Google Drive + contacts+ calandar+gmail.

Magic builder software packages are combos of filing & notification pieces. You still must decide who does what when. You have to find, qualify, vet & price trades & suppliers, write contracts, collect certs & releases, notify, schedule, follow up, inspect & pay.

Managing a software package for a single project will be overwhelming.

It's better to put that time in walking the project talking to these people, building trust, answering questions, making decisions.

Many people do this the old fashioned way. All software does is highlight the deficiencies and gaps a bit faster. It doesn’t introduce you to the right trades, who will magically be interested in a one off project. Not does it tell you what order to do things when everyone is screaming that their part goes last do as to not get messed up by everyone else. Software won’t fill in your holes. You either can do the full time job of the work to fill in those holes yourself, or you flounder way more than 4K. That’s one small mistake in staking out the foundation, or window order. A 4K tool won’t teach you what you need to know to do this. It’s a tool, and tools are GIGO. As are job sites.

The biggest benefits of project management software--at least from this builder's perspective-- is managing information flow to/from the client and helping to organize the selection process. If you're an owner/GC you don't need that. You can simply talk to yourself, which, of course you will be doing on a regular basis by the time the project is complete.

An old-fashioned calendar and pencil (with a large eraser) will provide more useful insights for a first-time owner/GC than the best software you can buy. You can also make generous use of sticky notes-- which come in different colors and sizes (the really small ones are for applying to other, larger sticky notes.)

Let the adventure begin!

Thanks to all for the feedback. Well, I do have smartsheet that I can utilize. Actually, thinking about it, Smarsheet is probably the way to go. I currently use it daily. And I can have a kanban board set up on location. I have a CM background and use CM software, but its more specialized commercial construction. I will be on site quite frequently.

Here's a plan: Be general contractor on your renovation project, take extensive notes and pictures, and after the project is complete create your own software and market it. From my personal point of view, anyone that can successfully be the general contractor on their own project can write a computer program.

Mark,

That's a great idea actually. I definitely would include the design process as well. Speaking of design, I believe you helped me out with some if my design questions earlier in the year. So, thanks for that. There was definitely a learning curve with in the initial design phases, particularly with some of the details like exterior insulation (mineral wool), rain screens, air sealing, innie windows, flashing, etc. I'm fortunate to have the time.. It would not be possible without having a good twenty + hours per week.

Charles,

Perhaps you're right. I'll put a simple board up, even if it's just for me. I can probably keep everything organized in my Smartsheet program. I started using it in my consulting business a few years ago and it's been phenomenal.

I made an Excel spreadsheet for my last home addition/renovation. I organizing into CSI format, with data for estimates, buy-out, etc. It helped remind me what I needed to address, contact info, etc.

Seaborman - thanks for the feedback. Yes, I'm thinking this might be the best way. The smartsheet i use is basically a spreadsheet (compatible with excel) but has some extra features that help in keeping everything in one place (on one sheet).