Killer Construction App
Builder’s Helper has all the features I need and at $15, it’s less expensive than a construction calculator.
In a continued effort to streamline my toolbox, I decided to try a construction app to replace my stand-alone construction calculator. I downloaded Builder’s Helper by My Pie Interactive (available for iOS only) from the app store. It can calculate linear, square, and cubic measurements in English and metric systems and can convert between the two with a “E/M” button. The app has geometry functions that can generate rise, run, pitch, and diagonal with two known values. It also has a tape button that mimics the print-out on old adding machines, listing all your calculations for error checking. One of the features I find the most useful is called Quick Jobs, which is a list of 16 of the most common job-site and estimating tasks broken down into a customizable page. Just enter a few known parameters and it generates the rest. Options include everything from rafters and stairs to material counts for drywall and flooring to a board-feet calculator.
There is also a notepad function for quick notes and questions that can be exported to PDF, as well as a project-management suite that allows for storing project documents and images from a photo library or directly from the camera. All in all, Builder’s Helper has all the features I need and at $15, it’s less expensive than a construction calculator.
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I looked up the app "Builder's Helper" mentioned in your July 2018 issue, page 28, and found that the developer's website "My Pie Interactive" is up for sale. The app was given a 2.6 rating on the App Store website. Can you provide more info on the developer in your next issue of your magazine. It seems that there is no user support or updates available.
Sorry, some apps are nice, but I'll stick to my Construction Master. Recently had to replace my CM4 that I have had for 20 plus years for a new CM Pro. Paid less than $30 for it. Always received great customer service Calculator Industries when I had a couple of issues. Again I know there are lots of apps out there for our industry, just don't want them on my phone.
Thanks for sharing this post!