The verdict in three sentences
For a developer running 12 simultaneous sites in and around Casablanca, a custom construction progress app costs MAD 250,000 to 600,000 excl. VAT (about EUR 23,000 to 55,000) and ships in 3 to 4 months. The core comes down to three functions: a PWA that works offline in basements and poorly covered areas, timestamped geotagged photos that cannot be backdated, and weekly PDF reports generated automatically. With 6 hours saved per site manager per week, the investment pays back in under a year for a team of 8 site managers.
Price by feature level in 2026
The figures below are 2026 ballpark ranges for a team building with Next.js and React Native or a PWA, hosting included in year one.
| Level | Scope | 2026 budget excl. VAT | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | Offline PWA, geotagged photos, site log, 3 roles | MAD 250,000 to 320,000 | 10 to 12 weeks |
| Standard | + weekly PDF reports, snag list and sign-off, schedule per trade | MAD 350,000 to 450,000 | 12 to 14 weeks |
| Advanced | + management dashboard, progress vs invoicing comparison, client access | MAD 480,000 to 600,000 | 14 to 16 weeks |
| AI option | Automatic progress detection on photos, sorting by trade | MAD 60,000 to 120,000 | 3 to 4 weeks |
| ERP option | Sync with accounting ERP (Sage, Odoo) | MAD 40,000 to 90,000 | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Annual maintenance | Fixes, hosting, minor improvements | MAD 35,000 to 70,000 per year | Ongoing |
The most common budget for a mid-sized developer sits around MAD 400,000 excl. VAT for the Standard level, roughly EUR 37,000.
Key features and measurable gains
The table below links each feature to the time it saves on a multi-unit housing site.
| Feature | Current method | With the app | Weekly gain per site manager |
|---|---|---|---|
| Progress photos | WhatsApp, then manual sorting on PC | Photo filed by building, floor and trade | 1.5 h |
| Weekly report | Word + copy-pasting photos | PDF generated Friday at 5 pm | 2 h |
| Snag tracking | Shared Excel sheet | Snag photographed, assigned, followed up | 1 h |
| Meeting minutes | Written in the evening | Entered on tablet during the visit | 1 h |
| Evidence in disputes | Searching through phones | Timestamped, geotagged history | 0.5 h |
| Total | 6 h |
Offline mode is non-negotiable: in a basement in Ain Sebaâ or on a site on the outskirts of Bouskoura, 4G coverage often drops. The app stores photos locally and syncs as soon as the network returns, with automatic compression to limit data usage.
What drives the bill up
Three factors add 20 to 40% to the budget. The number of profiles: site managers, foremen, subcontractors, inspection bodies, the client and buyers all need different rights. Report templates: every bank or investor wants its own format. Photo volume: 12 sites at 150 photos a day generate about 2 TB a year, which requires object storage and an archiving policy. Also plan for compliance with Moroccan Law 09-08 on personal data and a CNDP filing if faces or buyers appear in the images.
Mini case study
Youssef, works director at a Casablanca developer, oversees 12 sites with 8 site managers. He picks the Standard level for MAD 410,000 excl. VAT, plus MAD 50,000 annual maintenance.
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- Time saved: 6 h per site manager per week, so 48 h per week for the team and about 2,100 h per year over 44 active weeks.
- Loaded hourly cost of a site manager: about MAD 220.
- Value of time freed: MAD 462,000 per year.
- Bonus: two subcontractor disputes settled without expert review thanks to the photo history, MAD 60,000 in fees avoided.
Return on investment: about 11 months, maintenance included.
FAQ
Native app or PWA?
A PWA is enough in 80% of cases: it works offline, accesses the camera and GPS, and costs 25 to 35% less than native iOS and Android apps. Native is justified if you need augmented-reality plan scanning.
Can geotagged photos serve as evidence?
Yes, if the timestamp comes from the server and GPS metadata is locked at capture. This setup sharply reduces disputes over progress dates and snag sign-offs.
How much does photo hosting cost?
For 2 TB a year with archiving, allow MAD 1,500 to 3,500 per month on a European or Moroccan cloud. Photos older than 24 months can move to cheaper cold storage.
Can subcontractors use the app?
Yes, with access limited to their trades and snags. A custom build does not need per-user licences, avoiding the MAD 150 to 400 per user per month charged by market software.
How quickly are teams up and running?
Half a day of training is enough for site managers. Plan a 3-week pilot on 2 sites before rolling out to all 12.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your number of sites, site managers and current report format: we will price a scope between MAD 250,000 and 600,000 excl. VAT with delivery in 3 to 4 months. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
