Best Software for Construction Business

Starting a construction business from scratch is no easy task. One of the main hurdles you have to overcome is finding the best software for construction business operations. There are a hundreds of software solutions out there that cater to different aspects of your construction business operations.

Construction management programs help contractors, architects, and home builders manage ongoing construction projects. They’re used by individual contractors as well as large companies with employees and subcontractors. Roofers, general contractors, remodelers, heating professionals, and others can benefit from the software because it can prevent overruns and increase profits.

This software helps with efficiency by handling tasks such as running reports, automating estimates, and storing documents. “The software is made especially with construction companies in mind and can be a valuable way to save money and stay on track with projects. By tracking these important metrics, it enables companies to be more profitable,” said Jesse Silkoff, Founder and President of MyRoofingPal.

We researched a dozen different construction management software programs and evaluated each based on pricing, reviews, and features specifically designed to help contractors and construction companies. These are our top choices.

What Is Construction Management Software?

Construction management software is a type of software specifically designed for the construction industry. It helps you organize, manage, store, collaborate, and plan projects of every size and complexity. It’s typically used by general and specialty contractors, construction company owners, architects, builders, and designers to manage projects, track expenses, meet deadlines, supervise staff, and produce accurate estimates.

How Does Construction Management Software Work?

Construction management software is generally cloud-based or can be used via mobile application so you and your team can check on the progress of a job site, review punch lists, communicate with owners, and check on the budget and timeline. Contractors, builders, and construction business owners log in to check various job sites without having to travel to each one. They can check the financials and even see photos of the progress of each site. They can communicate with owners on the software and show them real-time progress reports.

How Much Does Construction Management Software Cost?

Construction management software varies greatly in price based on functions, features, and user capabilities. If you’re a small company with only a few users, you can often get a free version, while larger companies with more substantial needs can pay several thousand dollars per month for all the tools they need. Typically, there’s a setup fee and then the pricing is monthly, but some companies require annual billing.

Is Construction Management Software Worth the Cost?

Typically, if you’re just building a house for yourself, then you don’t need construction management software. And, if you’re a landlord managing property maintenance or improvements, property management software would be more fitting. However, if you’re a full-time general contractor or own a construction company, this software is advantageous and generally worth the cost. It helps you stay on time and on budget, shows your job progress, and keeps all of your documents and plans safe in one place, which can reduce errors—all of which make it well worth the cost.

“On the most basic level, we can decrease the costs associated with site data gathering, updating schedules, and reviewing pay applications. More importantly though is that we can provide near real-time warnings regarding errors or delays in construction so that project management can fix issues quickly,” said Raffi Holzer, Co-founder and CEO of Avvir.

How We Chose the Best Construction Management Software

After researching a dozen of the most popular construction management software programs, we chose the best based on pricing, features, and reviews. We specifically targeted firms that offer functions important to those in the construction trades, and also gave preference to those programs that make it easy for users to collaborate across teams and access their data while on the go.

Here are some of the main responsibilities involved in construction project management:

Creating and managing the project schedule
Contracting out or internally directing the design process
Negotiating the scope of work and costs with consultants and contractors who will work on the project
Creating contractor agreements that define the scope of work, costs, and schedule
Managing consultant invoices
Monitoring the project budget and securing additional funding from the owner or sponsors when necessary
Working with local government to obtain building permits and meet project deadlines
Facilitating meetings to discuss project progress

Construction Project Management vs. Construction Management

Project management, and therefore the project manager, is usually focused on the operational logistics of the project discussed above—managing invoices, creating a schedule, and facilitating meetings between different parties involved in the project. On the other hand, the construction manager is on the front-lines of construction and usually has a more intricate understanding of the construction process. Construction manager responsibilities usually include hiring subcontractors, ordering materials, and leasing equipment.

For large projects, the construction managers and the project managers are usually different individuals or teams. But, depending on project size and how the owner chooses to have it managed, these two roles can also be held by a single team or individual.

To summarize, construction managers are much more in the weeds of the project and usually have more specific knowledge of construction than the project manager, who fills a more administrative role in the project.

Understanding Construction Project Management Software

This section will cover the basics of construction project management software—what it is, the key features, and the costs.

What Is Construction Project Management Software?

Construction project management software is collaborative technology that allows the parties involved in a construction project to find, share, and update information related to the project. Common functions of these tools handle various aspects of the project such as scheduling, contract and permit management, quality assurance, and safety.

Construction project management software is often the primary collaboration tool for individuals and teams working on construction projects to share information and collaborate on documents once the project has broken ground. Teams use this technology to track the progress and costs of one or more projects.

Typically, construction management software is separate from the technology used to design and engineer project plans. However, these tools frequently integrate with each other or use compatible file types.

Construction Project Management Features

There is no official template for the features that a construction project management software will offer. Most construction management software companies even have their own workflows and terminology for their product’s specific features. But in general, companies who identify as construction project management software are solving similar problems and offering most of the same core functionality.

Here, we’ll cover the key features that most construction project management software will include.

1. Document Storage & Management

Over the course of a construction project, many documents are shared between the contractor and the owner, their subcontractors, suppliers, or other involved parties. Managing the flow of these documents and files can become exponentially more challenging as projects grow in size. Luckily, many construction management tools take care of this with storage and collaboration capabilities for project plans, subcontractor contracts, receipts, and other important documents.

2. Submittals

A submittal is information about materials or equipment that a contractor submits to the architect or designer prior to ordering, ensuring that the materials are appropriate for the project. Many of the best construction software products provide a platform for sending and receiving submittals.

3. RFIs

RFI stands for Request for Information, which is simply a message to one party involved in the project requesting additional information. Most often, this is a question for the designer, engineer, or architect clarifying details about the project plans. Most construction management software products offer a solution for this.

4. Change Orders

A change order is sent when one party in the project needs to make a change to the existing project plans. Change orders are submitted for any change to the plans, no matter how small or large. For example, both a different hinge on a door or an additional two floors to an apartment building would need to be submitted in a change order.

5. Instant & Remote Syncing

Every cloud-based product will be accessible from most devices remotely, as long as the user has an internet connection. That is the beauty of the cloud and online software. In addition, information that a user updates remotely will be instantly available for all users.

6. Daily Logs

Some software will include a daily log to track project progress and keep owners and contractors informed of what is happening on the project. This can also be useful to reference later if mistakes are made or if questions come up.

7. Plan Markup

Often, if changes need to be made, it is common to mark up the original plans with notes, rather than redrafting. Some construction project management software will include the ability to digitally mark up plans so that notes and changes can be shared with the team instantly and digitally. This avoids the need to make reprints each time the plans are updated.

8. Punch Lists

Sometimes after construction has concluded, there are several items that the contractor must still address in order to meet the contract specifications. Often, this is work that was completed incorrectly or forgotten. When this happens, the owner or another party will create a punch list, to specifically itemize each thing that must be addressed before the project is completed according to the contract’s terms.

9. Reporting

Most construction management software will provide summary reports and statistics about individual construction projects or groups of projects. The types of reports available will vary, but they typically summarize things like project progress, budget, and spending information.

10. Integrations

For any features that construction management software doesn’t include, most of the leading products offer extensive lists of integrations to work with. Common examples include integrations with construction accounting software, legal and compliance, CRM, takeoff, and bidding software.

Construction Project Management Software Cost

Construction project management software is actually some of the least transparently priced software used in the construction industry, especially for enterprise accounts. While several products designed for small businesses and independent contractors have straightforward and transparent pricing, enterprise-level software products typically do not.

That said, many of these products are priced similarly in concept. Usually, products that don’t have a flat monthly or annual rate for a license charge by the amount of business done within the software. The exact methodology for measuring business volume is not always the same, but the goal is to price the software as a percentage of business done within the platform. This is meant to keep the software affordable relative to the size of the project.

Since pricing models vary so much across products, we recommend testing out and getting quotes from a number of providers. Unfortunately, there isn’t a table or simple formula we can show that would provide a reasonable estimate of what you might expect to spend. That said, most software companies will readily give you a quote if you share some key information about your business or upcoming projects with them.

Finding The Best Construction Project Management Software

Buyers in the market for construction management software should consider several factors when weighing their options. This section will outline the most important things to consider.

Business Size & Type

Some products are designed for large businesses while others target smaller firms and contractors. Pricing models that work well for enterprise clients, for example, are typically not favorable for smaller companies. So, make sure you’re looking at products that are designed for similarly-sized businesses. Also, if you have specific project management needs as a subcontractor or developer, it’s helpful to find a product that’s developed specific workflows for your field.

Features

Many construction project management solutions will offer very similar functionality, allowing users to manage schedules, communicate changes, request information, and monitor budgets. However, they are not all built identically and many offer unique features that competitors don’t. Take a hard look at the features that these companies offer. Firms who work on specific types of projects or within specific industries can often find products that offer specific workflows for their use case.

Customer Service

In an ideal world, once the software is implemented, you should rarely need to contact the software provider for support. In reality though, there are going to be times when you’ll likely need to connect with customer service to ask questions or troubleshoot an issue. Because of this, customer service should be a top consideration when comparing companies. Websites like the Better Business Bureau and Construction Coverage will give buyers information about each company’s reputation and the quality of their customer support teams.

Product Usability & Experience

Almost all construction project management software companies will give prospective buyers the opportunity to test the software either by offering a free trial or providing a live product demo. Take advantage of these opportunities because they will allow you to experience the product’s interface and ensure that its workflow fits the needs and processes of your business.

Software Deployment & Accessibility

Construction management software will either be cloud-based or locally-installed, which will impact the accessibility of the software. Online tools can usually be accessed from any device with an internet connection, making them the preferred option for users who need remote access. Online tools are also ideal for companies with highly collaborative processes because data is immediately updated and shared any time a user makes an edit.

Pricing

Because most construction project management systems are not priced using flat monthly, or annual, pricing schemes, it is often difficult to get an exact estimate of product costs without the help of a company representative. Regardless, it’s worth doing the due diligence with each company you are considering to determine if their pricing model fits your business. In rare circumstances, the pricing method of a product can be very unfavorable for a businesses workflow, causing the price to exceed the value of the software. But usually these products are priced as a percentage of the business run through the platform.

Expert & Customer Reviews

Until you become a user of the software, product reviews, like the ones below, can be the best insight into a piece of software and the company who makes it. Read what others have to say about these products before making a decision, starting with the detailed reviews below.

Construction Project Management Software for Mac Users

Fortunately for Mac users, most of the best construction project management software companies offer cloud-based products. This means that users can access the software from any device online using a web browser. Additionally, many of the same companies also offer an iOS app that builders can use in the field on their iPhones or iPads.

These are the best construction project management software options for Mac users:

Procore (cloud-based + iOS app)
Buildertrend (cloud-based + iOS app)
BIM 360 (cloud-based + iOS app)
PlanGrid (cloud-based + iOS app)
CoConstruct (cloud-based + iOS app)

Best Construction Project Management Software

All of the products in this section meet a high set of standards, ranking well across all of the metrics we discussed above.

Procore (Best Overall Construction Project Management Software)

ProcoreBest OverallCheck Price Watch Demo

Procore is one of the most popular and complete construction project management software products on the market. Their customer reputation is stellar, with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and positive reviews across the web. Procore went public in May of 2021 after operating as a private company based in California since 2002. Along with project management, Procore offers field service, quality and safety management, and financial management software as well.

Procore is intended primarily for general contractors, but is also a great fit for construction managers, subcontractors, and owners. The product is totally customizable at purchase, so users can choose the tools they need, making it a good fit for any size user or business. However, it is probably best suited for businesses doing about $5 million or more in annual revenue.

Procore’s platform is offered as an online, cloud-based app for desktop computers. Procore is also available via mobile apps for iOS, Android, and Windows devices. This makes Procore convenient and easy to use when on the go, and ideal for users who need collaboration capabilities. Procore’s online platform and mobile apps have some of the cleanest and most modern interfaces of any construction management tool.

Procore offers much more than a slick interface, having one of the most complete feature sets of any tool we’ve reviewed. These features include tools for bidding, daily logs, drawings, emails, meetings, project photos, punch lists, RFIs, scheduling, project specifications, submittals, time cards, and transmittals.

For the features that Procore doesn’t include, it offers one of the largest selections of third-party product integrations through the Procore Marketplace. Some popular integration partners include Sage 300 CRE, Sage 100 Contractor Connector, Docusign, Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Vista, Spectrum, Quickbooks, Buildingconnected, Isqft, and ProEst (for estimating).

Procore advertises that its project management software by itself starts at $667 per month, while a combination of Procore’s project management and financial management tools starts at $811 per month. However, Procore’s pricing cannot be simplified to a one-size-fits-all model: pricing can scale up according to the types of projects and volume of business you run through Procore, and additional modules or other products you include in your package will cost extra as well.

While you may not be able to get a firm price until you speak with the sales team, the majority of users find significant value in Procore’s platform. According to surveys of Procore customers, users save an average of 11 days on projects using Procore, and 83% of users agree that Procore helps identify areas for improvement on projects. These efficiencies can save your business money and help make investment in Procore well worthwhile.

Finally, Procore also distinguishes itself with outstanding service. With a subscription to the product, Procore includes product training and ongoing support with an outstanding staff of representatives. Product reviews show high satisfaction with Procore’s customer service team.

Because of Procore’s extensive feature set, convenient integrations, and great reputation, it is our top recommendation, and we rate it the Best Overall Construction Project Management Software.

Buildertrend (Best for Remodelers)

BuildertrendBest for RemodelersCheck Price Watch Demo

Buildertrend is a fairly new software company, founded in 2007. However, it’s already become one of the most widely used construction project management tools. The company offers exceptional customer service and scores an A+ with the Better Business Bureau.

Buildertrend is designed primarily for home building, remodeling, and specialty contracting, but can also be used for commercial projects. And beyond just construction project management, Buildertrend includes features that span presales, financial management, and customer relationship management. This review speaks only to its project management capabilities, but to learn more about what else Buildertrend can do, you can also check out our review of Buildertrend’s estimating software.

Buildertrend’s cloud-based platform can be accessed via any device with a web browser and also through its iOS and Android apps. The same easy-to-navigate and clean interface is used on each of the Buildertrend products. Since the platform is online and app-based, the developers at Buildertrend constantly release updates and improvements, which all users receive instantly.

Buildertrend has a powerful suite of features addressing project management and much more. Their construction project management tools include daily logs to keep teams accountable, work in progress reports, to-do lists for creating and tracking action items, scheduling functionality, in-platform messaging, and other collaboration features that help with efficiency and meeting deadlines. Other features include document and photos storage, punchlists, and plan markup.

Buildertrend screenshot — *Plan Markup with Buildertrend for Construction Management*

Buildertrend’s product covers a lot of needs, but it also offers a large suite of integrations for users who work with other technologies. Some popular software that Buildertrend connects with include:

ProEst and Clear Estimates for estimating
Stack, eTakeoff, PrebuiltML, and PlanSwift for takeoff
Quickbooks and Xero for accounting
Several file-sharing and design tools

Buildertrend has two price tiers, Core and Pro, both of which support unlimited projects and users. Core starts at a base cost of $99 per month and includes key project management features like scheduling, daily logs, to-dos, communications tools, a client portal, and select integrations. Pro starts at $299 per month and includes the functionality of the Core level along with features for warranties, surveys, bids, change orders, and much more.

Buildertrend includes a 30-day money-back guarantee with the purchase of a license, meaning that there is no commitment if the software doesn’t work for your business. The same money-back guarantee also applies to buyers that decide to pay annually.

Buildertrend is an incredible product that was specifically designed with home builders and remodelers in mind. Because of this, we rate it the Best Construction Project Management Software for Remodelers.

RedTeam (Best Construction Project Management Software for Small Businesses)

RedTeamBest for Small BusinessesCheck Price Watch Demo

RedTeam is an online construction project management solution for construction contractors and small- to mid-size construction firms. The product is loaded with features, and the company has a great reputation with its customers. Among the full-featured construction project management tools, it is one of the most affordable options. The company was founded in 2006, and has a great reputation with its customers, earning an A+ with the Better Business Bureau.

RedTeam’s product is web-based, so it is accessible from any device with access to the internet. RedTeam also offers a mobile app, FieldShare, that lets contractors and subcontractors update job progress, add photos, and find project information remotely from the job site.

RedTeam’s user experience is incredibly smooth, the workflow is intuitive, and the design has a clean and modern feel. The screenshots below give a good preview of the platform.

RedTeam comes loaded with features, and should meet the needs of most small businesses and contractors. It will even work for many large construction businesses, assuming they have no unique requirements.

The product helps construction professionals throughout the entire construction process, starting with a customer database for managing existing and potential client relationships. RedTeam additionally has tools to help build and manage budgets, create RFQs, develop estimates, generate bids, handle change orders, manage contracts, and connect with the field. Administrators can also use RedTeam for equipment tracking, RFIs, submittals, managing subcontractors, and working with vendors. RedTeam even includes a platform for subcontractors, called TeamPlayer, where they can access or update project information, report incidents and expenses, and track hours.

While RedTeam is a fairly complete construction management tool, it also integrates with several other construction management platforms, including PlanGrid, BIM 360, and Levelset. Additionally, RedTeam integrates with some of the top accounting tools, like Quickbooks, Sage 100, and Sage 300. For users who don’t work with those specific accounting tools, RedTeam offers a flexible way to manually import data from other software solutions.

RedTeam starts at $395 per month, or around $4,800 per year. This may seem like a steep price for a small business or contractor, but with a long list of capabilities and time-saving power, many users will find the cost to be quite reasonable. And unlike some competitors, RedTeam’s price is all-inclusive, meaning that with one price, customers have access to all of RedTeam’s features without needing to pay for individual modules. However, prospective buyers should note that RedTeam’s pricing increases as the amount of business managed within the platform grows. But users won’t need to pay extra until the Annual Construction Value (ACV) of work managed with RedTeam exceeds $2 million. For companies who might exceed that amount of business, or who aren’t sure whether they’d get enough value, RedTeam provides an ROI calculator on its website to help.

One of RedTeam’s best qualities is its customer support. RedTeam provides a dedicated team to assist companies implementing the software for the first time, plenty of free training, and education for new users. Anytime a team member has a question, they can also reach out to RedTeam’s support staff via chat or email, or they can reference RedTeam’s help center online. Many reviewers note that RedTeam has more of a personal touch when it comes to support than other larger players in the market like Procore or Sage.

RedTeam is one of the most powerful construction project management tools relative to its cost. Being a web-based product, it is accessible on any device with internet access, and its mobile app makes updating project details from the field easier than doing so with non-web-based products. The suite of features is very complete for most use cases and integrations with leading accounting software and other construction management platforms make it even more robust. RedTeam’s transparent and affordable pricing structure and exceptional customer service also set it apart from many other full-feature construction management software companies. For all of these reasons, we rate RedTeam the Best Construction Management Software for Small Businesses.

Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate (Best for Large Enterprises)

Sage 300Best for EnterpriseCheck Price Watch Demo

Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate, once known as Timberline, is a powerful construction project management software designed to meet the needs of large enterprises that use complex workflows and manage large scale construction projects. The software is meant to provide increased visibility into the entire construction process and business.

Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate (often abbreviated Sage 300 CRE) is an on-premise solution, which means that it must be installed on a central company server and accessed from licensed workstations by employees. Sage buyers do not have to install the software and train their staff on their own. It is very common that a Sage vendor, such as Plumb, will help a company define their needs, install the right software modules on their system, and train their team on the software. Sage 300’s project management features are currently available only on Windows systems, though some other Sage 300 modules have associated mobile apps. To learn more, check out this specifications sheet of system requirements for Sage 300 CRE.

Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate is a robust product that allows for high levels of customization and flexibility. The major modules of Sage 300 CRE include accounting, estimating, job costing, payroll, subcontractor compliance, project management, property management, document management, and service management. Companies can pick and choose which modules apply to their business and purchase only those.

In terms of project management features, Sage 300 CRE includes vital functions like document storage, change orders, and communication tools to help projects run smoothly. And because Sage 300 CRE includes functionality for other construction management processes like estimating and accounting, all of the data you need for comprehensive project management is already at your fingertips. This data also allows Sage 300 CRE users to generate some of the most sophisticated reports available through any project management software.

Sage 300 CRE’s interface is clean and intuitive. It is easy to navigate between the software’s various modules, and the automatically generated reports it provides are extremely insightful. These screenshots should give a good sense of the look and feel of the software:

Sage 300 Screenshot - Change Request Log

The price of Sage 300 CRE varies significantly based on the number of modules included and the number of users regularly accessing the software. Since the product is modular, and companies only pay for what they need, the price is flexible. As a result, prices for Sage 300 CRE can run much higher than other competitor products, but its comprehensiveness nonetheless makes it a good purchase for many larger construction businesses.

Sage 300 CRE is one of the most popular project management solutions in the construction industry. Online reviews rate the tool well; however, some reviews note that the setup processes can be cumbersome for smaller companies and that it often requires extensive training. Buyers should note that most tools with such a deep set of features require product training for new users, and big companies with complex operations may not be able to avoid the necessary training.

Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate is one of the most popular and comprehensive products on the market. We recommend it as the Best Construction Project Management Tool for Large Enterprises.

Sage 100 Contractor (Best On-Premise Solution)

Sage 100 ContractorBest On-Premise SolutionCheck Price Watch Demo

Sage 100 Contractor—formerly known as Sage Master Builder—is one of two construction project management tools that Sage offers. Unlike Sage 300 CRE, which is targeted toward larger operations, Sage 100 Contractor is built for small to mid-sized contractors and construction firms, but Sage 100 Contractor offers a similarly comprehensive set of tools to manage construction businesses. Sage 100 Contractor’s key features include accounting, project management, estimating, and field service management.

Sage 100 Contractor is an on-premise solution, meaning it must be installed on a dedicated server and distributed to licensed workstations that company employees can access. Installations currently can only be performed on Windows operating systems, though some Sage modules have cloud-based or mobile apps associated with them. While an on-premise installation may seem complicated, Sage has a network of vendors who can install the software for you and train employees on how to use the tool.

Sage 100 Contractor’s project management features improve visibility for project managers with exceptional dashboards and reporting features. Sage 100 Contractor uses data from other modules like estimating, accounting, and service management to automatically get started with projects and keep them up to date and on track. Document storage and communications tools like email alerts make it easy to find important information quickly and respond to issues as they arise.

Beyond its project management capabilities, Sage 100 Contractor is a complete product, spanning the entire construction project workflow, which allows managers to keep a close watch on the business using a single software solution. Some other key features Sage offers include accounts payable and receivable tracking, general ledger, inventory management, service management, job costing/estimating, purchasing, and invoicing. Like Sage 300, the software is modular, so features can be included or excluded based on user needs. This 10 minute video is a great overview of the platform’s main modules and features

Sage’s interface is a bit outdated compared to other products on this list, including Sage 300. However, even though the look is less modern, it is still a very intuitive and powerful tool. The arrangement is logical and it is easy to find the information you need. Check out these screenshots of the platform to get a good sense of the modular setup and logical workflow Sage offers:

Sage 100 Screenshot - Inventory & Equipment

To test out the interface, potential customers simply need to sign up on the Sage website and launch the online product demo. Sage also offers video tutorials and resources with more info on their website. While specific pricing information will depend on characteristics of your business and the modules you choose for your installation, reviews from around the web indicate that Sage 100 is very affordable, especially compared to solutions focused on large enterprises, like Sage 300.

Sage 100 Contractor is an incredibly popular construction management software and has been around for many years. Because of this, there are tons of reviews around the web for interested buyers looking to read more about the user experience. Most users rate it very highly, with the main complaints being a lack of field support, regular update requirements, and limited compatibility with Excel. However, most reviewers give it high marks based on the tool’s robustness, intuitive interface, and reporting capabilities.

We like Sage 100 Contractor and recommend it as one of the most popular and robust construction project management tools on the market. We also rated it as the Best On-Premise Construction Project Management Software.

Autodesk BIM 360 (Best for Large Projects & Teams)

Autodesk BIM 360Best for Large Projects and TeamsCheck Price Watch Demo

Autodesk is a large, public company (NASDAQ:ADSK) that does billions in annual revenue. Its products are extremely popular and the company offers a broad range of tools to help engineers, architects, designers, contractors, and other construction professionals. And among these offerings, Autodesk’s construction project management software is one of the most popular tools available.

Autodesk has a perfect A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, which demonstrates its willingness and ability to address the needs of its customers. Autodesk’s numerous products are among the most widely used in each sub-field of construction, and their reputation among customers is strong.

BIM 360 is a cloud-based “construction management” tool designed to help construction pros manage the entire project lifecycle within a single platform. It is a great fit intended to suit the needs of designers, project managers, superintendents, and owners. BIM 360 can be accessed on any device with a web browser, but Autodesk also offers app-based versions of the software for Windows and iOS. The variety of cloud-based access options make BIM 360 ideal for collaborating and sharing information quickly.

BIM 360 is extremely powerful with a wide range of features. Because not all features are necessary for every user, BIM 360 is split into a number of modules, which are priced and sold separately, but all operate together on the same platform. Users can select and pay only for the solutions they need.

Some of the key capabilities found in BIM 360’s products include document management, markups and design reviews, cost management and change orders, reviews for quality and safety, reporting and dashboards, RFIs, submittals, and reporting. These and other modules in BIM 360 can be pieced together to make a custom solution, or they can be purchased in one of BIM 360’s bundled products. BIM 360 currently offers four subscription bundles: BIM 360 Docs, BIM 360 Design, BIM 360 Coordinate, and BIM 360 Build. Each of these bundles is tailored to specific users and purposes and have different combinations of features available depending on the audience. For project management, the tools in BIM 360 Build are most robust and comprehensive, but other bundles may be able to fit your needs as well.

In addition to its strong set of built-in features, BIM 360 offers a number of different integration options. Autodesk has an open API, which allows developers to create their own integrations. Furthermore, Autodesk also offers an integration marketplace where developers can share their integrations and download integrations created by other developers. Some of the most popular, existing integrations include Bluebeam Revu, CMiC, eSUB, RedTeam, SmartBid, and Stack.

BIM 360’s price depends on the size of the projects it is being used for and which of its modules are included. BIM 360 does not offer a standardized way to understand its pricing model, so interested users must contact a representative to learn more. That said, customers report BIM 360 to be slightly more expensive than some of the other solutions on the market.

Because of the higher price point and collaborative nature of its features, BIM 360 generally makes sense for larger teams or very large projects that involve a great deal of coordination between different teams. We recommend BIM 360 as the Best Construction Management Software for Large Projects and Teams.

Plangrid (Best for Integrations)

PlangridBest for IntegrationsCheck Price Watch Demo

Plangrid is an extremely popular construction project management solution that’s received great reviews from users across the web since its founding in 2012.

Plangrid’s software is accessible from any device with a web browser. This is the ideal way for Mac users to access Plangrid, but for Windows, Android, and iOS users, Plangrid has custom apps for each platform.

Plangrid is designed for a wide range of customers, including general contractors, subcontractors, owners, and designers. Plangrid also offers solutions for specific construction industries, including commercial, heavy civil, industrial, healthcare, and education.

Plangrid has an excellent feature set that runs the gamut of construction management needs. Plangrid’s file management system is streamlined and easy to navigate, its progress tracking is intuitive, and its workflows for RFIs and submittals are fast and efficient. Plangrid is particularly good in the field, with easily accessible data and files and features like mobile punchlists, photo tagging, and simplified RFIs and submittals that streamline communication and improve responsiveness—all available on mobile

The list of integrations that Plangrid supports is extensive and may be longer than just about any other construction management software on the market. Some popular products that Plangrid has integrations for include Asana, Basecamp, Box, CMiC, DocuSign, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, eSUB, Jonas Premier, RedTeam, and Salesforce. For a complete list of Plangrid integrations, visit the website.

Plangrid is priced in three tiers. Each tier includes an unlimited number of projects, photos, and documents. The software is priced by the number of “sheets” used monthly, where a sheet is a PDF project plan. Each time you save an edit to a plan, it adds another sheet to the monthly tally as well. A single project could make use of any number of plan sheets, depending on its size. This pricing model is generally fair because it scales with the size and complexity of the project. The pricing tiers are as follows:

Nailgun: $49 per month for 550 Sheets ($39 per month if paid annually)
Dozer: $69 per month for 5,000 Sheets ($59 per month if paid annually)
Crane: $139 per month for Unlimited Sheets ($119 per month if paid annually)

Because of Plangrid’s great feature set and phenomenal user experience, we rate the product as a runner-up in our list of the best construction project management software. Additionally, its extensive list of compatible software makes Plangrid an easy pick for Best for Integrations.

CoConstruct (Best for Client Communication)

CoConstructBest for Client CommunicationCheck Price Watch Demo

CoConstruct is a construction management software company founded in 2005. Since then, CoConstruct’s product has accrued more than 100,000 users, with many of them being residential builders and remodelers enthusiastic about the company’s tools for supporting construction businesses.

CoConstruct is a cloud-based product that can be used on both Windows and Mac machines. Additionally, CoConstruct has a mobile app that is useful for communicating with team members, assigning tasks, and tracking time. The app is available for both iOS and Android. CoConstruct has a sleek, modern interface and is designed to maximize efficiency and save users time, identifying areas where data and information can be integrated across functions.

In terms of features, CoConstruct has a comprehensive set of construction management tools included. Core functionality includes features to support estimating, CRM, bidding, accounting, scheduling, change orders, and much more. Its specific project management features include to-do lists and progress reports, scheduling, mobile-supported timesheet management, budgeting and forecasting tools, and many more features.

Two areas where CoConstruct stands out compared to the competition are CRM and client communication. CoConstruct is interested in helping customers manage their businesses as much as individual projects, so there are particularly strong tools to help users identify leads, develop proposals, and keep customers satisfied once work has begun. This includes company-branded self-service client portals where customers can access information, updates, and even photos to track projects.

One downside of CoConstruct is that its integrations with other software providers are limited, so if you’re used to other tools, CoConstruct may not be compatible with them. CoConstruct does support integration with Quickbooks and Xero for accounting, but other integrations are limited. However, because CoConstruct has such an impressive set of features, users may find that most of their key needs are already served through CoConstruct.

CoConstruct has tiered pricing with three levels. The Plus 5 plan costs $299 per month and allows up to 5 active projects for unlimited users, the Plus 10 plan costs $399 per month and allows up to 10 active projects for unlimited users, and the Plus 15 plan costs $499 per month and allows up to 15 active projects for unlimited users. In addition, CoConstruct has a unique entry-level price tier called RAMP, which allows customers to get familiar with the product and receive extensive training and support for just $49 per month for two months.

CoConstruct is an impressive tool all-around, with great features for every stage of the construction management process. With reasonable pricing for its comprehensiveness and a focus on residential builders and remodelers, this is an especially great choice for smaller contractors. But CoConstruct sets itself apart with tools to ensure that clients stay informed and happy and that its users can easily generate future business, which makes it our pick for Best for Client Communication.

SmartUse (Best for Document Management)

SmartUse is a cloud-based construction management tool created in 2012. In less than a decade in the field, SmartUse has become one of the top solutions on the market for what it offers. Rather than providing a comprehensive suite of project management capabilities like Procore or Buildertrend, SmartUse focuses primarily on sharing and marking up blueprints and documents in real-time.

SmartUse has a cloud-based app available for iOS, Android and Windows. The tool is optimized for each operating system, so while many features are designed for tablets or mobile devices in the field, it will work well on Windows laptops and desktops as well. The app also has an offline mode that makes it possible for users to review and edit documents even when internet service is limited.

SmartUse’s standout features are in document management and navigation. SmartUse seeks to offer users a “single source of truth” on construction projects. This means having one location that makes it easy for team members to keep track of project plans, specs, RFPs, bidding requirements, renderings, and other important documents. SmartUse meets all of these needs with helpful navigation features like hyperlinking documents, word searchability, stack and side-by-side viewing, and clear organization systems with auto-naming and auto-numbering functionality. These convenient, intuitive tools make it easy to stay on top of project details.

Further, SmartUse recognizes that it is important for users to be able to access, edit, and collaborate on these documents from multiple devices, in the office or on the job site. In addition to making it easy to keep track of documents, SmartUse has strong collaborative tools like takeoffs, redlining, comments, measurements, and photos. SmartUse also has good functionality for capturing, logging, and assigning issues, with tools to record details (e.g. location, description, impacts), tag associated photos or documents, and make assignments.

SmartUse recently came under the umbrella of STACK Construction Technologies, one of the leading providers of takeoff and estimating software in the construction industry. Existing users of STACK’s other tools can benefit from this connection between pre-construction and project work, and this is also a convenient selling point for those looking for a comprehensive solution. SmartUse also offers its enterprise clients (20+ users) API integrations.

SmartUse has solid training and support available. The technical team is available to answer inquiries by phone during normal business hours or through chat and email. Training is offered through on-site or virtual formats, depending on user preference.

SmartUse pricing starts at $49 per user per month when billed annually, or $65 per user per month otherwise. This rate includes unlimited projects, sheets, and documents, along with several other features. SmartUse’s pricing delivers more value than competitors with similar price points and pricing models, who typically have stricter limits on the number of projects or sheets that can be active at one time as opposed to SmartUse’s unlimited capacity. However, for mid-size or larger businesses, the per-user costs can quickly add up to exceed the rates for other top tools on the market. Companies with more than 20 users do get some additional benefits, however, including a dedicated customer success manager and unlimited reviewers, which permits external users (e.g. subcontractors, clients) to review documents but not mark them up.

SmartUse offers a number of strong features for project management and has great value, especially for smaller teams. Its best functionality is in organizing, accessing, and collaborating on project documents, which makes SmartUse our pick as Best for Document Management.

Conclusion

As you start to grow your construction company or if you are already established, software can make all the difference in the world.