USA and Canada. The estimators are designed for ceiling, interior panel, tile, and flooring applications and offer support in English, Spanish, and French.
Intuit offers this free app, along with a free credit-card reader, for small-business owners who wish to accept credit-card payments using their tablet or smart-phone devices. Simply enter the payment amount, swipe the card, and receive confirmation in seconds.
USG’s app provides product information, installation videos, and a material estimator that allows users to easily and quickly calculate the installation material needed for tile or vinyl installations. Also provides quick links to USG customer service and tech support.
BuildCalc is a construction calculator with advanced features, including stair and baluster functions, hip/valley roof functions, and custom sizing. Includes a daylight display mode for better visibility on site.
This virtual level provides three vials for plumb, level, and 45° miter, and includes an audio feature that alerts users when the structure or object is level. The novel camera option allows users to level objects from a distance. The display also shows the exact measurements currently being reported by the sensors.
This tool provides one-click access to a variety of forms, including product order, work order, request for information, transmittal, and safety field hazard assessment. Contractors can complete paperwork in the field for rapid distribution to the office or clients.
This app turns your iPad into a level. Hold any of the tablet’s four sides against an object to test it for plumb/level, or lay it down on a flat surface for a 360-degree level. The tool will beep or light when surface or object is level.
This digital sketchbook comes with a set of simple vector-based drawing tools that allow users to easily mark-up existing plans, documents, and photos, making it great for communicating field changes, construction error, and other jobsite issues. Users can sketch and save multiple layers and email marked-up files as a PDF.
The Viega Radiant Estimator App is the must-have tool for every heating and cooling professional. Easy to navigate and simple to use, the Viega Radiant Estimator App provides the material quantities you need to correspond with general installation data such as square footage and tubing size.
This app combines several estimating and bidding tools into one tool. Accurately bid on flooring, painting, framing, roofing, concrete, drywall, and miscellaneous bidding with a few taps of the screen.
Punch in the dimensions of any room and the price per gallon and this app will instantly calculate the cost for the painting project. Users can add the cost for a second coat or painted ceiling with a tap of the screen. The app also allows users to quickly adjust the price per gallon and paint coverage.
This fully functional level for mobile technology makes leveling projects a snap, with fast calibration and a realistic bubble-level interface. The tool also displays slope angle to ensure aaccuracy.
