Not sure if you heard yet, but this week Apple announced the release of their 2010 cash cow, the iPad. We see the iPad having a laundry list of applications across many industries and even more so just for fun. Due to the portable nature and intuitive design, the iPad has the potential for a bright future in the building industry, that is assuming you can protect it. Think of the possibilities.
With the introduction of the iPad, Apple is reporting around 140,000 apps from the iTunes App Store will translate to the new tablet format along with the development of new apps specially designed for iPad. This comes at a time when a growing group of home improvement and building materials companies are developing special applications, such as Lumber Liquidators, on which Home Channel News recently reported.
We thought it would be fun to mix up some apps that are currently available with some that we see as having a nice application to the building industry. Once you’ve read through, send us your guesses as to which are legit and which will begin development after this post goes live. Oh, and no peeking at the App Store for help!
Building Terms Dictionary – A quick study of all industry jargon and acronyms. This pocket reference compiles over 500 of the most commonly used terms from LEED to ICF.
LEED AP Building Design + Construction – The application includes 200 flash cards and a 100 question practice exam for the LEED AP Building Design + Construction exam. The practice exam includes reference notes and can be completed over multiple sessions.
Architect’s Formulator – The perfect tool for any Architect, this app combines formulas for Electrical, Carpentry, Plumbing, Concrete and Excavation. It aids users in computing such details as calculating the loads on walls and beams, kilowatts, horsepower, cost of hardwood flooring among many others.
Materials Inventory Tracker – Keep track of how many pieces of each material/product is needed for a specific job. Not only does this tool track product quantities, it also tabulates the total in dollars for each for easy reference when quoting jobs.
Pocket Developer – An innovative app designed to quickly evaluate the high level numbers in commercial development projects. Pocket Developer provides a quick calculation of land costs, allowing the user to move seamlessly between acres and square feet.
Product Locator – Tired of calling your distributor to find out what products are available where? This app allows users to choose a specific type of product and enter a zip code, generating a list of all local suppliers.
So do you see this working in your field of work? We’d be interested in your thoughts.
Jamie Qualk is a vice president at 
An interesting conversation began a few days ago among a few home building industry veterans about how many International Builders’ Shows (IBS) we have attended.
