Blogs | General | Groundplan

PDF Plans vs Paper Plans: Why It's Time to Make the Switch

This article covers why the industry is moving toward paperless construction, the actual cost of paper plans, what the switch looks like in practice and how to address common objections that keep contractors on paper longer than they need to be.

Brad Halcrow

August 19, 2026

General

How to Scale a Trade Business by Plugging Profit Leaks

Most trade business owners chase one number: sales. But profitable growth comes down to two things: having the right people and measuring the right numbers.

Jerome Jacobs

August 10, 2026

General

Recently released updates we think you're going to love

We recently released a lengthy list of powerful updates to further speed up your workflow and a couple of new features we think you're going to love.

Brad Halcrow

July 30, 2026

General

Spreadsheets vs Estimating Software: When It's Time to Switch

Still estimating in Excel? Compare spreadsheets with estimating software and find out when it makes sense to upgrade your process.

Brad Halcrow

July 17, 2026

General

Episode 5: How Groundplan brings remote teams together

Despite the distance, he remains the central point of contact for all things estimating, project management and documentation.

Brad Halcrow

July 3, 2026

Case Studies

Episode 4: Getting the Project Manager onboard

In episode 4 of our 5-Part series we asked Brent how he’s incorporating the project manager into the process so that the above walkthroughs from site can be clearly documented back to the office and vice versa.

Brad Halcrow

July 1, 2026

Case Studies

Construction Quotes That Win More Jobs: Templates, Tips and Best Practices

This guide covers what a winning construction quoting template includes, how to choose the right format for the job and how to price without undercutting yourself.

Brad Halcrow

June 30, 2026

General

Episode 3: Documentation for the builder

In this episode, Brent walks us through the process for tracking changes on site and how it benefits all future trades.

Brad Halcrow

June 29, 2026

Case Studies

Episode 2: From Tendering to Walk Through Stage

In episode 2, Brent reveals how he manages project revisions to help project managers understand the project’s history.

Brad Halcrow

June 26, 2026

Case Studies

Superuser Series: Significant Groundplan Features released in 2021

In this 2-Part Webinar Series, our Superuser trainer Cazz will show you how and when to use our most significant features and tools released in 2021.

Brad Halcrow

December 15, 2021

Training

Build Your Skills with our Free Groundplan & Xero Superuser Webinar

We’re holding yet another free webinar to help existing users enhance their the Groundplan & Xero integration experience.

Brad Halcrow

March 22, 2021

Training

Get more from your Groundplan & AroFlo integration with our Superuser webinar

As a cloud-based application, Groundplan is able to integrate with a complimentary network of software partners. Those integrations provide tremendous opportunities to further enhance your workflow.

Brad Halcrow

January 7, 2021

Training

Groundplan & simPRO Superuser webinar

A recording of the webinar is now available. It’s an hour out of your day to add a lifetime of increased efficiency.

Brad Halcrow

October 22, 2020

Training

Superuser Series Part 5: Project and Take-off Templates

In Part 5, Groundplan's in-house trainer, Cazz Byrne demonstrates how to save hours with our powerful Project and Takeoff Templates.

Brad Halcrow

September 29, 2020

Training

Superuser Series Part 4: Worksheets and Quantities

In Part 4, Cazz details how to manage and export data using Worksheets and Quantities.

Brad Halcrow

September 22, 2020

Training

Superuser Series Part 3: Designing Plans and Editing Tools

In Part 3 you'll learn how to create an accurate and attractive plans using the range of editing tools available in Groundplan.

Brad Halcrow

September 1, 2020

Training

Superuser Series Part 2: Taking Off Plans

In Part 2 we take your existing takeoff process into the digital world of Groundplan.

Brad Halcrow

August 26, 2020

Training

Superuser Part 1: Setup and Creating Projects

In case you didn't manage to register for our ever-popular Groundplan Superuser Series, we've uploaded the recorded sessions for you to reference any time.

Groundplan

August 18, 2020

Training

Popular Strategies Tradies Use to Master Job Costing

Job costing is crucial for tradies to balance costs and stay competitive. The two main approaches—fixed pricing and calculated estimates—each come with unique benefits and challenges across different trades.

Natalie Bogdanski

September 30, 2024

General

Groundplan Software Update Highlights for 2024

If you’re an existing user, it's worth making sure you’re getting the most from these features. For anyone who’s considering Groundplan there may just be something in the list you’ve been waiting for.

Brad Halcrow

September 23, 2024

General

Best Practise: How to Approach your Plumbing Takeoff

Craig Pearman, Groundplan Trade Expert speaks to six to eight hundred plumbers a year. He recently sat down with Zane Britton, President, Master Plumbers Northlands division to show plumbers the most efficient approach to plumbing takeoffs.

Brad Halcrow

September 4, 2024

General

The Apprentice Dilemma: How to Retain Talent in the Trades Industry

Hiring apprentices is a smart move for any trade business, but keeping them on board after investing in their training is crucial. By focusing on retention, you can really get the most out of your investment and avoid the headache - and costs - of losing a skilled apprentice.

Natalie Bogdanski

September 3, 2024

General

How to Craft a Winning Construction Bid

To boost your chances of crafting a winning construction bid, it's essential to plan meticulously, know the project inside and out, and implement systems that ensure accurate estimates.

Natalie Bogdanski

August 14, 2024

General

Essential Financial Skills Every Trade Business Owner Should Master

Financial management is crucial for ensuring that your business remains profitable and sustainable. Here are essential financial skills every trade business owner should master.

Natalie Bogdanski

July 3, 2024

General

6 Essential Work-Life Balance Tips for Trades Industry Workers to Avoid Burnout

Finding that sweet spot between work and play is crucial to avoid burnout and keep businesses thriving. Here are some effective tips for people working in the trades industry to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Natalie Bogdanski

June 5, 2024

General

What’s the Difference Between the Residential vs. Commercial Plumbing Quoting Process?

Accurate plumbing quotes are the backbone of any commercial or residential plumbing gig. But when it comes to residential and commercial plumbing quotes, both processes are very different.

Natalie Bogdanski

May 23, 2024

General

Exactly How Does Switching from Paper Takeoffs to Software Save Me Time?

Switching to takeoff software can seem daunting, especially if you’re already winning jobs or don’t consider yourself a very “techy” type of person. But the rewards are sure to outweigh any qualms you may have about going digital.

Natalie Bogdanski

April 24, 2024

General

Episode 5: How Groundplan brings remote teams together

Despite the distance, he remains the central point of contact for all things estimating, project management and documentation.

Brad Halcrow

July 3, 2026

Case Studies

Episode 4: Getting the Project Manager onboard

Brad Halcrow

July 1, 2026

Case Studies

Episode 3: Documentation for the builder

In this episode, Brent walks us through the process for tracking changes on site and how it benefits all future trades.

Brad Halcrow

June 29, 2026

Case Studies

Episode 2: From Tendering to Walk Through Stage

In episode 2, Brent reveals how he manages project revisions to help project managers understand the project’s history.

Brad Halcrow

June 26, 2026

Case Studies

Episode 1: Keeping Your Projects Organised

In this five-part series, Brent Drew from Modern Vision Contractors has been generous enough to show us exactly how he estimates projects 1000 km's from head office.

Brad Halcrow

June 25, 2026

Case Studies

When day spills into night, something’s gotta give

Building a serious electrical business and spending time with the family can potentially conflict, until you put the right infrastructure in place.

Brad Halcrow

May 29, 2026

Case Studies

How J-Tech Systems Supercharged Estimating and Quoting

Scaling a business in the trades isn’t just about winning more projects—it’s about smart decisions & smart systems. Enter Groundplan & Simpro.

Brad Halcrow

May 18, 2026

Case Studies

Profit Visibility: The Key to Keeping Cool

The end of a project should be cause for celebration. Instead, one significant question often remains unanswered even after all those weeks of physical labor: "Did I actually make money on this job?"

Brad Halcrow

March 31, 2026

Case Studies

The Ultimate Toolkit for an Electrical Business to Thrive

No integration is more popular than our connection to Simpro. But how does it actually benefit your workflow?

Exclusive Discount – 1 Day Online Trades Business workshop with Profitable Tradie

We’ve been given an exclusive $150 discount for Groundplan members to attend the 1-Day Online Workshop “How To Grow Your Profits & Take Control Of Your Trades Business”

Groundplan

September 1, 2020

General

Groundplan Software updates (17 August 2020)

Plan Compare gives you the option to compare a plan to a previous revision or another plan in the project. While comparing plans, you can count, measure, annotate, and select items as usual.

Groundplan

August 18, 2020

General

Groundplan Software updates (12 March 2020)

We've been working hard to make taking off plans a whole lot easier! While we've kept the basics the same, you'll now have an easier time selecting, moving and editing your measurements.

Groundplan

March 11, 2020

General

How to avoid the pitfalls of measuring and pricing for tenders manually

There are several common mistakes made when tendering for construction projects which can harm the chances of the bid being successful.

Groundplan

October 8, 2019

General

Groundplan & AroFlo: The estimating process is complete

Groundplan and AroFlo have teamed up to make your entire job estimating process a breeze. The partnership between these 2 industry-leaders is the bridge that crosses the great estimating divide.

Groundplan

January 9, 2019

General

General

PDF Plans vs Paper Plans: Why It's Time to Make the Switch

How to Scale a Trade Business by Plugging Profit Leaks

Recently released updates we think you're going to love

Spreadsheets vs Estimating Software: When It's Time to Switch

Episode 5: How Groundplan brings remote teams together

Episode 4: Getting the Project Manager onboard

Construction Quotes That Win More Jobs: Templates, Tips and Best Practices

Episode 3: Documentation for the builder

Episode 2: From Tendering to Walk Through Stage

Superuser Series: Significant Groundplan Features released in 2021

Build Your Skills with our Free Groundplan & Xero Superuser Webinar

Get more from your Groundplan & AroFlo integration with our Superuser webinar

Groundplan & simPRO Superuser webinar

Superuser Series Part 5: Project and Take-off Templates

Superuser Series Part 4: Worksheets and Quantities

Superuser Series Part 3: Designing Plans and Editing Tools

Superuser Series Part 2: Taking Off Plans

Superuser Part 1: Setup and Creating Projects

Popular Strategies Tradies Use to Master Job Costing

Groundplan Software Update Highlights for 2024

Best Practise: How to Approach your Plumbing Takeoff

The Apprentice Dilemma: How to Retain Talent in the Trades Industry

How to Craft a Winning Construction Bid

Essential Financial Skills Every Trade Business Owner Should Master

6 Essential Work-Life Balance Tips for Trades Industry Workers to Avoid Burnout

What’s the Difference Between the Residential vs. Commercial Plumbing Quoting Process?

Exactly How Does Switching from Paper Takeoffs to Software Save Me Time?

Episode 5: How Groundplan brings remote teams together

Episode 4: Getting the Project Manager onboard

Episode 3: Documentation for the builder

Episode 2: From Tendering to Walk Through Stage

Episode 1: Keeping Your Projects Organised

When day spills into night, something’s gotta give

How J-Tech Systems Supercharged Estimating and Quoting

Profit Visibility: The Key to Keeping Cool

The Ultimate Toolkit for an Electrical Business to Thrive

Exclusive Discount – 1 Day Online Trades Business workshop with Profitable Tradie

Groundplan Software updates (17 August 2020)

Groundplan Software updates (12 March 2020)

How to avoid the pitfalls of measuring and pricing for tenders manually

Groundplan & AroFlo: The estimating process is complete

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