Quick Overview
- 1#1: Buildertrend - All-in-one construction management platform for scheduling, budgeting, client portals, and financial tracking tailored to home builders and remodelers.
- 2#2: Jobber - Field service management software that handles quoting, scheduling, invoicing, and payments for small construction and home service businesses.
- 3#3: JobNimbus - CRM and project management tool designed for roofing, siding, and restoration contractors with job tracking and sales automation.
- 4#4: Knowify - Construction-specific ERP for small contractors focusing on estimating, job costing, change orders, and QuickBooks integration.
- 5#5: Procore - Comprehensive cloud-based platform for construction project management, financials, quality control, and field collaboration.
- 6#6: Fieldwire - Mobile-first app for on-site construction management including task lists, blueprints, photos, and reporting.
- 7#7: Raken - Daily construction reporting app with time tracking, photos, notes, and manpower management for field teams.
- 8#8: Houzz Pro - Business management software for home pros with lead generation, project scheduling, invoicing, and 3D floor plans.
- 9#9: QuickBooks Online - Accounting software with job costing, progress invoicing, and expense tracking customized for construction businesses.
- 10#10: Autodesk Build - Construction management solution integrating BIM models, RFIs, submittals, and field execution for project teams.
We ranked tools based on key factors including feature relevance to small contractors, ease of use, reliability, and overall value, ensuring the list highlights software that delivers tangible benefits for daily operations and long-term success.
Comparison Table
Choosing small construction business software requires clarity; this comparison table explores tools like Buildertrend, Jobber, JobNimbus, and more, outlining their key features and best-fit use cases to help teams select the right solution. Readers will discover how each platform addresses project management, client communication, and operational efficiency, ensuring alignment with their unique needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buildertrend All-in-one construction management platform for scheduling, budgeting, client portals, and financial tracking tailored to home builders and remodelers. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Jobber Field service management software that handles quoting, scheduling, invoicing, and payments for small construction and home service businesses. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | JobNimbus CRM and project management tool designed for roofing, siding, and restoration contractors with job tracking and sales automation. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Knowify Construction-specific ERP for small contractors focusing on estimating, job costing, change orders, and QuickBooks integration. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | Procore Comprehensive cloud-based platform for construction project management, financials, quality control, and field collaboration. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 6 | Fieldwire Mobile-first app for on-site construction management including task lists, blueprints, photos, and reporting. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 7 | Raken Daily construction reporting app with time tracking, photos, notes, and manpower management for field teams. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 8 | Houzz Pro Business management software for home pros with lead generation, project scheduling, invoicing, and 3D floor plans. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | QuickBooks Online Accounting software with job costing, progress invoicing, and expense tracking customized for construction businesses. | other | 7.4/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | Autodesk Build Construction management solution integrating BIM models, RFIs, submittals, and field execution for project teams. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 6.5/10 |
All-in-one construction management platform for scheduling, budgeting, client portals, and financial tracking tailored to home builders and remodelers.
Field service management software that handles quoting, scheduling, invoicing, and payments for small construction and home service businesses.
CRM and project management tool designed for roofing, siding, and restoration contractors with job tracking and sales automation.
Construction-specific ERP for small contractors focusing on estimating, job costing, change orders, and QuickBooks integration.
Comprehensive cloud-based platform for construction project management, financials, quality control, and field collaboration.
Mobile-first app for on-site construction management including task lists, blueprints, photos, and reporting.
Daily construction reporting app with time tracking, photos, notes, and manpower management for field teams.
Business management software for home pros with lead generation, project scheduling, invoicing, and 3D floor plans.
Accounting software with job costing, progress invoicing, and expense tracking customized for construction businesses.
Construction management solution integrating BIM models, RFIs, submittals, and field execution for project teams.
Buildertrend
specializedAll-in-one construction management platform for scheduling, budgeting, client portals, and financial tracking tailored to home builders and remodelers.
The integrated client portal that allows homeowners to view real-time project updates, approve change orders, and communicate directly.
Buildertrend is a comprehensive construction management platform designed for small to medium-sized builders, remodelers, and contractors. It streamlines project scheduling, budgeting, invoicing, time tracking, and client communications through an all-in-one dashboard and mobile app. The software also includes tools for daily logs, change orders, and subcontractor management, helping teams stay organized and profitable on job sites.
Pros
- All-in-one platform covers scheduling, financials, and client portals seamlessly
- Robust mobile app for on-site updates and time tracking
- Strong integrations with QuickBooks and other accounting tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Pricing can escalate quickly with more users or projects
- Occasional glitches in reporting features
Best For
Small construction firms and remodelers seeking an end-to-end solution to manage projects, teams, and clients efficiently.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for basic plans; scales to $300+/month based on users, projects, and features (custom quotes common).
Jobber
specializedField service management software that handles quoting, scheduling, invoicing, and payments for small construction and home service businesses.
ClientHub self-service portal for clients to view quotes, approve work, make payments, and request services
Jobber is a comprehensive field service management platform tailored for small businesses, including construction trades like roofing, fencing, and home remodeling, providing tools for scheduling, quoting, invoicing, and client management. It enables efficient job dispatching with GPS tracking, mobile access for field teams, and seamless integrations with accounting software like QuickBooks. The software automates workflows from lead capture to payment collection, helping small construction firms streamline operations and improve cash flow.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and real-time dispatching
- Robust invoicing, payments, and QuickBooks integration
- Powerful mobile app with offline capabilities for field teams
Cons
- Limited advanced construction estimating or takeoff tools
- Pricing scales quickly with additional users
- Reporting lacks deep customization for complex projects
Best For
Small construction businesses with 1-30 employees focused on residential services, repairs, and installations needing simple job management.
Pricing
Core plan starts at $69/month (billed annually for up to 7 users), Plus at $139/month (up to 30 users), Pro at $209/month, with custom enterprise options.
JobNimbus
specializedCRM and project management tool designed for roofing, siding, and restoration contractors with job tracking and sales automation.
Integrated aerial imagery and automated roof measurement tools for fast, accurate estimating
JobNimbus is a cloud-based CRM and project management software tailored for roofing contractors and small construction businesses, enabling efficient lead tracking, job scheduling, invoicing, and customer communication. It offers mobile apps for field teams to update job progress, capture photos, and manage tasks in real-time. The platform integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks and other tools, providing customizable workflows to streamline operations from estimate to completion.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface with minimal learning curve for small teams
- Robust mobile app ideal for on-site construction management
- Strong QuickBooks integration and roofing-specific tools like aerial measurements
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise tools
- Pricing scales quickly with additional users and features
- Fewer third-party integrations than broader CRM platforms
Best For
Small roofing and remodeling companies seeking simple, mobile-first tools to manage jobs, leads, and invoicing without complex setups.
Pricing
Starts at $25/user/month (Crew plan); tiers up to $99/user/month (Elite) with custom enterprise options.
Knowify
specializedConstruction-specific ERP for small contractors focusing on estimating, job costing, change orders, and QuickBooks integration.
Advanced real-time job costing dashboard that tracks variances, costs, and profitability across multiple projects
Knowify is a cloud-based construction management platform designed specifically for small to mid-sized contractors in trades like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. It excels in job costing, estimating, invoicing, time tracking, and project management, with seamless integrations to QuickBooks and other accounting software. The software provides real-time profitability insights and mobile access for field teams, helping streamline operations from bid to payment.
Pros
- Robust job costing with real-time profitability tracking
- Strong QuickBooks integration for seamless accounting
- User-friendly mobile app for field data entry and photos
Cons
- Limited built-in scheduling and CRM tools
- Customer support response times can vary
- Pricing scales quickly with additional users and features
Best For
Small trade contractors needing precise job costing and invoicing without complex enterprise-level scheduling.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for basic plan (up to 5 users), with Pro at $199/month and Enterprise at $299+/month; billed annually with custom quotes available.
Procore
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based platform for construction project management, financials, quality control, and field collaboration.
Automated workflows for RFIs, submittals, change orders, and drawings with real-time notifications and approvals
Procore is a comprehensive cloud-based construction management platform designed to handle the full project lifecycle, from preconstruction bidding to closeout, with tools for scheduling, financial tracking, document control, and field productivity. It facilitates real-time collaboration between office and field teams through its mobile app and centralized dashboards. For small construction businesses, it provides enterprise-grade capabilities but may require significant setup.
Pros
- All-in-one platform covering project management, financials, quality/safety, and field tools
- Robust mobile app for on-site updates, photos, and daily logs
- Extensive integrations with accounting, BIM, and other construction software
Cons
- High cost makes it less accessible for very small teams
- Steep learning curve and lengthy onboarding process
- Pricing is opaque and quote-based, with minimum commitments
Best For
Small construction firms poised for growth that need scalable, professional project management without multiple disjointed tools.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $5,000-$15,000+ annually for small teams (5-20 users), scaling with projects and add-ons.
Fieldwire
specializedMobile-first app for on-site construction management including task lists, blueprints, photos, and reporting.
Hyperlinked blueprints that connect plans directly to tasks, photos, RFIs, and issues for instant navigation
Fieldwire is a mobile-first construction management platform that enables field teams to access blueprints, manage tasks, track punch lists, and collaborate in real-time. It supports plan markups, photo documentation, RFIs, submittals, and reporting to streamline on-site workflows and reduce paperwork. Designed for construction projects of all sizes, it emphasizes accountability and communication between office and field personnel.
Pros
- Powerful mobile app for on-site plan viewing and task management
- Real-time collaboration with hyperlinks between plans, tasks, and photos
- Comprehensive tools for punch lists, RFIs, and progress reports
Cons
- Pricing can become expensive for small teams with multiple projects
- Limited native integrations with accounting or ERP systems
- Free plan restricts advanced features and project limits
Best For
Small construction firms with field-heavy operations needing intuitive mobile tools for task tracking and plan coordination.
Pricing
Free for up to 5 projects and basic features; Pro at $39/user/month; Business at $54/user/month; Enterprise custom pricing.
Raken
specializedDaily construction reporting app with time tracking, photos, notes, and manpower management for field teams.
One-tap daily reports that auto-assemble field data, photos, and notes into professional PDFs
Raken is a mobile-first construction management app tailored for field teams, focusing on daily reporting, time tracking, photo documentation, and production logs. It enables contractors to capture job site data in real-time via smartphones, automatically generating professional reports that include manpower, materials, weather, and notes. This solution bridges field and office workflows, integrating with tools like QuickBooks for seamless data flow, making it efficient for small construction businesses handling multiple projects.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile interface for quick field data entry
- Robust daily report automation with photos and markup
- Strong integrations with accounting and payroll software
- Real-time production and manpower tracking
Cons
- Limited advanced scheduling and bidding capabilities
- Customization options for reports are somewhat basic
- Desktop web app feels secondary to mobile experience
Best For
Small construction firms prioritizing efficient field reporting and daily documentation over full project management suites.
Pricing
Starts at $19/user/month for Pro plan (billed annually), with Business at $39/user/month and Enterprise custom pricing; 14-day free trial available.
Houzz Pro
specializedBusiness management software for home pros with lead generation, project scheduling, invoicing, and 3D floor plans.
Integrated 3D floor planner and photorealistic renderings for client presentations
Houzz Pro is an all-in-one platform tailored for home professionals like small construction businesses, offering project management, scheduling, estimating, invoicing, and CRM tools. It integrates powerful 3D design visualization and floor planning to create client presentations. Additionally, it provides marketing features, including lead generation from the Houzz marketplace and customizable websites, streamlining operations from lead to completion.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Houzz's vast marketplace for high-quality leads
- Advanced 3D visualization and design tools for stunning client proposals
- Comprehensive project management covering scheduling, time tracking, and invoicing
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can be costly for very small teams
- Steeper learning curve for design and advanced project features
- Less optimized for large-scale commercial construction compared to residential focus
Best For
Ideal for small residential contractors and remodelers seeking design visualization and built-in marketing to attract homeowners.
Pricing
Plans start at $85/month (Pro Lite, billed annually) up to $349/month (Pro Premium), with a free trial available.
QuickBooks Online
otherAccounting software with job costing, progress invoicing, and expense tracking customized for construction businesses.
Job costing that enables detailed tracking of profitability, labor, and materials per construction project
QuickBooks Online is a versatile cloud-based accounting software designed for small businesses to handle invoicing, expense tracking, payroll, and financial reporting. For small construction firms, it provides job costing features in Plus and Advanced plans to monitor project profitability, time tracking, and subcontractor expenses. While not a dedicated construction management tool, it integrates well with third-party apps for enhanced functionality.
Pros
- Comprehensive accounting tools with strong invoicing and payroll integration
- Job costing for tracking project-specific income and expenses
- Mobile app and seamless third-party app integrations
Cons
- Limited native construction features like estimating, scheduling, or change order management
- Job costing requires higher-priced Plus or Advanced plans
- Customization needed for detailed construction reporting
Best For
Small construction businesses needing reliable general accounting with basic job costing, but not advanced project management.
Pricing
Starts at $30/mo (Simple Start, no job costing); $60/mo (Essentials); $90/mo (Plus with job costing); $200/mo (Advanced); annual billing discounts available.
Autodesk Build
enterpriseConstruction management solution integrating BIM models, RFIs, submittals, and field execution for project teams.
Deep integration with Autodesk Construction Cloud for seamless BIM model viewing and clash detection in the field
Autodesk Build is a cloud-based construction management platform that centralizes project workflows, including document control, RFIs, submittals, field reports, and quality inspections. It enables real-time collaboration between office and field teams through a robust mobile app and integrates seamlessly with Autodesk's ecosystem like Revit and BIM 360. Designed primarily for mid-to-large projects, it helps streamline operations but may feel feature-heavy for very small teams.
Pros
- Comprehensive toolset for document management, RFIs, and field productivity
- Excellent mobile app for on-site updates and photos
- Strong integrations with Autodesk products and third-party apps
Cons
- High pricing not ideal for small teams or simple projects
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Limited customization for basic small business needs
Best For
Small construction firms managing mid-sized projects that require advanced collaboration and are already in the Autodesk ecosystem.
Pricing
Starts at ~$65/user/month (Premium plan, annual billing); higher tiers like Premium + Analytics at ~$85/user/month.
Conclusion
The listed tools provide versatile options for small construction businesses, with Buildertrend acclaimed as the top choice, offering an all-in-one platform for scheduling, budgeting, client portals, and financial tracking ideal for home builders and remodelers. Jobber and JobNimbus stand as strong alternatives: Jobber excels in field service management with quoting and invoicing, while JobNimbus delivers CRM and automation tailored to roofing, siding, and restoration contractors. Each solution addresses distinct needs, ensuring a suitable fit for various operational styles.
Take the first step to optimize your workflow—explore Buildertrend, the top-ranked tool, to experience its integrated capabilities and support your business growth.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison