Residential construction is fast-moving, margin-sensitive and reputation-driven. A single missed voicemail or outdated material price can wipe out profit on a job. CountBricks building communications software closes that gap by uniting voice-to-estimate AI, live material pricing and automated document generation in one workflow. Instead of juggling spreadsheets, text threads and paper quotes, site managers, carpenters and subcontractors keep every conversation, cost and task in the same digital conversation they started with a simple phone call.
1. Speak with the homeowner or architect while onsite
2. CountBricks AI transcribes the call, tags tasks and quantities, and pulls current supplier pricing
3. The system builds a full estimate and branded PDF quote, ready for signature
4. Approved items roll straight into purchase orders and the project schedule
This zero-rekeying workflow eliminates the two biggest time drains in residential contracting: manual data entry and price chasing.
Real-Time Voice Capture
• Talk naturally while walking the slab or checking framing
• AI picks out dimensions, finishes and allowances instantly
Live Supplier Integrations
• Pulls timber, cladding and hardware prices every hour
• Flags cost changes mid-build so you can issue variations before margins disappear
Multi-Crew Task Boards
• Carpenters, plumbers and sparkies see only their tasks
• Colour-coded progress updates feed straight to your client portal
One-Click Documents
• Quotes, invoices and variation orders use your logo and T&Cs
• Automatically attaches photo evidence captured in the field
Many apps promise scheduling or chat features, but they are rarely built specifically for residential builders. CountBricks links every sentence you speak to measurable line items, giving you:
• Accurate allowances that stop awkward conversations about PC sums
• Automatic mark-ups based on your preset labour rates and margin targets
• Audit trails that show who said what, when – invaluable during disputes
• No double handling because the take-off, estimate and invoice live in the same file
Residential building is heavily regulated. CountBricks stores every voice note, drawing and signed document in an encrypted New Zealand data centre. Digital signatures meet NZS 3910 standards, and GST is calculated automatically on every invoice.
• Site supervisors recover up to five hours a week previously lost to spreadsheet updates
• Variations are approved 40% faster because evidence and costing are presented together
• Subcontractor questions drop, thanks to live task boards and material lists
• Cash flow improves when invoices go out the same day work is completed
A CountBricks client took on a $620k Grey Lynn villa renovation with tight heritage constraints. Using building communications software, the project team captured 124 design changes by voice during site walks. CountBricks auto-priced cedar weatherboards, heritage mouldings and custom steel within minutes, issuing client variations worth $74k. The builder maintained a 19% margin and delivered on schedule.
CountBricks connects to:
• Xero for direct invoice push-through
• Supplier portals for Mitre 10 and PlaceMakers live pricing
• Google Drive for plan storage
No extra set-up cost – log in, authorise and start pulling data.
1. Create your free CountBricks account at CountBricks.com/services
2. Import your existing price book (CSV, Excel or PDF)
3. Record a sample scope call – let the AI build a test estimate
4. Customise your document templates under “Brand Settings”
5. Invite your foreman and preferred subcontractors
Total time investment: under two hours.
A two-crew residential builder issuing eight invoices per month saves:
• 16 admin hours (data entry and chasing prices)
• $1,280 in admin wages
• $2,400 captured variation revenue
Annualised, that is over $44,000 – all from using specialised building communications software.
CountBricks building communications software was built by tradies for tradies. Stop losing margin to miscommunication and manual processes. Visit CountBricks.com/consultation to book a live demo today.
Keeping trades motivated goes beyond sausage rolls at Friday smoko. Smooth communication removes frustration, keeps workflows clear and lets everyone finish on time. Here is how CountBricks building communications software helps residential crews work happier:
• Crystal-Clear Task Allocation – Carpenters see framing targets; plumbers see fixture lists. No scrolling through irrelevant chats. Everyone signs off tasks on their phone, creating visible progress.
• Instant Variation Approvals – No more awkward “I’ll get back to you” moments. Foremen capture changes by voice, CountBricks prices them, and the client approves on the spot. Trades get paid for extra work without delay.
• Reduced Material Shortages – Because the platform updates timber and cladding prices hourly, purchase orders go out earlier, locking in supply. Crews spend less time waiting for deliveries and more time building.
After a month on CountBricks, the site supervisor reported a 25% reduction in phone calls from subbies looking for information. Apprentices used the mobile task board to learn sequencing, lifting productivity and confidence. The electrician said, “I turn up, open the app and know exactly what circuits to rough-in. No guesswork, no delays.”
1. Book a 30-minute live demonstration at CountBricks.com/consultation
2. Ask about our “First Build Free” onboarding package, including template setup and crew training
3. Start every project with aligned expectations, accurate costs and motivated teams
CountBricks is more than software; it is the communication backbone driving profitable, stress-free residential construction.
