Construction Master Pro Calc

I’ve been using this calculator for well over 20 years now. As a young man starting out in the trades, it was a big investment to buy $70 to have on the site, but I did it. As soon as the app became available, download it in 2005 or 2006 I have had no issues with the app or the calculators that I own they work extremely well, however, and that is a big however, when I recommended this app to my new hires, they told me it cost $20 a month. Since it’s clear people involved with calculators know how math works equivalent cost of this app over the next 16 years would be $3840!!! There is no way in good conscience that I can recommend this to any young man starting out in the trades. Any calculator can do this math for you. It just not worth it.

I was recommended this app by a framer. Apparently there are physical calculators you can buy, but the framer loves having it on his phone. What we didn’t realize was that the app switched to a subscription fee some time ago. The physical calculator can last years if taken care of, so your purchase will be distributed over time until you need to purchase a replacement. But the subscription price of this app is nearly equivalent to buying a new calculator EVERY YEAR! I understand that a one time app purchase for a company switching from physical to digital is not sustainable since the app will go with you from phone to phone, whereas the physical product gets repurchased. Here’s my suggestion: keep the subscription model, but reduce the cost to reflect the average lifespan of the physical calculator. Then the decision your customers will make is “If I am paying basically the same amount either way, would I rather have digital on my phone with me everywhere or a physical calculator that doesn’t cost as much to replace as my phone if it breaks. Unfortunately, the current subscription model is undermining the value of this product. And for me, turns me away. I will check back later to see if the company has made any changes. Edit: In response to the developer; some people do not want or need extra features and just want a mobile construction calculator. Consider making different subscription tiers that unlock the newer features you are developing. Let your customers choose what they buy into.

I have used some version of this calculator for I believe the better part of thee decades now. I love the convenience of it being on my phone which is with 24/7. The only draw back is the screen shutting of and having to reopen my phone every time I want to enter something that it took a little bit of time to verify or measure. This could be changed in settings I am aware but as most of us, I don’t want my phone laying open indefinitely. For large projects I still use the stand alone calculator of the Construction Master Pro. The convenience of it always being with you without having to carry an extra device and how easy it is to load updates, makes it a must have for all serious carpenters or tradesmen. Well done! Ron