WebCitz started working with this client in 2007
- Client: CR Structures
- Platform: Other
- Industry: Construction / Real Estate
- Services: Maintenance / Support, Web Development, Web Hosting
Faced with the need for seamless communication and project transparency, CR Structures partnered with WebCitz to develop a custom client portal that transformed the luxury home building experience. The resulting platform empowered both builders and homeowners with real-time updates, streamlined change management, and a polished, branded interface.
The Challenge
In 2007, high-end home builders needed more than just a gallery; they needed a way to manage the intense flow of information between the job site and the homeowner. CR Structures wanted to provide a “white-glove” digital experience. They needed a system that could track specific properties, manage project milestones, and handle the back-and-forth of change orders – all within a professional, branded interface.
The WebCitz Solution
Instead of a standard CMS, WebCitz engineered a custom-tailored application environment:
- Custom PHP Application Framework: We utilized Open-Realty as the structural backbone for the site. While originally designed for real estate listings, we re-engineered the platform to manage “Active Builds.” This allowed for a database-driven approach to showing homes at different stages of construction.
- The “ProjectTrax” Portal: We custom-coded a proprietary interface specifically for CR Structures’ clients. This CRM-type tool allowed homeowners to:
- Monitor Construction Milestones: Log in to a secure area to see the current status of their build.
- Submit Change Revisions: Digitally request and approve changes to the build plan, ensuring a clear, timestamped record for both the builder and the client.
- Interactive Communication: Provided a centralized hub for all project-related documentation, which was a revolutionary level of transparency in 2007.
- Custom Frontend Design: We hand-coded the frontend using HTML and CSS to ensure a fast, lightweight, and high-end aesthetic. This ensured that the visual presentation matched the luxury quality of their residential builds.
The Result
The partnership with CR Structures produced a project management tool that set them apart from other builders in the Fox Valley. By working on ProjectTrax, WebCitz gave them a competitive advantage in the high-end housing market.
