The custom home building process is constantly evolving, and in 2025, builders need to be more organized, collaborative, and tech-savvy than ever. From streamlining communication to improving jobsite accuracy, the right tools can make the difference between a smooth build and a stressful one.
Here are 10 must-have tools that every custom home builder should be using this year, designed to help you work smarter, not harder.
1. Digs – The All-in-One Hub for Custom Home Builds
Digs is purpose-built for custom builders who want fewer headaches and happier clients. It centralizes everything from floorplans and selections to real-time communication and homeowner handoff, all in one simple, intuitive platform. New in 2025, Digs now includes:
- Light scheduling tools to track timelines without the clutter
- Real-time plan markups to keep your team and trades aligned
- A 3D dollhouse view that helps clients understand layout and design choices
Plus, with AskDigs, an AI assistant that answers homeowner questions, you’ll spend less time on texts and more time building.
Why it’s a must-have:
Digs replaces fragmented tools by giving builders, designers, trades, and clients one place to stay connected from plan to punch list to warranty.
2. Buildertrend – Internal Project Management at Scale
Buildertrend is a great platform for managing the internal operations of your business. It offers tools for budgeting, CRM, scheduling, and daily logs.
Why it’s a must-have:
Provides operational oversight across several job sites with advanced financial and team tracking tools.
Something to consider:
If you’re using Buildertrend, your back office is covered, but what about the client experience? That’s where tools like Digs come in, handling the parts Buildertrend doesn’t:
- Pre-construction selections and approvals
- Post-build hadoff and warranty workflows
- AI-powered search to quickly find what you need, when you need it
Together, they form a complete ecosystem for builders who want seamless coordination, both behind the scenes and with clients.
3. PermitFlow – Simplified Permitting for Residential Builders
PermitFlow is designed to take the complexity out of permitting by digitizing and streamlining the process for builders. It supports permit applications, tracks progress, and helps manage compliance across jurisdictions.
Why it’s a must-have:
Accelerates permitting timelines, reduces manual paperwork, and ensures smoother starts to every project.
4. Laser Measuring Tools (e.g., Bosch GLM400C)
Forget tape measures. Laser tools with Bluetooth syncing allow you to take fast, accurate site measurements and easily transfer them to digital plans.
Why it’s a must-have:
Boosts jobsite efficiency and accuracy, especially during site prep and layout.
5. Procore – Compliance & Quality Control
Procore is ideal for firms handling large-scale or commercial builds. It specializes in compliance tracking, safety documentation, and quality assurance reporting.
Why it’s a must-have:
Ensures documentation is up to code and helps manage risk across bigger projects.
6. Jobsite Wi-Fi Systems (e.g., DeWalt Jobsite Wi-Fi)
Your tools are smart, but they’re only as good as your connection. A strong, weatherproof Wi-Fi solution is a must for sites that rely on cloud-based platforms like Digs.
Why it’s a must-have:
Supports seamless communication and tech use on the jobsite, even in remote areas.
7. CoConstruct – Pre-Construction & Budget Tracking
CoConstruct helps with budgeting, proposal creation, especially for small to mid-size custom builders who want a simple interface.
Why it’s a must-have:
Simplifies estimates and pre-build planning with clients before construction kicks off.
8. Digital Blueprint Review Tools (e.g., Bluebeam)
While Digs handles live plan markups, tools like Bluebeam still offer deep document control for engineers and architects who need to manage technical drawings offline or in bulk.
Why it’s a must-have:
Great for reviewing detailed architectural sets and PDF-based submittals.
9. 3D Design Software (e.g., SketchUp or Revit)
Digs now includes a 3D dollhouse view, but tools like SketchUp or Revit are still great for architectural design, structural planning, and BIM modeling at the design stage.
Why it’s a must-have:
Critical for building accurate digital models and integrating architectural plans before client review.
10. Drones for Site Progress & Content (e.g., DJI Mini 4 Pro)
Capture aerial views for documentation, marketing, or client updates. Drones are becoming standard for showcasing site progress or performing quick visual inspections.
Why it’s a must-have:
Enhances client communication and helps spot issues early, plus, the footage is great for marketing.
Final Takeaway
In 2025, custom home builders need more than a hammer and a spreadsheet. The right tools help you work smarter, not longer, and offer a client experience that sets you apart. Whether you're just getting started or scaling up, investing in the right tech stack is the smartest move you’ll make all year.
Digs is an AI-powered collaboration software built for homebuilders. From pre-con to aftercare, it keeps your team, trades, and clients aligned with one centralized workspace for decisions, documentation, digital handoff, and ongoing warranty support.
Unlock a happier home at Digs.com
