Get Organized in 2023: Three Construction Management Software Programs to Try

What is construction management software for?

Construction management software, sometimes also known as CMS, are project management systems specifically designed for construction businesses. When chosen well and used as intended, CMS makes the entire business run more efficiently. In the long run, this lowers costs and improves your numbers.

Should you use construction management software?

Many business managers and owners would say their current workflow is going great. After all, adopting a new software can be an extra source of stress. So, when should you consider using construction management software programs? In our experience, you’d benefit from adopting a program if you want to:

• Coordinate different projects at the same time: This is the number one reason why companies use CMS. It makes it easier to keep track of different projects at different stages, without having to scramble to remember small details or calling several people just to know where everything’s at.

• Keeps everything in one place: Traditional archives are great, but storing and handling large amounts of documents can be risky, especially if you don’t have copies of everything. Storing all project documents in the same place makes finding the right paper easier for everyone in your team, and it offers a secure space to keep and manage all that information.

• Manage a large or busy team: When everyone can update the latest project developments and share their schedule, it’s easier to be on the same page. This limits miscommunication and helps with information flow between contractors, project managers and clients.



• Keep your budget in check: Everyone wants to keep their projects on time and on budget, but sometimes keeping track of everything can be complicated. Construction management software streamlines project estimations and communicating objectives and roadblocks is easier for everyone on the team.

Our favorite construction software management programs

Want to give construction management software a try? There are countless options out there, but here are our faves to try this 2023:

Best for residential building: JOBPROGRESS

• Pricing: $65/month per user + $500 setup fee
• Storage: Unlimited
• Integrations: Google workspace, ZenDesk, QuickBooks

One of the best software out there, Jobprogress is a one-stop-shop for most of your construction management needs. We really like that everything is in the same place: there’s no need to connect to other storage solutions because the software already offers unlimited storage for files and pictures. You can also collect digital signatures from within the program, which streamlines the beginning stages of your projects.



On the accounting side of things, your team will also be able to create estimates and invoices directly from the software. Jobprogress can be linked to your QuickBooks account, but this is a partial integration since you’ll need to do two manual entries (one in each program).

Finally, the setup is done through a human account manager. They’ll walk you through the process

Considering the price and all-in-one features, this is a great option for small-to-medium teams looking to optimize their process.

Pros

• Relatively affordable
• Unlimited storage for files and pictures
• Invoicing
• Automated workflows
• All-around tracking: task management, project tracking, estimates
• Has a mobile app
• No tiers: access to all features as soon as you sign up
• Set

Cons

• There’s no free trial.
• Relatively limited integrations. If your business already uses other services such as OneDrive, Slack or Dropbox, it might be too much of a hassle to make the move.

Site: https://www.jobprogress.com

Best all-around for project management: Buildertrend

• Pricing: Starting at $339/month, paid annually
• Storage: Unlimited
• Integrations: QuickBooks, Xero, Outlook, Google Calendar

Great for medium+ businesses that want to expand, Buildertrend is great at managing all aspects of project development from plan to final delivery. On the flip side, it’s one of the most expensive options out there.

We like that you can pretty much do everything right from within the software: there’s email marketing tools, automated email campaigns, invoicing functionalities, payment processing and unlimited storage. If you already use other software, Buildertrend also integrates with QuickBooks, Google Cal and Xero.

This is a powerful tool that can streamline your business model, but the cost can be a big deterrent. There is a free trial available, which we’d recommend if you’re wondering if this is the right option for your team.

Pros

• Great if you want to only use one app for everything
• Unlimited users and storage
• Real-time messages available
• Free trial
• Full email marketing functionalities
• Accounting integrations (QuickBooks and Xero)
• Schedule tracking

Cons

• Expensive, even at the basic tier
• The advanced plan costs $599/month
• Less intuitive interface than other options

Site: https://buildertrend.com

Easiest to use: Contractor Foreman



• Pricing: $49 to $148/month (paid annually)
• Storage: Unlimited
• Integrations:  QuickBooks Online and Desktop

This is probably one of the most intuitive software options out there, making it a favorite for those that don’t feel at ease with new technologies. In our experience, it’s very easy to understand and locating your tasks, clients and projects takes only a few clicks.

We appreciate that there’s a 30-day trial available: your team will be able to test all features before committing to a full year. The price is monthly instead of per user, so it’s great for growing teams. On the flip side, it’s important to check the features included in your chosen tier. Some features, like project scheduling, custom reports or client portals, are only available in the “Plus” tier or higher ($87/month).

The help section and support are great: training is also included in the fee so getting your team to use the software is an easy.

Pros

• 100-day money-back guarantee
• Affordable for small teams
• Unlimited storage
• Offers a free trial
• Includes invoicing and bid management
• Unlimited projects
• Time cards with GPS tracking

Cons

• The Standard plan has limited functionality
• Limited accounting integrations (only available for high-tier plans)

Site: https://contractorforeman.com

Final Thoughts

Have you ever used construction management software? Are you considering it to start next year on the right foot? We’d love to hear your experiences!