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Electronic device hardware and software have developed quickly over the last couple of decades to the point where many construction project management professionals rely on finance, data collection, and construction scheduling software. Construction project management software reduces the amount of paperwork and makes it easier to create spreadsheets, reports, and schedules. Both business owners and independent contractors can take advantage of the streamlined processes construction software offers to better facilitate their clients’ needs. Construction professionals can use this guide to find out more about the best construction management software and contractor software for reliability, accuracy, and efficiency.
- BEST OVERALL: Contractor Foreman
- BEST FOR CUSTOMIZATION: monday.com
- BEST FOR LEAD GENERATION: Houzz Pro
- BEST FOR TRAINING: Procore
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Fieldwire
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Construction Management Software for You
Using the best construction management software can drastically improve the quality of work that a contractor or construction firm produces. Before selecting construction management software, it’s recommended to research the software and the company that has created it to determine the pricing, trial period, features, app availability, and whether it can integrate with other popular digital tools such as QuickBooks or Google Calendar.
Pricing and Trial Period
When they’re looking into new construction management software, the first thing most shoppers will want to know is the cost. Many software developers offer various tiers so that users can subscribe for access to the software on a monthly or yearly basis. Low-tier software packages typically include the basic core features that make up the bulk of the product. Some companies offer a free trial of the product that lasts for a designated period of time before the software needs to be purchased or subscribed to in full, allowing users to test the basic features to figure out if the software will be suitable for their work.
Mid-tier and high-tier software options come at a higher price, but they include additional features to improve the program’s efficiency. For smaller companies with fewer disposable funds, there are also construction management software programs that are completely free to download, install, and use—though these programs tend to be limited in scope and can have bugs because they might be minimally supported or updated after release.
Mobile App Availability
Mobile apps are a topic that often comes up for companies and individuals who travel to various jobsites to complete their work. While laptop computers have gotten much smaller, it’s often still easier to have a smartphone or even a tablet to quickly and easily reference spreadsheets, pull up invoicing records, and check the schedule for the day.
With this in mind, a large number of construction management software developers have made it a priority to build a version of their program that operates seamlessly as a downloadable app on mobile devices. Users will want to ensure the app works with the hardware they currently use so they don’t invest in a software made specifically for iOS when their entire crew works with Android.
Integration with Other Software
Stand-alone construction management software can help to schedule workers, put together reports, and improve the company’s overall organization. However, the efficiency of the program can improve greatly when the construction management software can integrate with other commonly used business softwares, like QuickBooks for finances, Google Calendar for scheduling, or Dropbox for file sharing.
Integrated software allows users to move, schedule, and edit files without a significant amount of extra work like copying and formatting. However, not all software developers invest the time and effort into this integration. The user will want to consider the programs that they already use and look for construction management software that is compatible with these programs to improve efficiency and reduce the workload.
Tutorials and Learning Resources
While most software relies on the user having a basic understanding of computers and mobile apps, the extent of what the management software can offer contractors and managers can only be fully grasped through its use. Some products have limited features that are easier to learn independently, but in many cases, it can be difficult to figure out how to use a new software optimally without some type of guide.
Construction management software often offers a basic FAQ and may even have a blog or resource center online that users can reference for help with various issues. Ideally, a top construction management software developer will provide written instructions or video tutorials users can rely on to teach themselves and others on their team. There are even a few developers that give users the option to take part in training groups to better familiarize themselves with the software or troubleshoot problems.
Our Top Picks
This list of the best construction management software was selected based on pricing, app availability, software integrations, features, learning resources, and overall quality.
Best Overall
Contractor Foreman
- Pricing: $49 to $148 per month
- Mobile app availability: iOS, Android
- Software integrations: QuickBooks, WePay, Google Calendar, Outlook, Zapier, Microsoft Project, Angi Leads
- Learning resources: Weekly group trainings, FAQ section
Pros
- Seamless integration with over 50 software systems
- Generous 30-day free trial
- Price-lock guarantee for as long as plan is active
Cons
- Invoicing and desktop QuickBooks integration only available with Pro and Unlimited plans
Why It Made the Cut: Contractor Foreman helps improve a construction business’s overall efficiency with a wide suite of features and software integrations. With Contractor Foreman, users can select from among four different pricing tiers to find the software features that are the most suitable for their businesses. The Pro and Unlimited tiers can use invoicing and desktop integration with QuickBooks, and users with lower-tier subscriptions can sync up WePay, Google Calendar, Outlook, Zapier, Microsoft Project, Angi Leads, and more with over 50 compatible software integrations. Contractor Foreman comes with a variety of project management, financial, scheduling, reporting, and document creation features to help streamline construction projects. Users can take part in weekly group training sessions to learn more about how to use the software. Contractor Foreman offers a price-lock guarantee, which means the subscription fee will not increase as long as the plan is active. Users can try out the software commitment-free with a 30-day trial.
Best for Customization
monday.com
- Pricing: Free or $8 to $48 per month
- Mobile app availability: iOS, Android
- Software integrations: Outlook, Microsoft Teams, Dropbox, Slack, Zoom, Google Calendar, Google Drive, Excel, Zapier, Adobe Creative Cloud
- Learning resources: FAQ section, webinars
Pros
- Intuitive user interface with clean design
- Fully customizable workflows
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- No financial tools included
Why It Made the Cut: Users can build customizable workflows with a variety of different styles, sheets, and templates to choose from with monday.com. With a heavy focus on custom workflow creation, monday.com is ideal for business owners and managers who want to have total control over the way they structure their business and perform day-to-day operations. The software also provides premade templates to set up basic workflows, including those that are tailored to construction business. The program can be accessed on a computer, tablet, or smartphone, and it can also integrate with a wide variety of popular programs, including Outlook, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Drive, Google Calendar, and more. While monday.com doesn’t contain any financial tools or integrate with QuickBooks, users will appreciate the flexibility the software delivers.
Best for Lead Generation
Houzz Pro
- Pricing: $49 to $399 per month
- Mobile app availability: iOS, Android
- Software integrations: QuickBooks, Google Calendar, Outlook, iCloud, Gmail
- Learning resources: FAQ section, blog, video tutorials
Pros
- Custom website creation and targeted advertising
- Estimate and proposal builder and email marketing features
- Tailored marketing solutions for builders, contractors, architects, and interior designers
Cons
- Price can be relatively high
Why It Made the Cut: Houzz Pro delivers opportunities for growth with estimate builders, eSignature tools, targeted advertising, and lead generation. Retaining current clients and generating new ones is essential for staying in business, so Houzz Pro offers users several ways to help their business stand out from competitors. These features include custom websites, targeted advertising, and lead generation through Houzz.com. This construction management software can also be used to put together 3D floor plans, proposals, financial reports, and more. Managers and business owners can use Houzz Pro’s estimate builder to come up with a work estimate for the client, push through a change order, and receive fast approvals with the eSignature tool. The cost of this software can be a deterrent to smaller companies and individual contractors, but depending on the user’s needs, the benefits may outweigh the cost.
Best for Training
Procore
- Pricing: Not specified
- Mobile app availability: iOS, Android
- Software integrations: Microsoft Project, Pro Planner, Google Drive, DocuSign, Buildr
- Learning resources: Resource center, blog
Pros
- Comprehensive training resources
- Construction certification courses available
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Custom quote required to view pricing
Why It Made the Cut: Procore makes it easy for users to learn more about the construction industry and the management software with comprehensive online training features. Why It Made the Cut: Procore makes it easy for users to learn more about the construction industry and the management software with comprehensive online training features. Knowledge and experience are vital in the construction industry, which is why Procore provides users with a selection of on-demand training courses and role-based certifications that help construction professionals demonstrate a degree of understanding. Training isn’t limited to learning how to use the construction management software; it also extends to construction industry practices to help users improve in all areas of their business. Procore’s construction management software can be used to put together project management plans, preconstruction estimates, bids, invoices, and more. This software is accessible with a computer, tablet, or a smartphone with an iOS or Android operating system. Users can reach Procore’s 24/7 customer support for help with any problems over the phone or through the Procore chat feature, though it’s necessary to note that pricing for this product is not listed. Interested individuals will need to go through a custom quote process.
Best Bang for the Buck
Fieldwire
- Pricing: Free or $39 to $99 per month
- Mobile app availability: iOS, Android
- Software integrations: Not specified
- Learning resources: Blog, webinars
Pros
- Free and cost-effective versions available
- Convenient business savings calculator
Cons
- Relatively limited free version
- Software integration information not readily available
Why It Made the Cut: Improved efficiency and organization can come at a reasonable price with Fieldwire construction management software. Fieldwire makes it possible to increase efficiency while reducing costs with four subscription tiers that start with a completely free version. Subsequent tier levels increase the monthly price while providing users with an expanded list of accessible features, such as report creation, training programs, and a dedicated account manager at the highest tier level. To help potential customers decide whether Fieldwire is the best option for their business, this software provides customers with an estimate detailing the amount of money that could be saved by using Fieldwire based on the size of the company and the number of employees. Users will want to keep in mind that the free version is relatively limited, so it may be difficult to see the true benefit of this software without investing in a paid tier plan. Potential customers can reach out to a Procore support representative to learn more about the software integration possibilities. S
Our Verdict
For a wide variety of features and integrations that are designed for construction managers and business owners, Contractor Foreman is an excellent option. For those looking for custom workflow creation and bright, easy-to-read graphics, monday.com is a great choice.
How We Chose the Best Construction Management Software
Significant research into a pool of construction management programs formed the basis for the selection of this list of the best construction management software. A main factor during the process was determining the number of useful features and software integrations. Construction management software that provided a wide range of programs or that reduced redundant work through seamless integration tended to stand apart from more basic software models that lacked the same depth and scope. Preference was given to construction management software that prioritized training, online resources, blogs, tutorials, and guides to help users optimize use of the software. Some consideration was also given to the price of the software in addition to the price of each subscription tier and the additional features that came with the purchase of a higher subscription tier.
Before You Use the Best Construction Management Software
Impulsively purchasing new construction management software isn’t necessarily bad, but a user may end up paying for features they don’t need or missing features that would be beneficial to the business. Before investing in construction management software, it’s recommended to research the pool of potential options to find the programs, features, and software integrations that work best with the current or planned business.
Some features the user may want to look out for include time tracking, scheduling, map viewers, reports, and status tracking. Also, it’s important to point out that many software developers advertise their most outstanding features, though these features may only be accessible to users who pay for the top-tier subscription. Users won’t want to get lured into a low-tier paid subscription, only to find out the program or feature the user really wanted is in a higher subscription tier that falls outside of budget.
Cost of Using the Best Construction Management Software
A primary factor that business owners, contractors, and managers will want to consider is the cost of using the top construction management software. Some software developers put out a free version of their product to encourage businesses to test the basic features while withholding the more convenient functions behind a paywall. Other developers may have a free trial of the products that lasts for a specified period of time before the user needs to pay to continue using the software.
On average, users can expect to pay about $40 to $50 per month for a low-tier subscription that will provide them with access to the core features of the software. However, monthly costs for high-tier software subscriptions can exceed $400 per month to get the full scope of the software. Before deciding on the best construction management software, it’s recommended to research the suite of programs available in each tier to determine what subscription tier is most beneficial.
The Advantages of Using the Best Construction Management Software
The shift to construction management software over individual spreadsheets, text files, and physical reports has been beneficial in a number of different ways. Workers and managers can collaborate on plans, edit reports, and review project details remotely through construction management software instead of having to wait to get everyone in the same room. Real-time communication helps to ensure that quick decisions can be made on-site without needing to delay the work.
Construction management software has also streamlined budget building and invoicing, allowing project managers to set up project budgets, pay workers, receive payments from clients, and even submit project bids. Additionally, construction management software is often made to integrate with common business programs such as QuickBooks and Google Calendar. This makes it easier to share, edit, and transfer information between the management software and other programs, reducing the amount of time spent on manual data entry and information duplication.
- Construction management software improves communication and collaboration.
- Budgeting and invoicing are easier to manage than physical paper documents.
- Software integration allows for seamless functionality between popular programs.
FAQs
Find out more about the best construction management software and how to select the right software for your business with the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about contractor software.
Q. What is construction management?
Construction management is a service that oversees a project’s planning, design, and construction. Appropriate project management techniques and software are integral parts of construction management.
Q. What software is used in construction?
Construction is a broad field that requires a flexible management software to handle the intricacies of the business. Contractors and construction companies rely on scheduling, communication, data collection, invoicing, and shipping software. Some of the best design software may also be used for the drafting and planning stages of construction.
Q. What are the types of project management software?
Project management software can be separated into two broad types based on the accessibility and number of users that can take advantage of the software. The first is desktop software, which is suitable for independent contractors or small businesses because it can only be used and accessed through a single device. The second is web-based software, which can be accessed, used, and edited through a cloud-based application, allowing multiple individuals or departments to make use of the software at any given time.
Q. Which software is used for modern construction?
The construction management software that is used for modern construction projects varies depending on the size, scope, and preference of the professionals involved in the project. In some cases, managers will have more than one program that they use to complete a project.
Q. What software do project managers use?
Depending on the type of work that is being completed, project managers can make use of a variety of different programs intended to help schedule, plan, report, and manage the project. Note-taking software is a benefit in fast-moving meetings, financial software is essential for invoicing, and scheduling software helps to keep appointments and meetings organized.