General contractors provide centralized management for projects of all sizes, from residential renovations to complex commercial construction. Software for building contractors is a critical part of managing trades, clients, and suppliers. This complex industry requires general contractors to stay on top of scheduling and tracking timelines, as well as creating and managing budgets and documenting the process for clients.
Successful construction management requires powerful software with a wide range of capabilities and integrations. Houzz Pro fits the bill, but what are the options? Read on as we examine the top five general contractor software platforms.
What is General Contractor Software?
Software for building contractors is essentially a tool that keeps construction projects organized and running smoothly. The best general contractor software includes features like estimating and expense tracking in addition to timeline scheduling and file storage. An online portal collects project-related information into a central location which is easily accessed by team members, including project managers, tradespeople, designers, architects and clients. Information is shared quickly and accurately via an internal messaging system.
The best general contractor software also streamlines the billing process by integrating purchase orders and invoices. Tracking materials and closely managing expenses helps to prevent errors and increase profitability.
A relatively new feature of general construction apps for business is creating 3D visualizations. Accurate renderings will show interior and exterior finishes in color, to make sure that the contractor and client agree on the details of the finished project. With clear communication, a contractor can reduce changes and avoid errors to bring a project in on time and within budget.
The most full-featured software includes marketing tools such as robust CRMs, lead nurturing and third-party marketing integrations. Client portals keep things running smoothly with easy access to project updates, client feedback, and communication with subcontractors. Both contractors and clients appreciate the transparency, as it builds trust and helps to prevent mistakes.
Essential Features for General Contractor Software
When choosing general construction apps for business, contractors should look for the features that best support their future growth and success:
- CRM with lead management
- Timeline scheduling and task management
- Online storage and access to plans, photos and materials documentation
- Integrated AI features
- Client communication portal
- 3D renderings
- Job costing/estimating templates
- Integrated product selection tools
- Vendor and subcontractor management
- Purchase orders and order tracking
- Mobile access for field teams
- Change order tracking
- Expense tracking
- Invoicing and payment processing
- Marketing tools
While general contractor software can keep clients in the loop, its core users are contractors, project managers, site superintendents and subcontractors. The shared files and schedule tracking boost productivity, improve the quality of service and help to maintain profitability. We know Houzz Pro brings all these software features to the table for General Contractors, but let’s look at the top five:
1. Houzz Pro
Created especially for contractors, Houzz Pro is robust project management software with an impressive range of features. It integrates project management, client communications, invoicing and marketing into one streamlined system. With Houzz Pro, contractors can track and manage projects from lead generation to payment collection with a long list of features:
- Precise estimating with customizable templates
- Mobile app with room scanner and 3D Floor Planner
- AutoMate AI builds schedules and daily logs automatically
- Easy to use project management with smart notifications
- Integrated product selection from thousands of products
- 3D visualization including photorealistic renderings
- Easy-to-use client communication and collaboration tools
- CRM with lead management
- Marketing tools that include a Houzz Pro profile and targeted ads
- Invoicing and payment processing
- Advanced document control
Houzz Pro is also the only general contractor software with the latest in AI technology. The Takeoff tool lets users upload plans, then accurately calculate quantities and pricing, significantly reducing time spent on estimates. Contractors can focus on individual rooms or separate materials, or quote the entire project. Houzz Pro lets users mark up plans right on the screen, and instantly convert takeoffs into professional, branded estimates. Houzz Pro also integrates with the Houzz database for up-to-date pricing on thousands of products.
Client communication is quick and easy with Houzz Pro’s online portal; there are no client logins or third party apps. Users who are familiar with software for building contractors will find the software easy to use. Houzz Pro offers a lot for the money, and is well-suited for medium to large companies that want to combine their project management, invoicing and marketing. For small companies looking to grow, Houzz Pro provides a streamlined set of tools.
2. Buildertrend
Buildertrend is another software provider focused on building contractors. It includes scheduling, ordering and billing, as well as client and subcontractor communication through an online portal. Buildertrend users have access to the following:
- Timeline planning and scheduling
- Daily to-do lists and task logging
- Estimating, budgeting and purchase orders
- Invoicing and payments
- Client portal with in-app chat
- Document and photo management
- Mobile app
- CRM with lead management
Buildertrend places its focus on operations and communication between the general contractor, subcontractors and client. It also includes invoicing and billing, with a mobile app to access the software in the field.
3. JobTread
JobTread is designed to help general contractors efficiently manage projects and track finances. It includes estimating, budgeting and invoicing, plus time tracking and communication features, including:
- Online vendor portal for team members and subcontractors to access and share information
- Online customer portal for clients to share files, photos, and provide eSignatures
- Mobile time tracking for field staff to clock in and out, assign hours to job costs, upload receipts and provide daily logs
- Customizable branding, project templates, and a database to store common materials and labor costs
- Real-time tracking of all costs, including actuals versus budget
- Client management and CRM
JobTread users have a simple interface, and software that focuses on budgeting and tracking tools. JobTread has fewer third-party integrations than other general construction apps for business. JobTread also lacks 3D floor planner features like AR and LiDar scanning. It includes a CRM for customer management and lead gathering, but does not have marketing tools.
4. Buildxact
Buildxact is cloud-based software for building contractors that features a quoting system and CRM with lead management. With automated task allocation, Buildxact users can move from estimating to purchasing and scheduling. Buildxact’s features include:
- Converting quoted items into tasks
- Visual scheduling tool to assign tasks, set dependencies, and track progress
- Cost tracking that compares actual expenses against estimates to stay on budget
- Manage change orders within the platform and send them to clients for quick decision-making
- Create purchase orders and invoices, and manage payments within the platform
- Access Buildxact from any device without installing software
- Integrates with third party accounting software
Buildxact lets users convert estimates into tasks. It’s a general construction app for business that can be accessed online without installing software.
While it offers simple cost tracking and invoicing, general contractors will need third-party integrations for more complex accounting. Users may need help setting up these integrations. Buildxact does not include any marketing features.
5. Buildbook
BuildBook is cloud-based software for building contractors that facilitates project management and collaboration with clients and subcontractors. It features a mobile-friendly design for tracking projects in the field. BuildBook also includes an integrated CRM for creating a sales pipeline and converting leads directly to client estimates. This software also includes the following:
- Instantly convert quotes and estimates items into projects and tasks
- Visualize schedules using Gantt charts; assign tasks and track progress
- Real-time cost tracking to help prevent overspending
- Client and team communication through an online portal
- Photo and document sharing; use simple links to share files with clients
- Access project information and tools from anywhere using the mobile app
- Integrates with Quickbooks for billing and accounting
Buildbook offers features like estimating and tracking projects, with a CRM for lead management. However it does not include invoicing, payments or accounting. It’s designed to integrate with Quickbooks for a full range of accounting features.
Conclusion
Because it goes way beyond core functionality, Houzz Pro is the best general contractor software today. It combines advanced project management, 3D design tools, estimates with real-time pricing, client collaboration and instant payment processing in a single platform. Houzz Pro general contractor software is also ready to add value immediately, with minimal set up so you can focus on the productivity and efficiency of your contractor business.
Contractors can further expand Houzz Pro’s features with seamless integrations that support marketing, team meetings, accounting and financing:
- Manage leads direct from your inbox with Houzz Pro CRM for Gmail
- Sync meetings and project deadlines from Houzz Pro to your business calendar
- Bring the entire team together with Zoom integration
- Connect QuickBooks Online to automatically sync key financial details from estimates, proposals and more
- Houzz Pro’s partnership with GreenSky® gives you the option of offering fast, easy home improvement loans
Houzz Pro general contractor software is trusted by over 3 million industry professionals. With a 30-minute live demo, you’ll see the many ways Houzz Pro can streamline your workflow and grow your business. Our in-house experts can connect you to a hands-on trial in no time, and the first 30 days are free.
Schedule your free Houzz Pro demo today!
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