Quick Overview
- 1#1: Procore - Delivers real-time job costing, budgeting, forecasting, and profitability tracking integrated with full construction project management.
- 2#2: Buildertrend - Offers job budgeting, cost tracking, change order management, and expense monitoring for residential construction firms.
- 3#3: Foundation - Specializes in job cost accounting with detailed tracking of labor, materials, equipment, and overhead for construction profitability.
- 4#4: Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate - Provides robust job costing, project budgeting, accounts payable/payable integration, and financial reporting for construction accounting.
- 5#5: Trimble Viewpoint - Manages job costs, subcontracts, payroll, and WIP reports across enterprise-level construction accounting and ERP.
- 6#6: CMiC - Integrates job costing, estimating, procurement, and analytics in a cloud-based ERP platform for large construction projects.
- 7#7: Knowify - Tracks job costs, expenses, time, and materials with invoicing and QuickBooks integration for subcontractors.
- 8#8: eSUB - Cloud-based job costing and project management for subcontractors, focusing on timecards, costs, and productivity tracking.
- 9#9: JobTread - Simplifies job costing, scheduling, estimating, and client communication with real-time financial dashboards for contractors.
- 10#10: Premier Construction Software - Handles job cost tracking, payroll, billing, and general ledger for construction firms with customizable reporting.
Tools were ranked based on key factors: robust functionality (including labor, material, and equipment tracking), integration capabilities, user-friendliness, market reputation, and alignment with diverse construction needs, ensuring relevance and reliability for firms of all sizes.
Comparison Table
This comparison table breaks down popular construction job cost software tools, including Procore, Buildertrend, Foundation, Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate, Trimble Viewpoint, and more, to highlight their unique strengths. Readers will learn to evaluate key features, pricing, and usability, ensuring they find a solution that fits their project management and cost-tracking needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Procore Delivers real-time job costing, budgeting, forecasting, and profitability tracking integrated with full construction project management. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 2 | Buildertrend Offers job budgeting, cost tracking, change order management, and expense monitoring for residential construction firms. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Foundation Specializes in job cost accounting with detailed tracking of labor, materials, equipment, and overhead for construction profitability. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate Provides robust job costing, project budgeting, accounts payable/payable integration, and financial reporting for construction accounting. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Trimble Viewpoint Manages job costs, subcontracts, payroll, and WIP reports across enterprise-level construction accounting and ERP. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 6 | CMiC Integrates job costing, estimating, procurement, and analytics in a cloud-based ERP platform for large construction projects. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | Knowify Tracks job costs, expenses, time, and materials with invoicing and QuickBooks integration for subcontractors. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | eSUB Cloud-based job costing and project management for subcontractors, focusing on timecards, costs, and productivity tracking. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | JobTread Simplifies job costing, scheduling, estimating, and client communication with real-time financial dashboards for contractors. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 10 | Premier Construction Software Handles job cost tracking, payroll, billing, and general ledger for construction firms with customizable reporting. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
Delivers real-time job costing, budgeting, forecasting, and profitability tracking integrated with full construction project management.
Offers job budgeting, cost tracking, change order management, and expense monitoring for residential construction firms.
Specializes in job cost accounting with detailed tracking of labor, materials, equipment, and overhead for construction profitability.
Provides robust job costing, project budgeting, accounts payable/payable integration, and financial reporting for construction accounting.
Manages job costs, subcontracts, payroll, and WIP reports across enterprise-level construction accounting and ERP.
Integrates job costing, estimating, procurement, and analytics in a cloud-based ERP platform for large construction projects.
Tracks job costs, expenses, time, and materials with invoicing and QuickBooks integration for subcontractors.
Cloud-based job costing and project management for subcontractors, focusing on timecards, costs, and productivity tracking.
Simplifies job costing, scheduling, estimating, and client communication with real-time financial dashboards for contractors.
Handles job cost tracking, payroll, billing, and general ledger for construction firms with customizable reporting.
Procore
enterpriseDelivers real-time job costing, budgeting, forecasting, and profitability tracking integrated with full construction project management.
Unified Financials module that provides real-time job cost visibility across the entire project lifecycle, from bid to closeout
Procore is a comprehensive cloud-based construction management platform with robust job cost software capabilities, enabling users to create detailed budgets, track actual costs against forecasts, and manage commitments like subcontracts and purchase orders. It offers real-time financial dashboards, change order processing, and profitability analysis to help construction teams maintain control over project finances. Integrated with popular accounting tools such as QuickBooks and Sage, Procore streamlines data flow and reduces manual entry errors.
Pros
- Comprehensive budgeting, forecasting, and change management tools tailored for construction
- Real-time mobile access and collaborative dashboards for on-site and office teams
- Seamless integrations with accounting software and ERP systems
Cons
- High cost with custom enterprise-level pricing
- Steep learning curve for new users and complex initial setup
- Some advanced reporting requires additional modules or training
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms needing an integrated platform for job costing, project management, and financial oversight.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting at around $10,000-$50,000 annually depending on users, projects, and features; no public tiers.
Buildertrend
specializedOffers job budgeting, cost tracking, change order management, and expense monitoring for residential construction firms.
Real-time cost-to-complete forecasting that dynamically pulls from budgets, actuals, and change orders for proactive financial insights
Buildertrend is an all-in-one construction management software that provides robust job costing capabilities, enabling users to create detailed budgets, track labor, materials, and subcontractor costs in real-time, and monitor variances to prevent overruns. It integrates job costing seamlessly with scheduling, time tracking, invoicing, and client portals for comprehensive project oversight. Designed for builders, remodelers, and general contractors, it offers mobile access and customizable reports to enhance financial control on construction jobs.
Pros
- Comprehensive job costing with real-time variance tracking and cost-to-complete forecasts
- Seamless integration of budgeting, scheduling, and client/subcontractor communication
- Powerful mobile app for on-site cost updates and photo documentation
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy onboarding process
- Higher pricing tiers that may not suit very small operations
- Limited customization in advanced reporting without add-ons
Best For
Mid-sized construction companies and remodeling firms seeking an integrated platform for job costing and full project management.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starts at ~$299/month for basic plans, scaling to $500+ based on users, jobs, and features; free demo available.
Foundation
specializedSpecializes in job cost accounting with detailed tracking of labor, materials, equipment, and overhead for construction profitability.
Advanced job cost ledger with overhead allocation and WIP reporting for precise profitability insights
Foundation by Foundation Software is a robust, on-premise construction accounting solution specializing in job costing for contractors. It provides detailed tracking of labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor costs across projects, with integrated modules for payroll, AP/AR, and general ledger. The software supports complex construction workflows like progress billing, retainage, and change orders, making it ideal for mid-to-large firms needing precise financial control.
Pros
- Exceptional job cost tracking with real-time variance analysis
- Seamless integration of accounting, payroll, and project management
- Highly customizable reports and multi-company support
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- Primarily desktop-based with limited native mobile access
- Premium pricing requires custom quotes
Best For
Mid-sized to large construction firms requiring in-depth job costing and integrated accounting for multiple projects.
Pricing
Custom pricing upon request; typically starts at $5,000+ annually for base modules, scaling with users and add-ons.
Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate
enterpriseProvides robust job costing, project budgeting, accounts payable/payable integration, and financial reporting for construction accounting.
Real-time job profitability tracking with automated variance alerts and forecasting tied to change orders
Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate is a robust ERP solution designed specifically for mid-to-large construction and real estate firms, providing advanced job costing functionality to track expenses, budgets, and profitability on a per-project basis. It integrates job cost management with accounting, project management, and service operations, offering real-time visibility into variances, forecasts, and change orders. The platform supports multi-company operations and customizable reporting, making it suitable for complex construction workflows.
Pros
- Comprehensive job costing with detailed budget tracking and variance analysis
- Seamless integration of financials, project management, and job costs
- Customizable dashboards and reporting for construction-specific insights
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to its enterprise-level complexity
- Higher pricing suitable mainly for larger firms
- Customization requires IT support or consultants
Best For
Mid-sized to large construction companies needing integrated ERP with advanced job costing for multiple projects.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically starts at $5,000+ annually per user/module, with perpetual licenses or subscriptions available.
Trimble Viewpoint
enterpriseManages job costs, subcontracts, payroll, and WIP reports across enterprise-level construction accounting and ERP.
Real-time job cost ledger with automated WIP reporting and multi-dimensional cost allocation
Trimble Viewpoint is a robust ERP software suite designed specifically for construction companies, offering advanced job cost accounting, project management, and financial reporting tools. It enables real-time tracking of labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor costs against budgets across multiple projects. With integrations for field data capture and Trimble hardware, it supports end-to-end construction workflows for general contractors and specialty trades.
Pros
- Comprehensive job cost tracking with real-time dashboards and variance analysis
- Deep integration with accounting, HR, and field management modules
- Scalable for enterprise-level multi-project and multi-company operations
Cons
- Steep learning curve and outdated interface in some areas
- Complex and lengthy implementation process
- High cost with opaque, quote-based pricing
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms requiring enterprise-grade job costing and full ERP integration for complex projects.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically $50,000–$500,000+ annually based on users, modules, and deployment (cloud or on-premise).
CMiC
enterpriseIntegrates job costing, estimating, procurement, and analytics in a cloud-based ERP platform for large construction projects.
Single-database architecture that unifies job costing, accounting, and field operations without data silos
CMiC is an enterprise-grade ERP platform designed specifically for construction companies, offering advanced job costing tools to track labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor costs in real-time across multiple projects. It integrates job costing with financials, project management, HR, and procurement for comprehensive visibility into profitability and performance. The software supports forecasting, variance analysis, and customizable reporting to help firms manage complex budgets effectively.
Pros
- Fully integrated ERP eliminates silos between job costing and other functions
- Powerful real-time forecasting and variance reporting for accurate cost control
- Scalable for enterprise-level multi-project management with mobile access
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation process
- High cost prohibitive for small to mid-sized contractors
- User interface feels complex and less intuitive compared to modern cloud-native tools
Best For
Large construction enterprises managing complex, multi-year projects that require a unified ERP for job costing and financial oversight.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $50,000+ annually for mid-sized deployments, scaling with users and modules.
Knowify
specializedTracks job costs, expenses, time, and materials with invoicing and QuickBooks integration for subcontractors.
Real-time job cost dashboards with automatic variance alerts for proactive budget management
Knowify is a cloud-based construction management software tailored for job costing, estimating, and financial tracking, helping contractors monitor project profitability in real-time. It streamlines workflows with features like purchase order management, time tracking, invoicing, and seamless QuickBooks integration. Ideal for commercial contractors, it provides detailed cost variance reports and mobile access to keep teams connected on the job site.
Pros
- Robust real-time job costing with variance tracking
- Strong QuickBooks and accounting integrations
- Comprehensive mobile app for field management
Cons
- Higher pricing may not suit very small teams
- Moderate learning curve for advanced features
- Limited built-in scheduling compared to competitors
Best For
Mid-sized commercial contractors focused on precise job costing and financial control.
Pricing
Starts at $149/user/month for basic plans, with Pro at $299/user/month and custom enterprise pricing.
eSUB
specializedCloud-based job costing and project management for subcontractors, focusing on timecards, costs, and productivity tracking.
Paperless timecard app with GPS verification and instant job cost updates
eSUB is a cloud-based construction management software tailored for subcontractors, specializing in job costing, time tracking, scheduling, and document management. It provides real-time visibility into labor, material, and equipment costs, helping teams track profitability on every job. The mobile-first platform allows field workers to submit timecards and expenses instantly, streamlining approvals and reducing paperwork.
Pros
- Robust job costing with real-time labor and expense tracking
- Mobile app for seamless field data capture and approvals
- Customizable reports for profitability analysis
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Pricing can be high for small teams
- Limited native integrations with accounting software
Best For
Mid-sized subcontractors needing detailed job cost control and mobile-first tools for field operations.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $49/user/month for basic plans, scaling up with features and users.
JobTread
specializedSimplifies job costing, scheduling, estimating, and client communication with real-time financial dashboards for contractors.
Visual job progress tracking with automated cost-to-complete forecasting
JobTread is a cloud-based construction management software tailored for job costing, estimating, scheduling, and invoicing, primarily targeting small to mid-sized contractors and subcontractors. It streamlines project tracking by centralizing expenses, change orders, timecards, and subcontractor management in an intuitive dashboard. The platform excels in QuickBooks integration, enabling seamless syncing of financial data for accurate job profitability analysis.
Pros
- User-friendly interface with quick onboarding
- Robust job costing and real-time profitability tracking
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for accounting efficiency
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Fewer third-party integrations compared to enterprise tools
- Mobile app lacks some desktop features
Best For
Small to mid-sized construction subcontractors seeking straightforward, affordable job costing and project management without excessive complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for up to 3 users (Starter plan), with Pro ($199/month for 5 users) and Enterprise (custom) tiers; billed annually for discounts.
Premier Construction Software
enterpriseHandles job cost tracking, payroll, billing, and general ledger for construction firms with customizable reporting.
Advanced variance analysis and real-time cost-to-complete forecasting for proactive project profitability management
Premier Construction Software is a comprehensive, on-premise job cost accounting solution tailored for construction contractors, offering real-time job costing, estimating, project management, and integrated accounting modules. It enables precise tracking of labor, materials, and equipment costs against budgets, with robust reporting for work-in-progress (WIP) and profitability analysis. Designed for mid-sized firms, it supports service management, payroll, and subcontract tracking to streamline operations from bid to closeout.
Pros
- Powerful real-time job costing and WIP reporting for accurate profitability insights
- Integrated accounting suite including AR/AP, GL, and payroll reduces need for multiple tools
- Highly customizable for various construction trades and project types
Cons
- On-premise deployment requires IT setup and maintenance, lacking cloud flexibility
- Dated interface with a steeper learning curve for non-technical users
- Pricing is quote-based and can be expensive for small firms without scalability options
Best For
Mid-sized construction companies seeking detailed, on-premise job cost control and integrated financial management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $5,000-$10,000 annually depending on modules, users, and company size; perpetual licenses available with maintenance fees.
Conclusion
The top 10 tools surveyed cater to varied construction needs, from real-time integration to specialized financial tracking. Procore emerges as the leading choice, excelling in holistic project management and profitability oversight. Buildertrend and Foundation, however, are solid alternatives—residential firms or those prioritizing detailed job cost accounting can depend on them to optimize operations.
To unlock seamless, data-driven cost management, start with Procore’s robust features; whether scaling projects or refining workflows, it delivers the integration and insights to keep your business on track.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison