Building Connected; What you Need to Know!

The construction industry has a vast array of tools available for everyone to use. Designed to make your job easier, some of these popular tools are, Building Connected, Procore, ISQFT, and so much more.

Today, we will be examining Building Connected. We will take a look at its features, uses, pricing, and why you should have an account.

Let’s dive in:

BuildingConnected is a web-based construction bidding platform that helps general contractors streamline their bidding and preconstruction processes. It allows contractors to manage their bid invitations, send bid packages, receive and evaluate bids, and communicate with subcontractors and suppliers.

The platform enables collaboration between contractors and subcontractors, simplifies the bidding process, and provides a centralized hub for managing project information and communications. It aims to improve efficiency, save time, and enhance communication within the construction industry.

It helps to facilitate the bidding and preconstruction processes in the construction industry. It provides tools and features to help general contractors manage bid invitations, send bid packages, receive and evaluate bids, and communicate with subcontractors and suppliers. 

Features of Building Connected:

BuildingConnected offers several features designed to streamline the construction bidding and preconstruction processes.

Bid Management: BuildingConnected allows users to manage bid invitations, send bid packages to subcontractors, and track bid responses. It provides a centralized platform for managing the bidding process efficiently.

Document Management: The platform enables the uploading, organizing, and sharing of construction project documents, plans, and specifications. It helps ensure all relevant parties have access to the latest project information.

Bid Evaluation and Comparison: BuildingConnected offers tools to evaluate and compare bids received from subcontractors. This can include features such as bid leveling, bid analytics, and side-by-side bid comparisons.

Communication and Messaging: Users can communicate and collaborate with subcontractors and suppliers within the platform. This includes sending messages, sharing updates, and managing project-related communications.

Subcontractor Database: BuildingConnected typically provides access to a database of subcontractors and suppliers, allowing users to search for and invite qualified subcontractors to bid on projects.

Reporting and Analytics: The platform may offer reporting and analytics capabilities to provide insights into the bidding process, subcontractor performance, and other relevant data points.

These features lead me to the why! Why should you as a cleaning company open an account with Building Connected, especially if you are just starting out?

Joining BuildingConnected can be important for cleaning companies in the construction industry for several reasons:

Access to Project Opportunities: BuildingConnected serves as a centralized platform where general contractors post project opportunities and invite subcontractors to bid. By joining the platform, you gain access to a wide range of projects and bidding opportunities that you may not have been aware of otherwise. This can expand your business prospects and increase your chances of securing new cleaning contracts.

Streamlined Bidding Process: BuildingConnected simplifies and streamlines the bidding process for subcontractors. The platform provides tools and features to manage bid invitations, submit bids, track bid responses, and communicate with general contractors. This can save you time and effort compared to traditional manual bidding processes.

Enhanced Communication and Collaboration: BuildingConnected facilitates efficient communication and collaboration between cleaning companies and general contractors. The platform allows for direct messaging, file sharing, and document management, enabling better coordination and information exchange throughout the preconstruction phase. This can help establish strong working relationships with general contractors and improve project outcomes.

Increased Visibility and Credibility: Being part of BuildingConnected can enhance your company’s visibility and credibility within the construction industry. General contractors using the platform can view your company profile, services, and qualifications. By maintaining an up-to-date and professional profile, you can showcase your expertise, experience, and references, which can help attract potential clients and build trust with general contractors.

Centralized Project Information: BuildingConnected serves as a central hub for project information, including plans, specifications, and other relevant documents. Having access to this centralized repository ensures that you stay updated with the latest project details, changes, and announcements. It improves efficiency and reduces the risk of miscommunication or outdated information.

Industry Networking: BuildingConnected provides an opportunity to connect and network with other subcontractors, suppliers, and industry professionals. Engaging with the BuildingConnected community can help you expand your professional network, learn from peers, and explore potential collaborations or partnerships.

How to join:

Invitation from a General Contractor (GC): If a general contractor you have worked with or have a business relationship with is using BuildingConnected, they may send you an invitation to join the platform. This invitation can be an opportunity for you to create an account and start utilizing the platform to collaborate with that specific general contractor.

Invitation from BuildingConnected Support: BuildingConnected support team can also extend invitations to specific cleaning companies to join the platform. This can happen if there is a specific project or opportunity that aligns with your company’s expertise and services. If you receive an invitation from BuildingConnected support, you can follow their instructions to join the platform and take advantage of the offered opportunity.

Sign up or create an account: Look for a “Sign up” or “Create an account” option on the website. Click on it to begin the registration process.

Select your company type: During registration, you may be asked to provide information about your company, including its type and industry. Make sure to indicate that you are a cleaning company.

Complete the registration form: Fill out the required information on the registration form. This may include details about your company’s name, location, contact information, and any relevant licenses or certifications you hold.

Verify your account: Depending on the registration process, you may need to verify your account through email confirmation or other means.

Explore the platform: Once you have registered and verified your account, you can start exploring the features and functionalities of BuildingConnected. 

Familiarize yourself with the tools available for managing bids, communicating with contractors, and accessing project information.

Build your profile: Take the time to create a comprehensive and accurate profile for your cleaning company. This can include providing information about your services, experience, and any qualifications or references that can help you stand out to contractors.

Connect with contractors: Utilize the platform to search for projects, find bid invitations, and connect with general contractors who are seeking cleaning services. Actively participate in the bidding process by submitting bids and communicating with potential clients.

Maintain ongoing engagement: Regularly check BuildingConnected for new project opportunities and stay actively engaged with contractors through the platform. Promptly respond to bid invitations and messages to demonstrate your professionalism and reliability.

Subscription Costs:

The costs associated with joining BuildingConnected can vary depending on factors such as your location, the size of your company, and the services you require. 

I recommend visiting the BuildingConnected website or contacting their support team for up-to-date and accurate pricing details. 

Here are some aspects to consider regarding potential costs:

Subscription Plans: BuildingConnected offers different subscription plans tailored to the needs of different users, including general contractors and subcontractors. These plans often involve a monthly or annual subscription fee. 

Company Size and User Licenses: The cost of joining BuildingConnected can also depend on the size of your cleaning company and the number of users who will be using the platform.

Additional Services and Add-Ons: BuildingConnected may offer additional services or add-ons that can enhance your experience on the platform. These services could include advanced analytics, custom reporting, or integrations with other software tools. If you choose to utilize these additional services, there may be associated costs.

Building Connected Alternatives: While BuildingConnected is a popular platform for construction bidding and preconstruction processes, several alternatives are available in the market. These alternatives offer similar functionalities and may suit the needs of cleaning companies in the construction industry. Here are a few notable options:

Procore, SmartBid, PlanGrid, iSqFt, ConstructConnect, and many more. In subsequent blogs, we will explore the other alternatives in detail.