How We Rebuilt a Construction App with Flutter to Support Rapid Growth
using Flutter
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Client name
Construction startup
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Industry
PropTech
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Location
USA
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Size
50+
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Duration
Jan 2024 - June 2024
Our client is a US-based leader in Technical Report Management. They are building a mobile application for workers in the construction industry. Its main goal is to provide a convenient way for documenting daily site tasks, storing media files, enabling team communication, and providing clear visibility into progress tracking.
Challenges
The project began when our client approached us to conduct a technical audit of their existing mobile application (which consisted of separate iOS and Android versions). Following an in-depth analysis, it became evident that the project required a complete migration to a more stable, cross-platform architecture. The primary challenges were:
Issues with the Existing Android App
During the audit, we encountered a critical issue: the Android version was built with obsolete technology. In practical terms, this meant:
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The code logic was implemented without consideration for scalability or component reusability.
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Any modification risked unpredictable side effects, hindering product development.
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Updates could break functionality in other parts of the app, significantly slowing down release cycles.
Cost Inefficiency of Maintaining Two Native Apps
Since the Android and iOS apps were developed separately (using Kotlin and Swift respectively), this resulted in:
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Every new feature had to be implemented twice – once for each platform.
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The time required to align logic, UI, and bug fixes across both platforms continually increased.
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The internal team lacked the capacity to effectively support both versions concurrently.
Requirement to Retain All Existing Functionality
The key point was to migrate to a new stack without altering the core business logic. We could not limit or modify the current feature set. Specifically, we needed to fully migrate components such as:
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Ability to take photos of objects and add images directly to reports.
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Structured data fields, requiring manual user input.
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Adding external PDF files directly to reports.
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Subsequent data synchronization via API was needed for offline functionality.
Solution
The project began with a technical audit of the existing native applications (iOS/Swift and Android/Kotlin). During the analysis, we uncovered critical issues in the Android version, particularly its inefficient architecture and vulnerabilities that compromised stable performance in field conditions. After presenting the audit findings to the client, we proposed a strategy involving a complete code rewrite using Flutter.
Functional Rewrite in Flutter
We completely rebuilt the mobile application by migrating all existing functionality from native iOS and Android (Swift and Kotlin) to Flutter. The core business logic remained unchanged. Users can still take photos and attach them to reports, work with form templates, upload PDF documents, and generate comprehensive reports.
UI/UX
Redesign
The interface underwent a complete overhaul to optimize usability for construction site workers. We repositioned buttons and critical elements, streamlined navigation, and added micro-interactions to enhance workflow comfort.
Offline Mode Implementation
Recognizing that construction sites often have poor or nonexistent connectivity, we enabled full offline functionality. All data is stored locally on devices. When connectivity is restored, information automatically synchronizes with the client's web platform, ensuring report integrity and timeliness.
Web Platform API Integration
The mobile app integrates with the client's existing backend. Crucially, this required no modifications to the client's web infrastructure. This approach preserved product consistency while minimizing involvement on the client's internal development teams. The mobile solution now exchanges data with the web platform.
Document Scanning Feature
To enable rapid scanning of paper documents commonly used on sites, we integrated a third-party SDK. This interim solution has already significantly streamlined user workflows, with plans to replace it with a more cost-effective alternative in the future.
Technical
Support
Following the core development cycle, our team continues to provide application support: promptly addressing minor bugs, implementing UX enhancements based on user feedback, and preparing the platform for planned feature expansions.
Core Platform Features
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Offline Functionality
The app lets construction employees work in the field without an internet connection. All photos, notes, and data are stored locally and automatically synced with the platform once a user is back online.
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Real-Time Sync with the Web Platform
Everything added via the mobile app (photos, notes, tables) appears instantly in the corresponding desktop report, no manual transfer needed.
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Photo Capture with Captions
Users can take photos directly in the app, add a caption or comment, and the image is automatically placed in the correct section of the report.
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PDF Editor
The user can create PDF files from any images, whether scanned with the device camera or selected from the gallery. Additionally, there are options for file quality settings and a preview, so the final result matches expectations.
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On-Site Document Scanning
Construction employees can quickly scan any physical document (like a permit or technical form) and attach it directly to the relevant part of the report.
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SmartTables Input
The same interactive tables used in reports are available in the mobile app. Users can fill in measurements or technical data on the spot, right from your phone.
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Automatic Geolocation Capture
Each photo or entry automatically includes GPS coordinates, helping pinpoint the exact location of your observations and measurements.
Services
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Full app audit and cross-platform rewrite
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UX/UI redesign
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Feature updates
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Ongoing support
Dedicated Team
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2
Flutter developers
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1
UI/UX designer
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1
Project manager
Tech Stack
Flutter
BLoC
Auto_route
Flutter
BLoC
Auto_route
GetIt + Injectable
Sqlite + Drift
Need to modernize your mobile apps?
Business Value
Our collaboration delivered strategic advantages by addressing the client's pain points. Key outcomes of our partnership include:
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Reduction of Technical Risks
Following our code audit, the client recognized the critical state of their Android application. We proposed and executed a migration to Flutter, eliminating all risks of field operation failures. Post-launch stability confirmed this success.
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Resource Savings
Our recommendation to adopt Flutter instead of maintaining two native platforms provided long-term savings. The client's team now supports a single codebase instead of two, drastically reducing future update costs.
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Operational Improvements for End Users
Through our UX redesign, construction crews fully abandoned laptops on-site. Our implemented offline mode removed connection dependency – a critical factor for remote locations.
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Maintained Business Continuity
Our seamless integration with the client's existing API required no changes to their web platform and zero involvement of their developers. This enabled a smooth launch without disrupting their operational ecosystem.
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Strengthened Competitive Position
The solution we built became a key differentiator for the client's customers. We helped the client elevate their market appeal by replacing paper notebooks and laptops with a unified digital platform for mobile and tablets and automating PDF reporting.
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