Whether your construction project entails residential, commercial, or industrial work, a construction software will help you plan project tasks, create better estimates, and get better control over your job costs.
Since a varying number of construction options exist (such as project management, ERP software, and construction accounting systems), it can be confusing to decide which option is right for you. Software Connect has conducted research and put together a collection of our best picks for construction management software.
Sage 100 Contractor is a popular choice for small builders and midsize contractors. The integrated management software offers accounting and tools to meet your estimating, scheduling, project management, equipment management, and payroll needs.
Sage 100 Contractor is the featured construction and contractor focused solution from Sage. Many former users of Peachtree or Sage 50c may be looking for improved job costing or a way to better handle their estimates. Sage 100 Contractor also has a large network of dedicated providers who specialize in implementing the software into various facets of contracting, such as plumbing, electrical work, and more.
Contractor Foreman was created specifically for small and medium sized businesses, whether they be residential or commercial, trade or general contractors. Marketed as an all-in-one solution, Contractor Foreman has over 35 features available through its varying plans.
Contractor Foreman understands the struggle of changing systems, which is why it’s best used as an extension of your existing office software practices. This commonly includes QuickBooks, Zapier, MS Project, and more. This means you can continue with your standard AP/AR/GL reporting within the accounting software you already have, and use Contractor Foreman for estimates, bid management, change orders, and purchase orders.
When it comes to price and value, Contractor Foreman provides the best combination of functionality and savings. Their standard version starts at $49/month, with a 25% coupon, paid annually. This is on top of a 100 day money back guarantee, a 30 day free trial, and 2 hours of free private training. Any price paid is for the company as a whole and not per user (although you are capped at a certain number of users depending on which version you choose).
Fieldwire is a field management solution popular with construction teams, powering 500,000 job sites worldwide. It acts as a hub for coordinating with your project team, tracking the performance of jobs, and reducing your overall risk. Features include messaging, task lists, scheduling, and reporting.
The free “Basic” version of Fieldwire is intended for small teams looking to try some core features. The solution is limited to 100 sheets and 3 projects. Given the customization options and the ease of upgrading into a paid plan, the free version of Fieldwire is a great way to see if it’s right for you.
Spectrum from Viewpoint is an easy to use construction ERP software that is completely web-based. This fully integrated set of tools includes construction accounting, construction project management, equipment and materials management, service, HR and payroll, and reporting.
Note: Spectrum was developed originally by Dexter and Chaney before the Viewpoint acquisition in 2017. Because of this, the solution has years of history operating as its own powerful tool. It continues to be sold today as a powerful tool in the Viewpoint line of products.
Procore’s strength lies in its construction project management, while also offering a financial management portion if in need of something fully integrated. The construction project management application includes quality and safety, design coordination, and building information modeling (BIM). The tool lets construction companies know what needs to get done to stay on schedule, and lets you identify issues before they impact your budget or schedule.
Procore states that 75% of construction project managers reduce project duration by at least 3 days using their program. The software also offers easy integration with other financial solutions such as Sage 100 Contractor and Viewpoint in case you are not looking to use their construction accounting application.
Want more options? Check out our list of best project management software.
STACK is one of the leading estimating and takeoff tools for pre-construction. The solution helps general contractors with the tools to win more bids, helps subcontractors find the most profitable projects, and helps suppliers and manufacturers connect with customers during the purchase consideration stage.
The centralized hub in STACK lets teams work together to improve their efficiencies and increase company revenue. STACK offers a limited free version (up to 10 takeoffs) that is great for smaller construction companies, or for a larger company looking for a trial of the program.
Want more options? Check out our list of best construction estimating software.