Master Builders of Iowa (MBI) has been a trusted leader in the Iowa construction industry since 1912, forging strong relationships with contractors, vendors, and architects statewide. As part of its history, MBI has also been a fixture in the project information arena ever since 1918 with the advent of a plan exchange. Over the better part of half a century, our operations evolved into a plan room service. In 1986, MBI formally launched the Construction Update Plan Room Network in which MBI operated up to 10 physical plan rooms, connecting over 2,300 commercial construction firms and streamlining project bidding with innovative services focused on the contractor and supplier.
As technology changed the distribution of digitized plans and specifications in the late 1990s, MBI entered its next phase in the project information service by partnering with Construction Software Technologies, Inc. (later ConstructConnect) in 2001 to introduce the iSqFt.com platform. For 17 years, MBI managed both physical and digital plan rooms, gradually transitioning its network online. Finally in 2017, MBI closed its last physical location, focusing on digital solutions and strengthening its relationships within Iowa’s construction community.
After 25 years MBI and ConstructConnect will end their partnership when their agreement expires on July 31, 2026 bring forth our next chapter in the project information arena. MBI will be launching of our own platform, MBI Source1, on August 1, 2026.
Developed in tandem with Altus CXO, MBI has captured feedback from Iowa contractors, suppliers, and service providers in designing and building the MBI Source1 platform that is focused on meeting the unique needs of Iowa’s commercial construction industry.
MBI Source1 will give MBI full control over development, pricing, customer service, and content, ensuring a locally focused approach. Leveraging its century-long reputation and deep industry relationships, MBI Source1 aims to deliver faster insights, cleaner data, and a more intuitive experience, empowering Iowa’s construction professionals to thrive in a competitive market.