Best Contractor Software
-
PRODUCTS
-
BUYER'S GUIDE
Buyer's Guide
By Gerrad Frei, Technical Content Writer at SelectHub
Overseeing a construction project involves tracking thousands of documents, employee work hours, schedules, change orders and more. Word docs and Excel spreadsheets just aren’t going to cut it. Integrating construction management solutions like contractor software into your process allows you to better organize every aspect of your operation and create a more efficient and profitable business.
Executive Summary
- Contractor management software streamlines and optimizes each aspect of a project’s construction, from complex to day-to-day tasks.
- Automated features and real-time data boost staff productivity and maintain your margins.
- Selecting the right software involves asking crucial questions about your operations, the vendor and the platform.
What Is Contractor Software?
Also known as general contractor management software, contractor software is a suite of features that help general contractors and project managers plan, monitor and manage a construction project. Automated tools and real-time data analysis assist every aspect of an installation, such as contractor qualification, bidding, scheduling, change orders, financial management and more.
Primary Benefits
Improve Organization
With so many moving parts and people, keeping a project in order is difficult, especially if it spans multiple job sites. Contractor software consolidates all documents throughout the project’s lifecycle and allows you to track the progress of jobs and tasks in real time. Also, create checklists for your subcontractors and leave notes attached to tasks so they know what to do and in what order.
Streamline Coordination & Collaboration
Construction projects require dozens to hundreds of personnel working harmoniously to be successful. Contractor software, with building information modeling (BIM) features, provides a single source of truth and allows architects, engineers and construction professionals to work together on designs.
Plus, through document consolidation and automated notifications, every stakeholder is kept up to date and informed on all schedules, tasks and plan changes.
Manage Multiple Projects
With the influx of funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law driving demand, contractor management software allows you to capitalize on a hungry market by managing multiple jobs simultaneously. Through one platform, you can track each document and dollar for every project.
Stay On Schedule & Budget
As the cost of construction materials continues to rise, ensuring timely delivery within budget is crucial to maintaining a successful business. General contractor software helps create optimal schedules based on prior task completion, material delivery dates and other variables.
By placing dependencies in schedules and checklists, your team avoids prematurely beginning a job or installation, causing costly bottlenecks and delays.
Go Mobile
Rather than bouncing from site to office, contractor software’s mobile tools allow you to manage projects from any location at any time. Also, contractors can use their mobile devices to access plans, checklists, job notes, schedules and more while on site.
This increased flexibility is one of the reasons the construction management software market projects reaching a value of $6.5 billion by 2028.
Key Features & Functionality
Financial Management | Create accurate budgets, bids, estimates, invoices and more using historical and current job costing data. Monitor and manage each expenditure across the lifetime of a project. Compare up-to-the-minute actual spending against budget estimates. Built-in expense tracking and auditing modules provide detailed, transparent spending reports to clients or government agencies. |
---|---|
Project Management | Track and manage complex and day-to-day tasks across multiple projects. Utilize work breakdown structures to simplify complicated jobs into manageable portions and assign tasks to subcontractors. Receive real-time progress updates from the field. Qualify contractors and subcontractors and award contracts. |
Scheduling Tools | Combine critical path analysis with historical and real-time data to create accurate and efficient project timelines and calendars involving hundreds of tasks. When delays happen, adjust schedules with a few clicks and automatically send notifications to affected parties via email or text. |
Time Tracking | Subcontractors and laborers can update their timesheets using their mobile app. Store timesheet information for every employee to ensure accurate paystubs. |
Document Management | Keep all designs, bids, estimates, contracts, change orders and other documents in one digital location. All approved stakeholders can access documents at any time. Quickly find documents by searching by title, creation date, author, type and more. Automatically track who made edits and when throughout the lifetime of a project. |
Report Generation & Analytics | Quickly generate reports on any data point to identify areas of your operation performing suboptimally and gain actionable insights into how to correct them. Visualize reports in various ways, including charts, graphs and PDFs. Send these files to clients via email. |
Asset Tracking & Management | Track the location of equipment, vehicles, personnel, inventory, materials and other assets in real time. Automatically receive notifications when stock levels are low. |
Third-Party Integration | Integrate with other platforms your team or client is comfortable using, such as CRM, project management, takeoff and financial management software. Incorporate information from multiple streams and eliminate redundant data entry. |
Software Comparison Strategy
To put it briefly, start by examining your operation and consulting with your team to find which areas of your operation most need improvement. Then, research platforms that address those areas while staying within budget and other constraints.
That’s a surface-level explanation of what is, in reality, a very involved and complicated process. To streamline your evaluation process, take a look at our comprehensive software selection guide, which uses lean selection techniques to find the right contractor software for you and your team.
Cost & Pricing Considerations
Though various factors impact contractor software’s price, the most significant factor is deployment.
Cloud-Based
Cloud-based deployment allows users to access the platform via an internet or data connection using a browser or native mobile app. As the most popular deployment method, it requires a monthly subscription fee, making it an appealing option for small firms and budgets.
The vendor maintains the solution’s server and is responsible for backend operations, such as security, maintenance and upgrades.
On-Premise
On-premise deployment forgoes a constant internet or data connection with the vendor by having them download the software onto a server your company maintains. Having the server on your property gives you direct control over who accesses the solution, providing greater data security.
However, it usually requires a significant one-time or annual licensing investment, and your company is responsible for all backend operations, which can increase the lifetime cost of the platform.
Hybrid
Hybrid models utilize the best features from cloud-based and on-premise options to create a solution uniquely tailored to your needs. The price of hybrid software varies depending on the included features and capabilities.
Other Variables
Often, the solution’s price increases depending on the number of projects you undertake or the number of users needing access, with vendors charging for each unique user or range of total users. Also, some systems lock certain features or service options behind a paywall, requiring a larger investment for access.
The Most Popular Contractor Software
To jumpstart your search, check out our list of the most popular general contractor software available today.
CMiC
Deployable as both a cloud-based and on-premise platform, CMiC is an end-to-end management solution for small to large projects. Consolidate data to improve project visibility and accurately forecast bids, estimates and timelines. Utilize real-time data from the job site to make informed business decisions.
Manage multiple projects, even from a mobile device.
Procore
Procore is a cloud-based software that streamlines communication and optimizes everything from planning to conception to delivery. Manage contracts, schedules and inventory across multiple projects from one platform. Integrates with hundreds of other applications to enhance collaboration.
Track every change order from creation to completion.
Construction Online
Cloud-based, ConstructionOnline assists users throughout the lifecycle of medium- to large-size projects. Automated dynamic takeoff features assign materials and labor costs to estimates. Create and track leads, change orders, punch lists, inventory and performance reports. Manage schedules and timelines using real-time data.
Compare actual and estimated costs to get a real-time view of your finances.
Questions to Ask
Before you begin shopping, ask these questions about your team and operation to create a short list of general contractor software options.
- What type of deployment do I want?
- What benefits am I looking to get from incorporating the software?
- What is my budget?
- How many employees will use the solution?
- Are there plans to expand our operation in the future? If so, how scalable of a solution will I need?
Once you’ve narrowed your options, ask these questions of the vendor and their software to find the right solution for you.
- What support services do you offer?
- How user-friendly is your solution? How long will it take to implement?
- Can it integrate with other platforms?
- Do you offer any in-person or online training?
- Do any features or service options cost extra?
In Conclusion
Integrating contractor software into your construction process organizes and automates your operations to help you win bids, create accurate estimates and deliver projects on time and within budget. But with so many options available, finding a solution that meets your needs is laborious and time-consuming. Check out our decision platform to help you find the right system for you.
Product Comparisons
Additional Resources
Products found for Contractor Software
Procore
Designed for projects of all sizes, Procore aims to streamline communication, track finances and resources and handle projects from planning to delivery. Real-time data accessibility gives users actionable insights from a centralized dashboard. Users can leverage hundreds of integrations to boost efficiency. It allows construction firms, contractors, architects and engineers to share data in the field, edit designs and provide up-to-date reports of a project’s life cycle. Manage multiple construction projects efficiently. Businesses can create and manage construction project schedules and filter information according to summary tasks and resources. Its product portfolio supports project management, quality and safety measures, construction finances and field productivity.
Buildertrend
Buildertrend is a construction ERP that streamlines business practices and assists builders, contractors and clients. Leverage bid requests, email marketing and leads in one centralized pre-sales process module. Initiates budgets, invoices, lien waivers and time clocks. Maintain various activities in daily logs, to-do lists, schedules and messages. It’s also available as a mobile app for iOS and Android devices. Master project management, client relationship management, financial management, estimates and change orders are some notable features.
PlanGrid
PlanGrid is a mobile-enabled management suite that gives users the ability to store blueprints and documents in the field. Its collaborative framework boosts field team efficiency, and an easy-to-use design gives users intuitive control over a wide array of helpful capabilities. It provides access to all critical project-wide documents, photos and drawings through a single source of truth so that everyone is always on the same page. Built for projects of all sizes, it is a valuable inclusion for anyone looking to raise productivity and strengthen communication on the job site.
e-Builder
e-Builder provides an integrated, cloud-based platform with a focus on capital planning and bidding. It is designed for construction professionals and facility owners. It keeps teams connected while providing configurable inclusions to support facility owners. Several modules are available out of the box so users can design their project management experience. Users can manage project data with its suite of modules. The functionality to improve planning, design and many other key construction processes provides a collaborative project environment. It is used by over 400 professionals and has supported over $300 billion in capital programs.
Assemble
Assemble is a SaaS solution with a central hub that stores drawings, building information, models and point clouds. It lets construction workers connect, query and condition data for key workflows like estimating, scheduling, finance, bid management, project management and site management. It is web-based and helps users add intelligence, extract building information model (BIM) data, collaborate for better decision making and deliver projects within a set budget and on time. Its flagship product, Assemble Insight, is a cloud-based inclusion that lets AEC businesses use BIM data for project collaboration, better decision making and improved projects.
CoConstruct
CoConstruct is a management system focused on remodeling and custom home building. It streamlines complex management processes, including financial and project management. It puts communication at the forefront to keep clients happy and construction teams working smoothly. It simplifies sifting through changing construction schedules and missed deadlines while offering predictability to building routines.Construction or remodeling projects are kept on track while accounting practices are streamlined. It integrates with several third-party packages like QuickBooks to keep things simple and comfortable for project leaders. It supports small- to medium-sized operations.
Acculynx
Acculynx is an all-in-one software designed for exterior and roofing contractors. It handles business aspects like production, sales, finances, collections and supplementing. It lets businesses of all sizes, from start-ups and businesses with multi-location operations, provide excellent customer service and streamline processes. It also connects users’ teams, unifies projects and boosts profits. It brings the entire business together by letting users improve productivity, save time, make informed decisions and win more jobs. Users can view their sales tools and pipeline to close a deal. It keeps everyone in the team connected, lets users view job statuses and shows in-progress tasks. It also has mobile access that helps business owners manage labor crews.
eSUB
eSUB is a cloud-based management system that focuses on mobility while providing subcontractors with a solid set of digital tools. It offers multiple avenues to connect field workers and project managers while helping subcontractors manage their daily business processes. Automation of labor tracking and paperless documentation helps speed up daily tasks.It centralizes information letting team members work efficiently with the requisite information. It provides an integrated work environment for construction firms to efficiently plan and schedule projects while keeping stakeholders in the loop.
Aconex
Aconex, along with Oracle Construction and Engineering Cloud, serves as a comprehensive tool for construction project delivery and management. Designed for delivery teams and owners, it helps increase control and visibility, connect teams and reduce risk. It connects teams and project members, streamlines time-intensive tasks, promotes collaboration and encourages data visibility. It lets users increase efficiency in construction and design coordination, cost, field and document management, and project control. All project members can interact and participate in an operation’s phases. The data and connected processes it offers help project managers make educated decisions and prevent issues before they occur.
Corecon
Corecon is a fully integrated cloud-based platform that focuses on organizing and streamlining tasks such as estimating, project oversight, job costing and more. Additional modules help users handle lead tracking, bid management and communication with the inclusion of the TeamLink Portal. It helps estimators track and manage opportunities through dashboards. Connect internal and external users with mobile flexibility and browser-based access.
Sage 300 Construction
Sage 300 is a construction and real estate focused software solution with project-wide organizational capabilities. Its cloud-based integration connects all points of a construction project to an easily accessible location. It helps project managers control and view the entirety of a project’s lifecycle. It streamlines and organizes accounting processes and is suited for operations of all sizes. Multiple accounting modules let project owners tackle financial tasks in a comfortable way, cutting down on process time. It pairs well with several industries ranging from general contracting to homebuilding and residential remodeling.
Jonas Construction Software
Jonas Construction offers integrated solutions to mechanical, general, HVAC, electrical, plumbing and specialty trade contractors, home builders, real estate and land developers. Its inclusions help users grow and manage operations. Its modules include dispatch and job scheduling, accounting, job costing, invoicing, payroll and reporting. It’s customizable to business needs and provides Enterprise and Premier packages. It is suitable for mechanical, electrical, HVAC and plumbing, excavators and general, heavy highway and special contractors. The Premier package is designed for general contractors, home builders and land developers.
UDA ConstructionSuite
UDA ConstructionSuite is a combination of three platforms — ConstructionSuite, ConstructionOnline and OnSite Mobile Applications. It helps users combine estimating and project management modules along with CRM support.Users can track site operations and business KPIs using dashboards. QuickBooks integration helps users create accurate estimates. Managers can access project documents off-site using mobile devices.
PASKR
Paskr is a cloud-based, all-in-one solution focused on simplifying, standardizing and automating projects. It is mobile, collaborative and supports the entire lifecycle of a project. Users can gain visibility and boost efficiency by tracking every step of a project and streamlining communication between office and field team members. It includes CRM support, bid management, estimating, change orders, billing support and more. It helps share access to critical project information with teams, stakeholders, engineers and more using version control options. It also manages overall construction project portfolios by maintaining stakeholder, supplier and departmental schedules while ensuring that deadlines are met.
Quickbase
Quickbase facilitates application development enabling problem solvers of any technical background to solve business issues. The low-code development maximizes the effectiveness, improves speed and agility to innovate and reduces IT complexity and costs. It provides advanced integration capabilities and automates workflows using simple business logic. It empowers stakeholders to get real-time visibility and insights into day-to-day business operations and make data-driven decisions to minimize risks and maximize profits.Law firms can utilize it to build personalized case management solutions aimed to simplify legal database organization, dynamic reporting and workload management. Effortlessly manage a centralized database of case files, client information and legal documents and ensure coordination between stakeholders.
Vista by Viewpoint
Vista by Viewpoint is a construction accounting solution. It is integrated and can be scaled and configured according to the requirements of the business. It reports time-critical financial data to decision makers and connects field personnel, office staff and extended teams seamlessly. It makes it easy for managers to view the real-time status of the current project. It maintains RFIs and critical tasks from all stakeholders while managing risk and tracking revenue. Its support team helps migrate from outdated software platforms by helping at every stage of deployment.
HCSS
HCSS (Heavy Construction Systems Specialists) provides integrated software solutions designed to manage daily operations in the field, ensure worker safety and track labor and equipment. It helps managers streamline their activities by providing project management inclusions.Each piece of its suite can be purchased separately as per project requirements. Users can make strategic decisions that save time and reduce inventory costs with the combined power of business intelligence and data warehouse modules.
Penta Construction
Penta Technologies is a construction accounting and operations tool that incorporates industry best practices by providing standardized processes. It is available for commercial and industrial contracting, field service and engineering firms. It brings accounting and project management together. It simplifies inter multi-company management and makes collecting field data easier. It also provides daily analytics to decision makers. It is also available on mobile for more efficient and flexible field data collection. It has cloud hosting capabilities, which gives teams the ability to access data on their devices. Users also benefit from 24/7 data security features.
Knowify
Knowify is a cloud-based platform that helps reduce the time and effort spent on administrative tasks like contract management, bidding and change orders. Scheduling and tracking modules allow administrators to see exactly when and how long employees work.Mobile access lets managers and forepersons do their jobs in the field while sending critical data back to the home office. It offers integration with QuickBooks so that users can retain their accounting workflows.
ComputerEase
ComputerEase is an accounting and project management platform for contractors of all sizes. It includes fully integrated job costing, contractor management, equipment management, accounting and more to better serve daily field-to-office processes on and off the job site. The Red Flag inclusion provides everything needed to see if subcontractors have the required liability insurance for their jobs. Dispatch boards let project owners and forepersons assign the most capable employees to relevant tasks and jobs. Leverage modules like profit and loss let users see where a project is succeeding or failing.
RedTeam
RedTeam is a cloud-based software solution that focuses on optimizing and streamlining project management for infrastructure operations. Managers can control the project’s entire lifecycle from preconstruction to final product delivery.It helps connect project team members through robust communication while also promoting data visibility across the enterprise. It offers support for scheduling, preconstruction, estimating and equipment management to manage the daily operations of a construction business.
CMiC
CMiC is an end-to-end management platform built to handle the complexities of larger projects and the challenges of smaller ones. It focuses on bringing teams together with a suite that helps automate daily tasks while providing seamless integrations. Deployable both on-premise and as a cloud-based solution, it meets unique business requirements.It has comprehensive inclusions that tackle various aspects of the entire project lifecycle, such as budgeting, forecasting, change orders, bidding, procurement, document management, business intelligence and much more. It helps construction firms to create resource plans with dynamic timelines and interactive schedules. Updated and accurate information keeps construction projects on schedule and prevents budget overshoots.
Fieldwire
Fieldwire is a field management module suitable for projects of all sizes. It helps construction crews capture, organize and access vital project information. It tracks all aspects of construction projects while making it simple for contractors to coordinate work and visualize crucial paths.It’s user-friendly and operates with or without an internet connection. It incorporates a robust suite of inclusions focused on streamlining field projects.
Sage X3 Construction
Sage X3 is a mobile-first tool built for construction professionals. It is data-driven and gives users end-to-end control over complex projects. It lowers overruns and increases profitability by using work-in-progress data captured via mobile device in the field. It is available in the United States and the AAMEA region. However, some inclusions may not be available in select countries. It helps users gain a competitive advantage by implementing integrated and customized ERP.
BuildTools
BuildTools by ECI is a construction project management module designed for remodelers, specialty contractors, home builders and custom builders. It is cloud-based and helps organize and keep track of project data such as documents, scheduling, communication and budgeting in a single centralized location. It lets users create and customize quotes while sending and managing proposals. It also includes bid management, scheduling, budgeting and daily logs. It supports tracking change orders, purchase orders and financial statements while generating financial statements and work-in-progress reports. Its integrations let users track and control costs across all budget codes. Its modules let users boost accountability and reduce errors.
ProjectTeam
ProjectTeam is an easy-to-use cloud-based project collaboration system that allows companies to connect with other organizations and share information. It helps create forms, files, dashboards, reports and photos. Built with modern and secure cloud technologies, it simplifies installation, deployment and hardware management.It provides complete visibility into the project performance from the office and remote locations. Solves project issues, modernizes processes and helps in attaining corporate objectives.
Projectmates
Projectmates is a management software solution focused on capital construction operations. It helps save time on projects through the automation of resource-consuming processes. It brings communication to the forefront with modules that promote team collaboration. Generate and analyze reports to predict trends and resolve issues. Customize project workflows to save time and focus on important tasks. Take control of complex tasks like bidding, planning and maintenance with its available offerings. It offers capabilities like schedule management, field reports, cost tracking and punch lists for construction projects.
ClickHome
ClickHome is a web-based solution designed to manage construction processes from inquiry to managing various processes and handling suppliers, trades and subcontractors. It is built specifically for the residential construction segment. It takes care of all steps from sales to warranty. Procedures become easy to implement as clients, staff and leads are on the same page. It helps control the quality of all of users’ projects and automates tasks, helping users save money and time. It supports iOS devices and can be installed on Windows desktops.
Contractor Foreman
Contractor Foreman is a cloud-based, full-service solution designed for general contractors and subcontractors. Its online panel and apps enable contractors to access data from anywhere via web browsers and internet-enabled devices. It supports over 35 modules like project, document, contact and safety management along with reporting, accounting and financials.It helps create accurate estimates and invoices and process payments electronically. Additionally, it integrates with QuickBooks to reduce data entry errors.
eCMS
eCMS is a cloud-based platform that leverages financial and project management tools to bring organization and efficiency to your daily processes. Contractors of all sizes can gain actionable insights by tapping into their data with a foundation of information management software. Its cloud-based deployment gives users secure access to their data while providing mobile, browser-based tools to view your information on the move. Save time and money by automating many of the non-productive tasks that use up valuable employee time.
Microsoft Dynamics SL
Microsoft Dynamics SL combines the power of an ERP solution with robust project and financial management features. It helps users deal with fluctuating demand while providing accurate budgeting support to keep financial records organized. It functions within businesses of any size and can help boost sales, reduce job costs, provide insight into company data and ensure all compliances are met. It comes in two versions, Business Essentials or Advanced Management, that can come as a complete package or users can choose a la carte.
VPO
VPO provides a single platform to manage a construction project’s complete life cycle — from inception to completion. It is designed for architects, engineers, suppliers, vendors, owners, contractors and construction management firms. It is an easy-to-use, secure and cloud-based workspace used by project stakeholders to view, publish and measure progress. It leverages Microsoft’s cloud-based modules and combines them with project management, providing a scalable workspace that works for small and large scale operations.
Roots Software
Roots Software is an estimating, accounting and project management tool for subcontractors and general and government contractors. It provides estimation and helps anticipate work procurement requirements, track progress analytics and other business management processes. It has a built-in CRM and manages leads for contractors allowing them to manage their bids and allocate resources accordingly. It also has budgeting inclusions that allow for predicting expenses and recording financial transactions. Integrating it with third-party services to maintain records and accounting details is easy and according to industry standards. It has templates for labor and compliance reports, among others.
iSqFt
iSqFt is a web-based management suite that works with contractors of all sizes. It brings together every piece of the bidding, pre-construction and takeoff processes to streamline and optimize them. Contractors can track all relevant information about a project up to bid day and easily share information with interested bidders. Subcontractors can also benefit from modules that give them access to prequalification inclusions based on ConsensusDocs. General contractors, construction managers, utility contractors and design firms can leverage multiple modules concentrated on creating an effective and streamlined bidding process. It helps users discover and lockdown commercial leads while building relationships.
JD Edwards EnterpriseOne
Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) software designed to streamline business processes and facilitate data-driven decision-making. It is predominantly used by medium to large enterprises looking to manage various aspects of their operations, including finance, manufacturing, and human resources. Key features include financial management, supply chain management, and mobile applications for remote access. Users appreciate its robust functionality, scalability, and ability to support multi-country and multi-language operations. Compared to similar products, JD Edwards EnterpriseOne is often favored for its adaptability and the breadth of modules available, but it may require more extensive IT support and resources for implementation and maintenance. Pros Robust Functionality Scalability Multi-Country Support Cons Complex Implementation Resource-Intensive Extensive IT Support
SAMPro Enterprise
SAMPro Enterprise, by Data-Basics Inc., is an end-to-end integrated field service and construction module that automates and streamlines field operations while increasing revenue and lowering costs. It offers contractors workspaces to accommodate all of their daily processes in a single package. It has management functions and analytics to improve business efficiency and increase profits. It eliminates compatibility issues and creates a single-source module for contractors. It ties multiple aspects of the user's service and management tasks into a single package.
Call SelectHub for a free 15-minute selection analysis: 1-855-850-3850
Real People... with Data
We know selecting software can be overwhelming. You have a lot on the line and we want you to make your project a success, avoiding the pitfalls we see far too often.
As you get started with us, whether it be with Software Requirements templates, Comparing, Shortlisting Vendors or obtaining that elusive Pricing you need; know that we are here for you.
Our Market Research Analysts will take calls, and in 10 minutes, take your basic requirements and recommend you a shortlist to start with.
Narrow Down Your Solution Options Easily
closeApplying filters...
Search by what Product or Type or Software are you looking for