Measure a room with your phone: Polycam vs Pix4Dcatch for quick site surveys
Polycam and Pix4Dcatch for measuring rooms using iPhone LiDAR, covering their strengths, limitations, and appropriate use cases for accuracy.
Technology
Generate a materials list from plans or photos with AI: fast takeoffs for small contractors
AI tools enable small UK contractors to quickly generate accurate materials lists from photos or plans, simplifying the estimating process and improving speed.
Roof inspection report from photos: a simple workflow that tags defects and builds a PDF
Simple workflow enables roofers to efficiently generate photo-led inspection reports, reducing preparation time from 45 to 10 minutes using AI automation.
AirTag vs GPS tracker for vans and tools: what to use and how to set it up
Apple AirTags and Samsung SmartTags with dedicated GPS trackers for tracking vans and tools, covering their functionalities, setup, legal considerations, and insurance requirements.
Geofencing timesheets on construction sites: auto clock in, stop buddy punching and stay compliant
Geofencing timesheets automate clocking in and out for field service teams, improving accuracy and reducing administrative tasks while keeping compliance with UK data protection laws.
How to set up van stock control with barcodes: printers, labels and a 60 minute setup
Simple 60-minute setup for van stock control using barcodes, improving speed for small to mid-sized service businesses.
Starlink for building sites: setup, power from a van, best plans and CCTV tips
Guidance for site managers and contractors on using Starlink for reliable internet connectivity, including setup, power options, and CCTV integration.
Voice notes to job report: step-by-step for trades with templates and tools
Tradespeople a process for creating job reports using voice notes, transcription tools, and templates to improve speed and accuracy.
Best rugged phones for builders and trades in 2025: what to buy and what to avoid
In 2025, builders and tradespeople should consider rugged phones like the Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 and HMD XR21 for durability, support, and functionality.
Outlook ↔ ServiceM8/Jobber/Tradify (UK): stop duplicate calendar entries and fix BST/GMT shifts
Guidance for UK plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and building firms on resolving duplicate calendar entries and time zone issues in Outlook with ServiceM8, Jobber, or Tradify.
ServiceM8 to WhatsApp Business UK: automate booking confirmations with Make.com and cut no‑shows
ServiceM8 enables UK plumbing and electrical firms to automate appointment confirmations via WhatsApp, reducing no-shows and improving customer communication through Make.com integration.
ServiceM8 to Google Drive with Zapier UK how to auto save job photos into client folders
How UK trades teams can automatically save job photos from ServiceM8 to Google Drive using Zapier, without requiring coding skills.
ServiceM8 ↔ Google Calendar (UK): fix one‑hour shifts, duplicates and missing jobs around BST/GMT
Common issues UK trades teams face when connecting ServiceM8 with Google Calendar, including time shifts, duplicates, and missing jobs, offering practical solutions.