How to build a construction customer portal using no-code

Use Glide to build custom software that gives customers visibility into their construction projects, without writing any code

Table of Contents

• What do you need from a customer portal for your construction business?
• How to build a construction customer portal in Glide
• Step 1: Connect your data or spreadsheet
• Step 2: Design your interface
• Step 3: Add integrations
• Step 4: Add automations and AI-powered features
• Step 5: Set access and permissions
• Step 6: Publish and share
• Key features to add to your construction customer portal
• What are the benefits of building a customer portal with Glide?

What do you need from a customer portal for your construction business?

A well-built construction customer portal gives your customers a clear, secure view of their project and a direct line to your team throughout the work. Here are the essential things your customer portal needs:

• Up-to-date project dashboards: Customers should be able to check project status, timelines, and budget and cost tracking in one place.
• Centralized communication: All updates, questions, and decisions should live in one place so customers can follow the full conversation.
• Document management: Easy upload and access to contracts, drawings, and site photos.
• Mobile accessibility: The app needs to work well on a phone or tablet for customers.
• Privacy and security controls: Granular access controls for customer and project information.
• Integrations: Connect to tools including project management apps and finance software.

How to build a construction customer portal in Glide

You can build a functional construction customer portal in Glide without writing a single line of code. Here's how:

Step 1: Connect your data or spreadsheet

Create a new app in Glide and connect your data source. Glide supports Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel, Glide Tables, and more. Ensure your spreadsheet is clean and organized.

Step 2: Design your interface

Customize the layout generated from your data. Glide apps use adaptive design, so it works on any device. Use drag-and-drop to add components such as progress bars, maps, and buttons.

Step 3: Add integrations

Connect your portal to other apps your business runs on to keep project statuses and timelines in sync. Add integrations that power specific features in your app, like calendar integrations and Google Maps.

Step 4: Add automations and AI-powered features

Set up automated workflows based on certain triggers. Use Glide AI to generate weekly project summaries from live data.

Step 5: Set access and permissions

Control who can access your app and what they can see. Use a Users Table to restrict access to specific users only.

Step 6: Publish and share

Publish your app and Glide generates a shareable URL. Customers can access it from any device and receive updates instantly.

Key features to add to your construction customer portal

Dashboard

Show customers an overview of their project with data from connected apps. Use components like bar charts and big number metrics.

Chat

A dedicated chat screen keeps all communication tied to the project.

Project contacts

Include key contacts with a call component for easy access.

AI-powered features

Generate weekly updates or extract key information from uploaded documents.

Row Owners

Assign specific data access to users based on project ownership.

Data export

Customers can export their project data as a CSV file when the project wraps up.

What are the benefits of building a customer portal with Glide?

• Build exactly what your business needs: Customize features without hiring engineers.
• Mobile accessibility: Glide apps work just as well on mobile as they do on desktop.
• Integrations keep your data in sync: Automatically reflect updates in the customer portal without manual entry.
• Rich media and document viewing: Let customers view documents and media within the app.

Build your construction customer portal with Glide

Start by connecting your data and building the core screens in Glide. A construction customer portal can enhance your business operations, providing a tailored experience for your clients. Visit Glide University for courses on features and functionality.