Well, we’re in uncharted territory, to say the least. The coronavirus has placed major limitations on how many businesses can function, including construction. The state of Pennsylvania has shut down all construction sites, and so has the City of Boston, but most other states have deemed construction as “essential,” allowing projects to continue.
At the very least, your projects have hopefully seen some pivoting to reduce close contact with as many other workers as possible and much of your office staff may be working remotely. Not to mention, projects in industries that are being negatively affected by area shutdowns may have delayed or canceled projects. So, where do you go from here? Thankfully, many companies are stepping up in big ways to help contractors, big and small, navigate through these uncertain times.
I’ve gathered dozens of resources and other ways companies are offering help below and I’ll update as I find more. If you have a resource that you think can help, please email me at shane@constructionjunkie.com.
Free Remote Working Technology
Microsoft is offering a free 6-month premium trial of the Teams app, according to Business Insider
Cisco Webex removed the time limit from its free version and allows business a 90-day license for dial-in features.
Not free, but Loom, a video sharing service, cut their business plan prices in half
Bullclip, by Drawboard, a PSF collaboration tool for construction, has been made FREE for the next 3 months. Use code REMOTE when you subscribe to a basic monthly plan.
Riskcast is offering a free 90-day system access for remote payroll and waiving implementation fees. For more information, visit riskcast.com and speak to a member of their Customer Success Team.
OpenSpace has released a new, simplified version of their 360 degree photo software called OpenSpace Photo FOR FREE
StructionSite is offering 60-days of access to their 360 degree documentation platform FOR FREE for new customers.
Smartvid.io, an AI software that analyzes photos and videos for risk, is offering a 60-day free trial and has also added a new AI feature that can tell you if workers are keeping a proper social distance from one another. More on that in their blog post here.
FieldChat, a construction messaging platform, is offering free access to their platform for companies in the US and Canada through June 1.
Autodesk is offering an extended free trial offer through May 31, 2020 for the following products: BIM 360 Docs, BIM 360 Design, Fusion 360, Fusion Team, AutoCAD Web and Mobile, and Shotgun.
Procore, a construction management platform, is offering new customers an extended free trial of their Project Management product through July 15, 2020. Exisiting Procore Project Management customers can get free access to the Quality & Safety Product through July 15, 2020, as well.
eBacon’s COVID-19 Resource Hub
Software company, eBacon, is an expert in the field of construction payroll and their resource page has a ton of great information for available loans, the CARES Act, and even HR information. Find the eBacon COVID-19 Resource Hub by clicking or tapping here.
Milwaukee Tool’s Guide for Sanitizing Power Tools
If your site is still open, chances are high that someone else might use your tools, so you need to know the steps for proper sanitation. To help, Milwaukee Tool has releases a helpful cleaning guide for power tools to aid in the prevention COVID-19.
Buildr’s Guide to the CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program
This guide contains a lot of helpful information regarding who is eligible for benefits, how much can be borrowed, how to apply, and payback terms and conditions. Find The Paycheck Protection Program quick guide by clicking or tapping here.
Levelset is Offering Free Legal Consultations to Contractors
With the help of volunteer attorneys from across the country, Levelset, a payment and lien system for construction, is offering free 15-minute phone consultations with many different lawyers in their system. Contractors can also post their question anonymously on Levelset’s Ask an Expert Center.
Key Takeaways from Briq’s COVID-19 & Construction Panel Discussion
Briq hosted a great panel discussion on how contractors need to prepare for the pandemic. You can read my full recap here.
UPDATE: Briq hosted a 2nd panel discussion, which you can watch here and is hosting a 3rd panel discussion on Monday, March 30th, 11:00 am PST / 2:00 pm EST. To register, click here.
Safesite Offers Several Coronavirus Checklists and Safety Meeting Templates
Using guidance from several governmental safety groups, like the CDC, OSHA, the Red Cross, and WHO, Safesite is offering several inspection checklists and meeting templates for free download on their website. The resources include a Coronavirus & Flu Prevention Meeting Template, a Coronavirus Preparedness Checklist, a Business Contingency Planning Checklist, and a Housekeeping Checklist Template. To find all of these templates, click or tap here.
Procore Offers Webinar and Other Resources
Construction management software company, Procore, is offering a webinar titled “Procore Customer Roundtable: We're in this together” on March 26 at 11am PT (2pm ET). They also have Procore Community, a 15,000 member strong online industry group that you can connect with to share ideas.
Autodesk Offers Tips for Improving Virtual Collaboration
Many tech companies are seeing a sharp uptick in customers since the coronavirus pandemic started to force many in the construction industry to work from home. To help, Autodesk has published an article titled, “8 Strategies to Improve Virtual Collaboration in Construction.” The list includes tips for communication, security, and a list of tools to help with virtual collaboration.
Trimble’s Viewpoint COVID-19 Contractor Resources
Viewpoint has a great collection of contractor focused resources for employees, owners, managers. Included in guide is information on the upcoming Family First Coronavirus Response Act, virus tracking, remote access help for Viewpoint products, and more. Check out their guide by clicking or tapping here.
Fieldwire Virtual Town Hall: Combatting COVID-19 and Its Effects on the Construction Industry
UPDATE: Fieldwire’s Virtual Town Hall was completed and a recap and recording of it can be found on their website.
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Coronavirus Resource Page
ABC’s resource page provides a variety of useful links for construction business owners.
Associated General Contractors of America Coronavirus Webpage
The AGC webpage keeps you updated with regulation changes from around the country and is offering a 8-part webinar series for AGC members. They also have a Dropbox folder with several helpful resources included, like Toolbox talks and jobsite posters for their National Coronavirus Safety Stand Down event.
You can watch the first webinar on their YouTube page or below:
The Mechanical Contractors Associate of America COVID-19 Contingency Plan Webinar Series
The MCAA is hosting a multi-part webinar series to educate contractors how to keep your business moving through the uncertainty. You can watch their first webinar or register for their next 2 webinars on March 23 and 25 by clicking or tapping here.
Gilbane’s White Paper on COVID-19’s Impact on the Construction Market
Construction giant, Gilbance, has published a short white paper on the effects of COVID-19 on construction, including topics such as supply chain and worker productivity. To read it, you can click or tap here
National Electrical Contractors Association Offers Free COVID-19 Safety Talk
The safety talk from NECA offers various tips for lowering the exposure of workers to the virus. You can view it here.
Shane is the creator of Construction Junkie and an active construction project manager. In his career, he has managed interior remodel projects, site development, construction safety, governmental project compliance, and facility maintenance. He has a strong passion for construction technology and safety, as well as sharing the knowledge or insights he has gained throughout his career.