Messaging on Buildertrend’s mobile app makes communication seamless with built-in tools like Comments, Messages, Direct Chats, and RFIs. Whether you’re in the field or on the go, you can collaborate with team members, subs, and clients in real time.
Leave comments on specific items to keep updates organized, send direct messages for quick conversations, and manage RFIs to clarify project details efficiently. This keeps everyone informed and helps reduce delays caused by miscommunication.
Messaging Mobile Help Video
Comments
Comments are ideal for quick, focused collaboration directly within a feature. Whether you're reviewing a To-Do, a Schedule Item, or any other project component, you can add a comment to keep communication all in one place.
Comments cannot be created independently, they must live within a feature, making them great for tracking ongoing communication about project items without cluttering your inbox.
Start by tapping More, then choose Comments from the Messaging features list to access the Comments dashboard.
From the Comments dashboard, if no job is selected, all comments across your jobs will be displayed.
Tap on a comment to view the full conversation thread and respond directly.
Be sure to adjust your Viewer and Notification Settings to ensure updates are sent to the right people, keeping communication organized and efficient.
Use the
icon to quickly navigate to the related feature item for additional context.
To compose a new comment from the Comments dashboard, tap the + icon. Then, select the job, feature, and specific item (title) you want to comment on.
💡Pro Tips
Comments are typically used across all entities in Buildertrend. You can scroll to the bottom of a feature to access Comments.
The below screenshot is from within a To-Do, for example.
Utilize voice-to-text to quickly compose your comment, rather than typing manually.
Messages
Messaging is used for broader communication, functioning like email within Buildertrend. You can send and receive messages with internal users, trade partners, clients, or external contacts, all tied to a specific job to keep communication organized.
Messaging is ideal for sharing updates, confirming details, or requesting information that doesn't directly tie to a single feature, giving you more flexibility in your outreach.
Start by tapping More, then choose Messages from the Messaging features list to access the Messages dashboard.
Tap the Compose icon to start a new message. If you haven’t already selected a job from the Job List, you’ll be prompted to choose one. Once selected, write your message and tap Send to deliver it.
💡Pro Tips
You can compose a message from the Quick Add menu for an expedited experience.
Utilize voice-to-text to compose your message, rather than typing manually.
You can forward external emails into Buildertrend by tapping the Ellipses from the Messages dashboard.
Direct Chat
Direct Chat lets you communicate in real time with colleagues, sub/vendors, and clients, offering a fast and informal way to stay connected throughout a project.
It's perfect for quick check-ins, clarifying questions or sharing updates without the need for formal comments or messages.
Start by tapping the Speech Bubble icon to open the Direct Chat dashboard. Here, you'll see a list of all your active chats.
Tap on a name to continue or respond to a chat message. To create a new chat message, tap the +New Chat button, then type the name of the user(s) in the To field and select the desired user(s) from the dropdown.
💡Pro Tip
Utilize voice-to-text to compose your message, rather than typing manually.
RFIs
RFIs (Requests for Information) are a formal way to clarify project details, request approvals, or gather necessary information from team members or subcontractors.
RFIs are best used when you need to request information or clarification tied to a specific feature or document, helping ensure nothing gets missed and every inquiry is resolved.
Start by tapping More, then choose RFIs from the Messaging features list to access the RFIs dashboard.
To create a new RFI, tap the + icon. If a job hasn't already been selected from the job list, you'll be prompted to choose one. Fill in the required details, then tap Save to when you're finished.
RFI fields
RFI # – Buildertrend automatically generates a numerical ID, but you can enter a custom number to align with your internal tracking system.
Title – Provide a clear, descriptive title that allows you to quickly identify the purpose or subject of the RFI.
Assignee – Choose the internal team member or sub/vendor responsible for providing the requested information.
Link To – Toggle on to link the RFI to a schedule item for dynamic scheduling.
Deadline – Set a specific date in which the RFI must be completed.
Viewable – Select additional sub/vendors who should have access to the RFI. This is useful for allowing multiple contacts from the same company to stay informed.
Reminder – Add a reminder to notify the assignee ahead of the due date.
Related – If the RFI is created from the dashboard, use this field to link it to a specific feature or entity for context.
Question – Use the rich text editor to clearly state your question or information request.
Attachments – Upload supporting documents to provide additional context.
💡Pro Tip
The best practice is to create your RFI from specific features to automatically tie the request to the relevant context.
This makes it easier for recipients to understand the issue, respond accurately, and keep project communication organized and traceable.
The below screenshot is from within a To-Do, for example.
You can create an RFI directly from the following features on the mobile app:
Bid Packages | Change Orders | Files | Purchase Orders
Schedule Items | To-Do's | Warranty Claims
Interested in Learning More? 📚
The Buildertrend Learning Academy is your one-stop-shop for your online education, whether you're new to Buildertrend or an experienced user looking to learn more.
If you have any questions or require additional support, feel free to chat with us, send an email: support@buildertrend.com, or give us a call at 1-888-415-7149. We’re always happy to help.