The best remodeling software will boost productivity, elevate the quality of service and improve profitability. This industry-specific software is built for complex project management. From initial design through client presentations, estimating, ordering, scheduling and billing, the best remodeling software offers a comprehensive suite of features. Choosing the right software for your remodeling business is critical to future growth and success. With this in mind, let’s take a look at the top five remodeling software platforms.
What is Remodeling Software?
Remodeling software was specifically created for home renovation and construction industry pros to track and manage remodeling projects. It provides a central location for information like plans, vendors, finishes, and schedules. Internal messaging systems allow fast, accurate communication between designers, architects, contractors, subcontractors and clients.
By integrating purchase orders and invoices, remodeling software streamlines the billing process to prevent errors and increase profitability. Some software for remodeling also includes marketing features like CRMs, lead nurturing and third-party marketing integrations.
The best remodeling software can create 3D visualizations. These renderings ensure that clients understand what to expect from the finished project. Clear communication between the builder and client reduces changes and errors during the project, for a final result that meets everyone’s expectations.
Client portals are also important; they make it easy to share project updates, receive feedback, and keep subcontractors in the loop. This level of transparency builds trust and helps to prevent mistakes.
1. Houzz Pro
More than just remodeling software, Houzz Pro is a comprehensive project management platform created especially with remodeling professionals in mind. Its integrated suite of tools combines project management, client communications, invoicing and marketing efforts into a single, streamlined system. Houzz Pro users can manage projects from initial marketing to final billing with a long list of features:
- Precise estimating with customizable templates
- Mobile app with room scanner and 3D Floor Planner
- Robust project management with timelines
- Integrated product selection from thousands of products
- 3D visualization
- 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
Houzz Pro includes the latest in AI technology to significantly reduce the time spent on estimates and price quotes. Upload your plans directly, and use the Takeoff tool to accurately calculate quantities and pricing. You can select individual rooms, separate materials, or the entire project. Mark up your plans right on the screen, share with colleagues, and instantly convert your takeoffs into professionally branded estimates. Houzz Pro also connects directly to the massive Houzz product database for up-to-date information on thousands of products.
Houzz Pro is well-suited for medium to large companies that want to combine their project management, invoicing and marketing tools. However, it may also be the best remodeling software for small businesses looking to grow.
2. Buildertrend
Buildertrend is a cloud-based project management software that was created for construction professionals. It focuses on daily operations and combines scheduling, ordering and billing with client and subcontractor communication, all in a single 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
While Buildertrend has been used by many contractors for years, it has a complicated interface that looks dated compared to other systems. It also has a steep learning curve. Since it’s not as budget-friendly as other platforms, Buildertrend may not be the best remodeling software for small businesses.
3. JobTread
JobTread is a remodeling app for business, designed to help builders and remodelers with efficient project management and financial tracking. It provides an easy-to-use interface, with a focus on budgeting and real-time accounting to keep costs under control. Users also have access to contracts. In addition to estimating, budgeting and invoicing, it has 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
Compared to its competitors, JobTread has fewer third-party integrations. Flexible pricing plans make it suitable for small and medium-sized businesses. While it does offer a CRM for customer management and lead gathering, it does not include marketing tools.
4. Buildxact
Buildxact is cloud-based estimating and project management software that features a quoting system and CRM with lead management. It uses automated task allocation to help users move from estimating to purchasing and project scheduling. This system can be accessed on any device without the need to install software. Buildxact offers a useful list of features, including:
- 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
While it includes cost tracking and invoicing, Buildxact users must rely on third-party integrations for more complex accounting. Some users may need assistance in setting up these integrations. Buildxact does not include any marketing features.
5. Buildbook
BuildBook is a cloud-based platform that builders and remodelers can use to manage projects and collaborate with clients and subcontractors. Its mobile-friendly design lets users track projects in the field. Buildbook also has a sales pipeline and so users can convert leads to client estimates with an integrated CRM. This full-featured software also includes the following:
- Instantly convert quotes and estimate 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
While it provides a seamless process for estimating and tracking projects, Buildbook does not offer invoicing, payments or accounting. It’s designed to integrate with Quickbooks to provide a full range of accounting features. However, Buildbook is not for users who need integrated payments or want to use other accounting software.
Buildbook is an affordable solution that’s a good fit for small remodeling businesses that already use Quickbooks.
Remodeling Software Features Comparison
A true end-to-end software for remodeling, Houzz Pro is designed not only to help remodeling contractors manage projects, but to win new clients and increase profits
Houzz Pro: More Than Remodeling Software
Houzz Pro is hands-down one of the best remodeling apps for business. It easily addresses the core functions of standard remodel programs, and it’s user-friendly, with new teams up and running in days. Let’s recap:
- 3D Floor Planner is Houzz Pro’s mobile tool that quickly scans the room and creates visualizations that win clients.
- Selections Tool combines visual boards that make it easy for clients to review and approve options, with tracking tools for purchase orders and subcontractors.
- Houzz AI software for remodeling can read your plans and give area, length and count measurements on Takeoffs. Use AI to quickly convert a Takeoff to an Estimate on desktop and mobile.
- Dashboard: Houzz’s remodel programs let subs and clients collaborate without having to log in.
- Cost Database will populate your template with accurate costs based on your zip code.
- Online Payments within our remodel programs make collecting invoices easy.
- Marketing is fully integrated, with a robust CRM and lead generation through the Houzz consumer platform.
- Third-Party Integrations enhance your workflow and provide financing for increased profits.
Houzz Pro is trusted by over 3 million contractors, remodelers and design pros. A live demo is the best way to explore Houzz Pro – in just 30 minutes, 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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