# Best Construction Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing > Find the best Construction Software for your organization. Compare top Construction Software systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos. Source: https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction --- [Home](https://www.softwareadvice.com/) / Construction Software Software Advice offers objective insights based on verified user reviews and independent product and market research. When our advisors match you to a software provider, we may earn a referral fee. # Best Construction Software of 2026 Updated June 11, 2026 On this page 1. Popular Comparisons 2. Buyers Guide Filter products 386 results ### Compare Products Showing 1 - 25 of 386 products #### Company Size - Self-Employed - 2-10 - 11-50 - 51-200 - 201-500 - 501-1000 - 1000+ #### Pricing Options - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ ### Compare Products Sort by **Recommendations**: Sorts listings by the number of recommendations our advisors have made over the past 30 days. Our advisors assess buyers’ needs for free and only recommend products that meet buyers’ needs. Vendors pay Software Advice for these referrals. **Reviews**: Sorts listings by the number of user reviews we have published, greatest to least. **Average Rating**: Sorts listings by overall star rating based on user reviews, highest to lowest. **Alphabetically (A-Z)**: Sorts listings by product name from A to Z. [Autodesk Forma](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/autodesk-construction-cloud-profile/) Autodesk Forma provides best-in-class solutions to unite office and field teams throughout the entire project lifecycle. Connect...[Read more about Autodesk Forma](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/autodesk-construction-cloud-profile/) **4.3** ([2206 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/autodesk-construction-cloud-profile/reviews/)) **452** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Drive Slack +71 more +70 more +69 more Autodesk Forma's Best Rated Features 4.88Training Management See All Autodesk Forma's Worst Rated Features 3.0Bid Management See All [Sage Construction Suite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/185440-Sage-Construction-Suite/) The Sage Construction Suite includes a range of solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of construction companies. The suit...[Read more about Sage Construction Suite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/185440-Sage-Construction-Suite/) **4.0** ([1059 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/185440-Sage-Construction-Suite/reviews/)) **394** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Xero Procore +5 more +4 more +3 more Sage Construction Suite's Best Rated Features 4.57Job Costing See All Sage Construction Suite's Worst Rated Features 2.83Incident Reporting See All [Procore](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/procore-profile/) Procore is a cloud-based construction management platform designed to connect field and office teams throughout the project life...[Read more about Procore](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/procore-profile/) **4.5** ([2661 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/procore-profile/reviews/)) **339** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Docs Microsoft 365 +68 more +67 more +66 more Procore's Best Rated Features 4.75Task Progress Tracking See All Procore's Worst Rated Features 3.38Financial Management See All [Houzz Pro](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/houzz-pro-profile/) Houzz Pro is a business solution that streamlines operations for construction and design professionals. The platform offers plan...[Read more about Houzz Pro](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/houzz-pro-profile/) **4.3** ([1087 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/houzz-pro-profile/reviews/)) **336** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Drive Zoom Workplace +12 more +11 more +10 more Houzz Pro's Best Rated Features 4.73Contact Management See All Houzz Pro's Worst Rated Features 3.09Audit Trail See All [Knowify](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/knowify-profile/) Knowify helps contractors budget, manage and invoice every construction project and service job with precision and get insights....[Read more about Knowify](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/knowify-profile/) **4.5** ([109 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/knowify-profile/reviews/)) **178** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations QuickBooks Online QuickBooks Time +7 more +6 more +5 more Knowify's Best Rated Features 5.0Change Order Management See All Knowify's Worst Rated Features 3.29Mobile Access See All [ComputerEase](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/computerease-profile/) ComputerEase, offered by Deltek, is construction accounting software designed specifically for the construction industry. The pl...[Read more about ComputerEase](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/computerease-profile/) **4.2** ([133 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/computerease-profile/reviews/)) **158** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations ProEst +0 more +0 more +0 more ComputerEase's Best Rated Features 3.67Document Management See All ComputerEase's Worst Rated Features 3.50Customizable Reports See All [Smartsheet](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/smartsheet-profile/) Smartsheet is a work execution platform and collaboration tool with a familiar spreadsheet-like interface that helps teams plan,...[Read more about Smartsheet](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/smartsheet-profile/) **4.5** ([3514 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/smartsheet-profile/reviews/)) **146** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Docs Google Drive +61 more +60 more +59 more Smartsheet's Best Rated Features 4.90Single Sign On See All Smartsheet's Worst Rated Features 3.17Equipment Tracking See All [ProjectTeam.com](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/projectteam-profile/) ProjectTeam.com is a cloud-based construction management software platform built for complex projects and capital programs. Own...[Read more about ProjectTeam.com](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/projectteam-profile/) **4.5** ([145 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/projectteam-profile/reviews/)) **127** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Slack Microsoft Excel +11 more +10 more +9 more ProjectTeam.com's Best Rated Features 4.87Project Tracking See All ProjectTeam.com's Worst Rated Features 3.0Bid Management See All [Premier Construction Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/jonas-premier-profile/) Premier Construction Software is a global, AI-powered construction ERP that helps growing general contractors control job costs,...[Read more about Premier Construction Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/jonas-premier-profile/) **4.7** ([288 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/jonas-premier-profile/reviews/)) **125** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Microsoft Excel Microsoft 365 +9 more +8 more +7 more Premier Construction Software's Best Rated Features 5.0Reporting/Project Tracking See All Premier Construction Software's Worst Rated Features 4.30Collaboration Tools See All [Ressio Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/ressio-software-profile/) Meet Ressio, the ideal companion for builders and contractors to manage their construction projects. With a modern design and a ...[Read more about Ressio Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/ressio-software-profile/) **5.0** ([33 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/ressio-software-profile/reviews/)) **108** recommendations Free trial Free version Ressio Software's Best Rated Features 5.0Real-Time Updates See All Ressio Software's Worst Rated Features 4.47Job Costing See All [JOBPOWER](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/jobpower-profile/) JOBPOWER is an integrated construction accounting management system. JOBPOWER includes accounting, detailed job costing, constru...[Read more about JOBPOWER](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/jobpower-profile/) **4.4** ([51 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/jobpower-profile/reviews/)) **101** recommendations Free trial Free version [Buildertrend](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/buildertrend-profile/) For contractors who've outgrown spreadsheets, disconnected apps and the daily grind of chasing information across tools that don...[Read more about Buildertrend](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/buildertrend-profile/) **4.5** ([2485 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/buildertrend-profile/reviews/)) **99** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations QuickBooks Online HubSpot CRM +6 more +5 more +4 more Buildertrend's Best Rated Features 4.86Issue Management See All Buildertrend's Worst Rated Features 3.25Contract/License Management See All [Contractors Software Group](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/contractors-software-group-profile/) Contractors Software Group (CSG): Smarter Software for Smarter Builders Contractors Software Group offers a powerful suite of in...[Read more about Contractors Software Group](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/contractors-software-group-profile/) **4.1** ([17 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/contractors-software-group-profile/reviews/)) **95** recommendations Free trial Free version [Jobber](https://www.softwareadvice.com/field-service/jobber-profile/) Jobber is a cloud-based field service management platform that helps home service businesses run their operations in one place. ...[Read more about Jobber](https://www.softwareadvice.com/field-service/jobber-profile/) **4.6** ([1457 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/field-service/jobber-profile/reviews/)) **94** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations PayPal QuickBooks Enterprise +31 more +30 more +29 more Jobber's Best Rated Features 4.82Automated Scheduling See All Jobber's Worst Rated Features 2.86Document Management See All [FOUNDATION](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/419696-FOUNDATION/) FOUNDATION is construction accounting solution designed for contractors in the construction industry. It combines job costing, p...[Read more about FOUNDATION](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/419696-FOUNDATION/) **4.3** ([382 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/419696-FOUNDATION/reviews/)) **80** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Procore BusyBusy +37 more +36 more +35 more FOUNDATION's Best Rated Features 4.67Accounting See All FOUNDATION's Worst Rated Features 3.36Budgeting/Forecasting See All [JobNimbus](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/jobnimbus-profile/) JobNimbus is a customer relationship management (CRM) and project management solution tailored to meet the needs of contractors,...[Read more about JobNimbus](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/jobnimbus-profile/) **4.6** ([482 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/jobnimbus-profile/reviews/)) **79** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Mailchimp QuickBooks Online +17 more +16 more +15 more JobNimbus's Best Rated Features 4.91Contact Database See All JobNimbus's Worst Rated Features 3.38Reporting/Analytics See All [eSUB](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/esub-profile/) eSUB is a mobile application and cloud-based project management solution that helps commercial subcontractors across various tra...[Read more about eSUB](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/esub-profile/) **4.4** ([254 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/esub-profile/reviews/)) **66** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations QuickBooks Online Sage 100 +8 more +7 more +6 more eSUB's Best Rated Features 4.57Invoice Management See All eSUB's Worst Rated Features 3.30Scheduling See All [Electrical Bid Manager](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/electrical-bid-manager-profile/) Electrical Bid Manager Enterprise by Vision InfoSoft is designed to serve the bid management needs of commercial and residential...[Read more about Electrical Bid Manager](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/electrical-bid-manager-profile/) **4.2** ([32 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/electrical-bid-manager-profile/reviews/)) **63** recommendations Free trial Free version [WinEx](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/ewinex-pro-profile/) Roctek’s WinEx Grade is a quantity takeoff and analysis tool. This solution allows you to take a PDF or other supported image fo...[Read more about WinEx](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/ewinex-pro-profile/) **4.7** ([73 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/ewinex-pro-profile/reviews/)) **61** recommendations Free trial Free version WinEx's Best Rated Features 5.0Takeoff See All WinEx's Worst Rated Features 5.0Takeoff See All [SharpeSoft Estimator](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/sharpesoft-profile/) SharpeSoft Estimator is an on-premise & cloud cost estimating software for contractors and sub-contractors in the construction i...[Read more about SharpeSoft Estimator](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/sharpesoft-profile/) **4.5** ([25 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/sharpesoft-profile/reviews/)) **60** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Microsoft Excel Sage Construction Suite +9 more +8 more +7 more [plexxis](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/plexxis-profile/) Plexxis offers comprehensive solutions created specifically for the most demanding specialty sub-contractors. With on premise, s...[Read more about plexxis](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/plexxis-profile/) **4.4** ([79 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/plexxis-profile/reviews/)) **60** recommendations Free trial Free version plexxis's Best Rated Features 3.91Reporting/Analytics See All plexxis's Worst Rated Features 3.91Reporting/Analytics See All [eCMS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/erp/computer-guidance-profile/) eCMS offers a comprehensive suite of software applications that help commercial contractors manage all aspects of their financia...[Read more about eCMS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/erp/computer-guidance-profile/) **4.7** ([41 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/erp/computer-guidance-profile/reviews/)) **59** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Procore HeavyBid +6 more +5 more +4 more eCMS's Best Rated Features 5.0Accounts Payable See All eCMS's Worst Rated Features 4.67Collaboration Tools See All [Simpro](https://www.softwareadvice.com/cafm/simpro-enterprise-profile/) Simpro is the leading AI-first operating platform for residential and commercial trades. Our mission is simple: double trades bu...[Read more about Simpro](https://www.softwareadvice.com/cafm/simpro-enterprise-profile/) **4.0** ([146 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/cafm/simpro-enterprise-profile/reviews/)) **58** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Drive Mailchimp +37 more +36 more +35 more Simpro's Best Rated Features 4.25Work Order Management See All Simpro's Worst Rated Features 1.83Time Tracking See All [ConstructionOnline](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/uda-constructiononline-profile/) UDA Technologies’ ConstructionOnline offers a web-based, integrated approach to project management, project scheduling, and cust...[Read more about ConstructionOnline](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/uda-constructiononline-profile/) **4.5** ([605 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/uda-constructiononline-profile/reviews/)) **55** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Drive Dropbox Business +14 more +13 more +12 more ConstructionOnline's Best Rated Features 4.91Cost Estimating See All ConstructionOnline's Worst Rated Features 3.50Contract/License Management See All [Housecall Pro](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/housecall-profile/) Housecall Pro is a business solution for home service professionals. Available on web and mobile, Housecall Pro helps home servi...[Read more about Housecall Pro](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/housecall-profile/) **4.7** ([2741 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/housecall-profile/reviews/)) **49** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Mailchimp QuickBooks Online +22 more +21 more +20 more Housecall Pro's Best Rated Features 5.0Customer History See All Housecall Pro's Worst Rated Features 3.43Collaboration Tools See All 1 [2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/?page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/?page=3)[4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/?page=4)[5](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/?page=5) ... [16](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/?page=16) ## Popular Comparisons [ Smartsheet vs monday.com ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/marketing/monday-com-profile/vs/smartsheet/)[ Jobber vs FreshBooks ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/freshbooks-profile/vs/jobber/)[ Wrike vs Housecall Pro ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/housecall-profile/vs/wrike/)[ Contractor Foreman vs Procore ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/contractor-foreman-profile/vs/procore/)[ Houzz Pro vs Buildertrend ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/buildertrend-profile/vs/houzz-pro/)[ Autodesk Forma vs STACK ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/autodesk-construction-cloud-profile/vs/stack/)[ Sage Construction Suite vs ConstructionOnline ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/5857-uda-constructiononline/vs/185440-Sage-Construction-Suite/) ## Send me a copy of this list to my inbox ### Get a copy of this list with pricing info sent to your inbox so you can pick up where you left off when convenient to you. Here’s what we’ll cover: [What Is Construction Software?](#WhatIsConstructionSoftware) [Benefits of Construction Software](#BenefitsofConstructionSoftware) [Competitive Advantages of Construction Software](#CompetitiveAdvantagesofConstructionSoftware) [Business Sizes Using Construction Software](#BusinessSizesUsingConstructionSoftware) [Software Related to Construction Software](#SoftwareRelatedtoConstructionSoftware) [Features Guide](#FeaturesGuide) [What Businesses Typically Budget for Construction Software](#WhatBusinessesTypicallyBudgetforConstructionSoftware) [FAQs](#FAQs) [How Popular Is Cloud-Based Construction Software?](#HowPopularIsCloudBasedConstructionSoftware) [Tips & Tools](#TipsTools) ## What Is Construction Software? Construction software helps firms automate critical processes such as takeoff, estimating, project management and accounting, and integrates various applications and stages of the project life cycle, from pre-sale through building and final billing. These tools can help firms modernize, grow their business and operate more efficiently. ## Benefits of Construction Software Implementing construction software can benefit your business two key ways: - **Win more bids.** Performing takeoff and estimating calculations by hand is not only time consuming, but error prone as well. Construction management software for builders and contractors can read a blueprint and perform these calculations in less time and with greater accuracy because it syncs with an online database of labor and material costs), saving you time and helping your firm win more bids. - **Provide an audit trail.** The sheer volume of documentation—blueprints, quotes, contracts, purchase orders, RFIs, change orders, punch lists and invoices—needed for any construction project is enough to make your head spin. Construction software acts as a centralized database, allowing users to upload and store this information in a single, searchable location. This database provides firms with a virtual paper trail for every project. ## Competitive Advantages of Construction Software Here are a few examples of how these tools can help you gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace: - **Scale your business.** If you're trying to manage multiple jobs and coordinate paperwork across job sites, mistakes are likely to happen. Software helps avoid costly legal fees and offers a more disciplined approach to managing projects, especially as you take on more projects and complexity multiplies. - **Operate more efficiently.** Whether you're looking for a best-of-breed estimating system or an integrated suite to manage the entire project life cycle, construction software can help you standardize processes and automate tedious functions, which ultimately increases the productivity of users. - **Provide more value to clients.** Even if you outbid a competitor, should they provide an itemized quote detailing every cost and outlining various "what-if" scenarios, they may have a better chance of winning a contract than you do. Construction software helps standardize your processes, increase efficiency and provide more value to clients. ## Business Sizes Using Construction Software Among things that will influence your construction software purchase are the size of your business, your availability of IT resources and your trade specialization. Business size and IT resources typically breakdown as follows: - **Single user:** Less than $1 million in annual revenue. This is likely a small, family firm with no IT department and a single software user. - **Small business buyer:** $50 million or less in annual revenue; 2 - 100 employees; likely no IT department; requiring 2 - 10 software user licenses. - **Medium business buyer:** $100 million or less in annual revenue, 2 - 100 employees; IT department; 11 - 100 user licenses. - **Midsize - enterprise buyer:** $100 million+ in annual revenue, 100+ employees, IT department; 100+ user licenses. Common buyer demographic segments and trade specializations include: **Demographic Segments** **Trade Specializations** • Architect • Building owner • Construction manager • Design/build • Engineer • General contractor (commercial or residential) • Home builder (custom or production) • Residential remodeler • Specialty contractor • Electrical • Concrete • Earthwork/excavating • Heavy/highway • Landscaping • Mechanical/HVAC • Masonry/stone • Plumbing • Roofing/siding ## Software Related to Construction Software Construction software is designed to help you manage the entire project life cycle, from blueprint to billing. Here are some related tools that focus more on one stage in the project life cycle: - [Construction project management (PM) software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/project-management-software-comparison/)**:** This software helps contractors manage the entire build process, from scheduling through to client billing. These tools provide firms with the the oversight and document control needed to monitor RFIs, change orders and purchase orders, so project budgets and timelines aren't disrupted. - [Takeoff](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/takeoff-software-comparison/)**:** Takeoff is a pre-sale process in which the estimator measures construction plans (blueprints and drawings) to determine the amount of materials and labor required for a job. Takeoff software is commonly sold as a standalone application or grouped together with estimating, or as part of a comprehensive, integrated suite. - [Estimating](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/cost-estimating-software-comparison/)**:** Estimating software is used to calculate the material costs and labor takeoff to produce bid proposals. It's sold either as a standalone system or grouped with takeoff or as part of a comprehensive, integrated suite. - [Bid management](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/bid-management-systems-comparison/)**:** Bid management, in which a contractor solicits bids from subcontractors and suppliers before submitting a job quote, is a process that helps bridge the gap between pre-sale and project management. Bidding can be found as an application within many construction systems or can be purchased as a standalone software. - [Accounting](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/accounting-job-costing-software-comparison/)**:** Construction accounting software helps firms manage their job costing, core accounting, fixed asset accounting and payroll. It's common to find some job costing and budgeting in construction PM software; however, if the PM systems you're evaluating don't offer core accounting, you should look for integrations with general accounting systems, such as QuickBooks or Xero. ## Features Guide ### A List of Common Construction Software Features In the table below, we profile the most common applications that you can expect to come across as you evaluate solutions. [Takeoff](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/takeoff-software-comparison/) Enables faster and more accurate takeoffs by allowing the estimator to measure paper blueprints or digital files (e.g., CAD drawings or PDFs). [Estimating](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/cost-estimating-software-comparison/) Calculate material and labor costs based on your takeoff and create a bid proposal from those estimates. [Bid management](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/bid-management-systems-comparison/) Manages procurement, purchasing and contract management processes. [Project scheduling](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/project-scheduling-software-comparison/) Helps managers schedule people, resources and equipment for various projects. [Project management](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/project-management-software-comparison/) Helps managers track project costs, manage important documentation and collaborate with all parties involved on a project. [Accounting & job costing](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/accounting-job-costing-software-comparison/) Handles the core accounting and job costing needs of contractors. Job costing allows accounting staff to allocate costs by the job. ### Feature Details and Examples [Takeoff](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/takeoff-software-comparison/)**:** Takeoff measures blueprints and drawings electronically to determine accurate material quantities and volume. Many systems allow you to perform takeoff entirely electronically, eliminating the need for paper records. This process, coupled with estimating, largely informs the scope of a project. [On-Screen Takeoff](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/on-center-profile/) [Estimating](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/cost-estimating-software-comparison/)**:** Estimating calculates labor and material costs for a project based on up-to-date pricing data and then generate itemized proposals from those estimates. To increase the accuracy of estimates—and profitability of projects—the system pulls current labor and materials prices from a costs database. Additionally, you can Maintain a historical database of your past projects so you can reference data from past jobs with comparable materials and labor requirements. _Estimate sheet in_ ProEst [Bid management](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/bid-management-systems-comparison/)**:** Bid management is closely tied to both the estimating and project scheduling processes. It helps general contractors coordinate the solicitation and procurement of bids from subcontractors and suppliers during the estimating and proposal generation process. It maintains subcontractor and supplier database, which stores all contacts and communications between relevant parties. It also manages procurement, purchasing and contract management processes. _Dashboard in_ SmartBid [Project scheduling](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/project-scheduling-software-comparison/)**:** Once you've won the job, project scheduling software tracks who is working where, what their start and end dates are and when project materials and equipment need to arrive to a job site. Often, managers will use the critical path method and Gantt charts to visualize the project timeline and identify constraints and dependencies than might impact the completion date. Scheduling is often included with or closely integrated project management applications. _Scheduling in_ [BuildTools](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/buildtools-profile/) [Project management](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/project-management-software-comparison/)**:** Construction project management helps users manage project schedules, track costs compared to budgets, view and store important documentation (e.g., RFIs, punch lists and change orders), and collaborate with other users (i.e., field techs, office staff and clients). Often it includes time tracking, task management, automatic alerts and mobile access. Users can also typically centralize storage for drawings, photos, change orders—any and all important documentation that impacts a contract and informs the audit trail. Additional tracking capabilities include a job-specific dashboard or a program dashboard offering insights into all open projects. _Change orders in_ [Procore](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/procore-profile/) [Accounting](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/accounting-job-costing-software-comparison/)**:** Accounting helps you balance your core accounting with industry-specific needs, including maintaining fixed assets and depreciation schedules for equipment, tracking timesheets and managing subcontractor payroll and facilitating job costing, e.g. allocating job costs by job and CSI code. While sales invoicing is often available, unless the system offers "core accounting," i.e., general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable and bank reconciliation, it does not offer full accounting functionality. _Job overview dashboard in_ Sage 300 ### Construction Software Buyers' Most Requested Features Construction software capabilities most-often requested by buyers include: - **Project management** - **Cost estimating** - **Measure takeoff** - **Accounting & job costing** ### The Construction Software Features You Really Need Your construction needs will be largely influenced by the size of your business. Startup firms won't require the same breadth of features as a growing business looking to optimize their processes. **Small business** - [Estimating](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/cost-estimating-software-comparison/)**:** Create professional-looking bids based on your takeoff. [Free estimating tools](https://www.softwareadvice.com/resources/free-construction-estimating-software/) can help you win more jobs without breaking the bank. - [Project management](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/project-management-software-comparison/)**:** Many cloud-based construction management tools can help small businesses operate more efficiently without a hefty upfront investment. **Medium business** - [Accounting and job-costing](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/accounting-job-costing-software-comparison/)**:** Manage your business's core financials and track job costs across projects. **Midsize - enterprise business** - [Customer relationship management](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/)**:** Manage interactions with current and prospective clients throughout the entire customer life cycle. - [Program management](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/program-management-software-comparison/)**:** Manage a portfolio of projects, track costs across job sites and look to optimize profitability. See the above section "[Business Sizes Using Construction Software](#BusinessSizesUsingConstructionSoftware)" for business size breakdown. ## Pricing Guide ### How Construction Software Is Priced and Hosted Construction software pricing varies drastically from product to product, and it can be difficult to apply a blanket pricing structure when categorizing these tools. Products are also sold via perpetual and subscription licensing just as they are in every market, but there are other pricing considerations to keep in mind as well. For example: - Some construction management products are priced per project and include unlimited users. Other project management tools may follow a more standard subscription licensing priced per user (on a monthly or annual contract) and include a fixed or unlimited amount of projects. - Bid management tools offer "plan rooms" that allow for unlimited projects and are priced by number of users. - It's common for integrated construction business management suites to be sold "buffet-style," meaning, products are designed with an array of applications and can be configured according to the specific needs of the buyer. Additionally, many vendors will offer discounts for purchasing annual contracts or a high volume of projects or user licenses. As such, it's common for product pricing to be hidden on vendor websites and they ask that buyers contact them directly for a customized quote. ## What Businesses Typically Budget for Construction Software As "construction software" can refer to both standalone applications as well as an integrated suite, it can be hard to know what you should budget for these tools. To give an idea of what your peers are spending, we analyzed a random sample of consultations with prospective buyers and compared budgets among those looking to purchase a single platform spanning the entire project life cycle, from pre-sale through to building to final billing. Here's what we found: - Large firms of over 500 employees had a wide range of per-user pricing preferences, with some firms expecting to pay just $100 per user per month and at least one firm willing to pay $12,000 per user annually (although the high end was usually around $5,000 per user). - A significant portion of firms surveyed expected to pay setup costs, sometimes of more than $10,000. - Real estate developers were the market segment most likely to be a small business, with more than half of firms surveyed reporting 10 or fewer employees. - Firms overwhelmingly wanted small licenses, with 87 percent of respondents seeking licenses for five or fewer users. ## FAQs ### What Questions Should I Ask Construction Software Vendors? When evaluating products, be sure to ask vendors about the following: **What does the software not do?** This is perhaps the most important question you should ask vendors. Knowing how a product aligns with your requirements will let you know if it will be able to scale with you or if you'll need to supplement or integrate with another solution. Be sure to discuss your product requirements and business needs with each vendor on your product shortlist and ask them directly about the product's attributes as well as its limitations. **What is the average implementation timeline?** Implementation timelines can vary drastically depending on the tool you choose. If you're implementing an integrated business management platform, this will require a much more significant investment of time and resources than a standalone tool. Consider the time you'll need to get the new tool up and running and to get your users trained on a new system. **What data transfer services do you offer?** Some vendors will include data transfer within the cost of the software license, while other vendors may only offer data transfer at an additional cost. Asking about this service upfront can help you avoid sticker shock when you receive a price quote from the vendor. If data transfer services aren't included at all, you may have to hire a third-party to help you move your data into the new system, which would require an additional investment of time and resources. **What support and training services do you offer?** Support and training can make or break and implementation. Before you start evaluating systems, consider your end users and the type of support they'll require over the life of the tool. Would they prefer support services over the phone or over chat? Are they tech savvy enough to help themselves by reading support forums and discussion boards? Ask vendors about the support and training services they offer, and at what cost, so you can be sure to choose a tool that aligns with the needs of your users. ## How Popular Is Cloud-Based Construction Software? Cloud-based construction software products are becoming increasingly popular among construction firms, especially cloud construction management tools. In fact, according to JBKnowledge in their annual [Construction Technology Report](https://jbknowledge.com/2018-construction-technology-report-survey), when firms are using standalone systems, they are more likely to use cloud-based bid management, project management and CRM systems than they are to use cloud-based estimating/takeoff and accounting products. One reason for this is the need for mobility on job sites. Whereas presale functions, i.e., takeoff and estimating, mostly require internet access and connection to a database, during-construction activities requires more immediacy, both in terms of connectivity and rate of data transfer, than is available with on-premise software. Prospective buyers looking to purchase an integrated construction business management suite should consider a cloud-based platform so as to provide project managers and contractors the ease of access they need to remain competitive in the industry. ### What Are the Hidden Costs of Construction Software? Evaluating construction software doesn't have to end in sticker shock. Here we outline a few common fees so you'll know what expenses to expect and what hidden costs to look out for as you compare vendor price quotes. **Purchasing Construction Software: Common Fees and Expenses** **Software license** Construction software is sold via perpetual license (one-time, upfront fee where you own the rights to the software) or subscription license (recurring monthly or annual subscription, where the vendor owns the software and you pay to use it) **Data migration** Costs of migrating data from your old system into the new. **Installation/setup** Fees associated with installing the software on client servers (perpetual license) or setting up user accounts on the vendor or service provider's server (subscription license). **Hardware** Can include costs for personal computers, mobile devices, networking gear, backup drives as well as servers. **Maintenance/support** Perpetual license software often requires you to purchase maintenance and support services separately, costing about 20 percent of the software license fee. Subscription license software includes the costs for basic maintenance and support in the cost of the software license, but users can often purchase premium support services for an additional fee. **Training** Training is critical to a successful software implementation and training services can range from vendor-supplied free online guides, to over-the-phone support, up to expensive on-site learning tutorials. ### What Are Some Drawbacks I Should Watch Out For? Although construction software can offer your firm a competitive advantage, it's unlikely that it will check every box for every user. The following are some common sources of dissatisfaction we've seen among users, along with the real reviews: - **High cost:** _"Prohibitively expensive in some cases."_ - Jordan from SKANSKA - **Poor integration:** _"It still doesn't integrate perfectly with Sage for the financial aspects and it is very expensive to buy."_ - David from Hedrick Brothers Construction - **Limited or lacking accounting functionality:** _"The financial tools fall short and do not compare to standalone financial tools."_ - Aaron from William Charles Construction - **Custom report options limited:** _"The biggest con for us is the limited customization when it comes to reports and forms."_ - Brandon from Caddell Construction ## Tips & Tools ### Build a Business Case for Construction Software How do you justify an investment in construction software? Typically, you'll want to start with ROI. Don't fret, though, we've provided a template to help you build your [business case](https://www.softwareadvice.com/resources/how-to-write-a-business-case/). ### Relevant Articles Some of our latest articles include: - "[State of the Construction Labor Market: What Firms Need To Know](https://www.softwareadvice.com/resources/construction-labor-market/)" - "[Essential Construction Management Features for General Contractors](https://www.softwareadvice.com/resources/essential-construction-management-features/)" - "[How a Construction Communication Plan Can Help You Win Bids](https://www.softwareadvice.com/resources/construction-communication-plan/)" ### What Are Some Popular Product Comparisons? Over the last decade, a few integrated construction business software suites have positioned themselves as market leaders. This list includes Procore, Buildertrend and CoConstruct, among others. To see how these products compare to one another, click on any of the following pages for more information: - Buildertrend vs Co-construct - [Buildertrend vs Procore](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/buildertrend-profile/vs/procore/) - [BuildTools vs Buildertrend](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/buildertrend-profile/vs/buildtools/) - Procore vs Plangrid - Buildertrend vs PlanGrid