Building construction software has become a necessary tool for homebuilders, contractors, and remodelers. This is why so many companies are incorporating them into their daily operations. This software helps builders and contractors handle large amounts of information in a short period of time for specific tasks. Since the software is cloud-based, they do not have to deal with bulky program files that take up space on their computers or back-up problems.
If you are looking for the best construction management software for contractor, you’ve come to the right place. Below are the best Software For Small Construction Company.
Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate
Sage 300 Construction is packed with powerful features, although it does come with a steep price tag.
It’s a Windows-based platform rather than cloud-based, which may be a dealbreaker for some construction managers, but it will offer just about every functionality you might need as a construction manager, whether that be change orders or human resources or even inventory management.
Key feature: Sage’s financial tools make life a lot easier for construction managers. You can get an overview of your financial performance, and the software will send you an alert if, for example, the project drops below a profitability threshold.
BIM 360
BIM 360 is narrowly focused on the architectural and engineering side of construction, so it won’t meet all the needs of a construction manager.
However, it handles its core function really well, allowing you to do extensive modeling of your project and ensuring everything is designed properly at the outset so you don’t run into problems in the middle of the project. There’s a bit of a learning curve, but fortunately, it has strong customer support to help you.
Key feature: BIM 360’s publishing and viewing functions are top notch. The software can handle any file type, and you can share these files with anyone who has the proper permissions. The software also enables you to track updates and view previous versions.
CoConstruct
CoConstruct is currently our top-rated construction software option thanks to the fact that it’s very easy to use, covers all aspects of construction management, and offers good customer support. CoConstruct is packed with features, and most companies should be able to afford its price tag.
CoConstruct is aimed at homebuilders and remodelers, so those in commercial construction may not get as much out of the software.
However, many of its features are based on what every construction manager needs, such as bids, change orders, project scheduling, communication with clients and subcontractors, documentation, and more.
Key feature: Change orders can be a pain, so one of the welcome aspects of CoConstruct is the fact that it’s easy to create change orders. Also, you can get sign-offs from clients virtually, preventing unnecessary hold-ups.
Procore
Procore was founded in 2002 in California and is a cloud-based construction management software. As of 2021, it has over 1.6 million users. It’s designed to help every builder and every budget, by offering an easy-to-use platform where you can manage projects, financials, and resources all in one place. It’s used by contractors, owners, subcontractors, and public agencies. We chose Procore as our runner-up because of its all-in-one platform tailored to the construction industry, its multitude of features, and positive customer reviews.
Procore’s features include:
- Project management tools including a field productivity tool
- Quality and safety protocols
- Accounting and financial tools including reports
- Real-time communication for employees
- Mobility teams that allow team members to view the project from the same perspective even when on the go
- Bid management and capital planning
Pricing for Procore is as follows:
- Project Management: Starts at $375 per month (billed annually) and includes project management and scheduling
- Project Management & Financial Management: Starts at $549 per month and includes project management plus tools for budgeting impacts, minimizing expenses, and automating tasks
- Custom Bundle: Build a custom bundle with the products your business needs
Overall, Procore has positive customer reviews.2 Customers like that it helps them manage projects, including ones they took over from other contractors. They also like that it’s easy to use and helps with budgeting and has a helpful punch list tool.
JobProgress
JobProgress is an all-in-one, cloud-based software specifically built for contractors by contractors. It’s a productivity platform that allows contractors to manage their business from anywhere at any time. The contractor and their team can track, monitor, and measure a job site’s progress. There is also an app and an online dashboard. We chose JobProgress as our best overall construction management software because it’s easy to use, has positive customer reviews, and includes a plethora of useful features. It’s used by builders, demolition and excavation companies, home remodeling, general contracting, remediation, automotive, and others.
Some of JobProgress’ features include:
- Customized job and workflow project management
- Intuitive customer relationship manager
- Sales, branding, and marketing tools
- Automated estimates and proposals with tracking
- Scheduling tools including staff and production calendars
- Secure cloud storage
- Ability to collaborate with employees and subcontractors
- Business valuation and accounting tools including reports and virtual signature
JobProgress has a one-time $500 setup fee and a monthly charge of $50 per user. All features are included for this fee, as well as a live demo and customer support and training to get you up and running. JobProgress has overwhelmingly positive customer reviews.1
Customers like its simple, streamlined interface and say the customer support is excellent.
PlanGrid
While PlanGrid isn’t a comprehensive construction management platform — instead focusing more on the document management aspect of things — it’s a strong software option for those looking to more easily store, share, and edit blueprints and drawings.
The software is easy to use and boasts solid customer support. If you need a platform that can manage a mess of paperwork, you can’t do much better than PlanGrid. Just be prepared to pay for additional software that can handle other aspects of construction management to supplement it.
Key feature: The ability to mark up plans and drawings is definitely a standout feature. The software eliminates the need to pass around PDFs via email and helps manage the clutter every construction manager has to deal with.
Raken
Raken is primarily focused on tracking a project and daily reporting, so it may not handle all aspects of construction management, but it will help any manager stay on top of an ongoing project. It also scores well in terms of ease of use, and it will help with time cards and safety training as well.
You can sign up for a free trial, and it’s relatively inexpensive, so it’s a good option for those with a limited budget who want to make sure they’re making the right choice before fully committing. The software integrates well with other construction platforms such as Procore or Oracle’s Aconex.
It also has one of the best construction project management apps out there if you prefer to operate off your mobile device.
Key feature: Daily reports are the bread and butter of Raken. You’ll be able to track time and products, upload photos of the job site, and make notes, all while operating from the cloud.
Buildertrend
Buildertrend handles all aspects of a construction business and has an intuitive dashboard that you’ll pick up quickly. Its customer support is a big selling point, as you’ll get assigned a coach who will help with onboarding and technical issues.
For mid-sized firms to large enterprises, the pricing is attractive — but for very small contractors, it’s a bit on the high end. This software is ideal for juggling multiple jobs at once, with a dashboard that makes it easy to manage a team of workers.
Buildertrend also has a sales module, which is not something offered by all software platforms.
Key feature: Builderetrend’s jobs menu does a great job of putting everything you need to know about a project in front of you. It’s easy to navigate between jobs, and you can always dive into more detail if you want to.
RedTeam
RedTeam is another all-encompassing construction management solution that can help you with everything from managing your bids to actually running the project.
Its price tag makes this option more suitable for large enterprises, but if you can afford it, it offers the features you’ll need to run a construction project end to end.
RedTeam is primarily geared toward those in commercial construction and offers features ranging from financials and design to scheduling and field reporting.
Key feature: Unlike a lot of construction software solutions, RedTeam offers sales and construction marketing tools, including an “Opportunities” section that allow you to manage customers.
Procore
When it comes to features, Procore can’t be beat. This giant in the construction software industry offers powerful software that will help any construction manager handle complex projects. It’s expensive, but there are few options out there that do a better job of managing all aspects of a construction project.
Procore may actually offer too much if you’re just a small construction company with just a couple of people, so it’s best to get a demo first to determine if it suits your needs.
Key feature: Procore’s custom reports are impressive. You can create reports by dragging and dropping specific data points, which means there are nearly unlimited ways to break down data and spot opportunities for improving your business.
Conclusion
Developing a construction project plan with construction management software makes it easy for you to find the right tool that fits your needs. A good system will help you enjoy better coordination, cost reduction, improved safety, more predictable schedules, and data sharing between various parties.