Work orders

Work order software where the field detail doesn't die in a status field

RQ200 runs the whole work order: acknowledged, photographed, reviewed, approved. The contractor arranges the visit with the tenant directly, and you direct the work instead of relaying it.

One work order, start to close: every step on the record
Createdyou Acknowledgedcontractor Approvedyou Photo updatescontractor Submittedcontractor Approved ✓you
…or sent back with a note, and it resubmits when the work is actually done. Meanwhile the contractor arranges the visit with the tenant directly; you never relay a call.

What work order software is for

A work order is supposed to be the single record of a repair: what was reported, on which unit, who's handling it, what actually happened on site, and proof it got done. Work order software exists so that record builds itself as the work happens instead of living in your head, your texts, and a spreadsheet that's three weeks stale.

For a hands-on property manager coordinating their own contractors, the software also has a second job: running the coordination. Who's been told, who's confirmed, who's talking to the tenant, what's waiting on you. That's the part most tools skip.

Where books-first suites fall down

The big property management suites are accounting systems first: rent, ledgers, owner statements. Their work order module records that work exists, and that's about it:

The work order is where field detail goes to die. The suite knows a job existed. It can't show you what happened.

The RQ200 work-order loop

In RQ200 the order is a live loop between you, the contractor, and the tenant, with every step on the record:

  1. Create the job with the unit and tenant attached. The contractor gets everything they need, including the tenant's contact info, so they arrange the visit directly. You're out of the middle from the first minute.
  2. The contractor acknowledges. You know they saw it. No more "did you get my text?"
  3. Photo and video updates during the work. What they found and what they're doing, posted to the order as it happens, so you can see and direct work at buildings you can't drive to.
  4. Submit for review → approve or send back. The contractor submits with photos of the finished work. You close the order, or send it back with a note. Every order ends with verified photo proof, not a typed status.

Where work orders come from

One triage inbox, three ways in:

Above the individual orders sits the portfolio view. A map shows every building, color-coded by open work. Priority levels surface what's urgent. Insights track completions per month and days-to-close. You see the health of the whole operation, not just one queue.

Side by side

Books-first suite

Work orders as a side module
  • Order = description, vendor, status field.
  • Status is whatever someone typed.
  • Coordination still happens in texts.
  • You relay between tenant and contractor.
  • Photos optional, unreviewed.

RQ200

Work orders as the product
  • Acknowledge → do → photo updates → your review.
  • Closed only when you approve the photo proof.
  • Contractor coordinates with the tenant directly.
  • Every update timestamped on the order.
  • Runs beside AppFolio or Buildium.

The loop above is really a contractor-coordination system wearing a work-order hat. The full story is on the contractor management page. Comparing tools? Start with RQ200 vs Property Meld.

Common questions

What does work order software actually do?

It gives every repair its own record: what was reported, on which unit, who's assigned, what happened, and proof it was finished. Good work order software also runs the coordination, so the details don't live in text threads.

How is RQ200 different from the work order module in AppFolio or Buildium?

Those suites are built books-first. The work order module records that work exists, but the actual coordination still happens in texts and calls. RQ200 is built work-first: acknowledgment, photo updates, and review all happen on the order itself. It runs beside your books, and AppFolio work orders file themselves in automatically.

Do I still have to relay messages between the tenant and the contractor?

No, and that's the point. The work order carries the unit and the tenant's contact info, so the contractor arranges the visit directly. You direct and approve instead of playing telephone.

How do work orders get into RQ200?

Three ways: tenants scan a QR code and report in about 30 seconds with no login; AppFolio work orders file themselves in automatically; or you create one yourself. Everything lands in one triage inbox.

What does RQ200 cost?

Free for founding partners right now, while we build it with you. No per-door minimums or enterprise tiers. Pricing later will be simple, and never a surprise charge.

Become a founding partner

Free while we build it with you. The founder sets it up on your real buildings, and you help shape what gets built next.

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