Resource list for Construction Project Managers

Document Management

Spread Sheets

• Excel – The construction PMs best friend.
• Google Sheets – Google’s free alternative to Excel. It is a powerhouse but you may find compatibility as the industry standard is Excel.

Note Taking Apps

• OneNote – An excellent note taking app that works across multiple devices. I mainly use this to manage tasks and to-do lists.
• Obsidian – A free and local solution to note taking. Massive customization options with themes / plugins. Truly a productivity powerhouse but it has a learning curve.
• Notion – A freemium option that is easy to use and has excellent database functionality. I have used this for managing vendor / customer relationships.

PDF Viewers

• Bluebeam – The industry standard for pdfs in the construction industry. Built for construction, it has the best markup tools I have found.
• Adobe Acrobat – The original PDF tool still holds its ground in being excellent to navigate and edit contracts.
• PDFgear – A free alternative to the above.

Standards and Codes

• OSHA Standards – We are all responsible for job site safety, free to access.
• ASTM Standards – Useful but expensive.
• IBC Standards – Useful but expensive.
• IFC Standards – Useful but expensive.
• ACI Standards – Concrete standards.
• UFC Standards – Government work standards, free to access.

Contract Documents

• AIA Contract Documents – Industry standard construction documents at fairly reasonable prices, way cheaper than paying a lawyer
• ConsensusDocs – Another construction specific legal document site that allows you to buy packages of documents based on your role ie. subcontractor, architect, General contractor etc…