Quick Overview
- 1#1: Buildertrend - Comprehensive construction management platform for scheduling, budgeting, client communication, and daily logs tailored to residential builders and remodelers.
- 2#2: CoConstruct - Custom builder software with client portals, selections management, budgeting, and project scheduling for home construction projects.
- 3#3: Procore - Cloud-based construction management tool for project tracking, financials, RFIs, and submittals suitable for small to large contractors.
- 4#4: Jobber - Field service software for small contractors handling quoting, scheduling, invoicing, and customer management.
- 5#5: Contractor Foreman - Affordable all-in-one app for small contractors covering estimates, job tracking, scheduling, invoicing, and expenses.
- 6#6: Knowify - Job costing and construction management software with time tracking, billing, and purchase order integration for general contractors.
- 7#7: Buildxact - Estimating, takeoff, and job management platform designed for residential builders with QuickBooks integration.
- 8#8: Housecall Pro - Mobile-first software for home service contractors managing bookings, dispatching, invoicing, and payments.
- 9#9: Leap - Modern CRM and operations platform for home service pros with lead tracking, scheduling, and flat-rate pricing.
- 10#10: Fieldwire - Construction field management app for task assignment, plan viewing, punch lists, and site communication.
These tools were selected based on their ability to deliver robust, user-friendly features, reliable performance, and strong value, ensuring they cater effectively to the diverse needs of small construction professionals.
Comparison Table
Small general contractors need reliable software to manage projects, streamline tasks, and stay organized—this comparison table explores top tools like Buildertrend, CoConstruct, Procore, Jobber, and Contractor Foreman, highlighting key features to help readers find the right fit. By breaking down usability, pricing, and core functions, the table simplifies selecting software to boost efficiency and project outcomes.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buildertrend Comprehensive construction management platform for scheduling, budgeting, client communication, and daily logs tailored to residential builders and remodelers. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 2 | CoConstruct Custom builder software with client portals, selections management, budgeting, and project scheduling for home construction projects. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | Procore Cloud-based construction management tool for project tracking, financials, RFIs, and submittals suitable for small to large contractors. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.1/10 | 6.8/10 |
| 4 | Jobber Field service software for small contractors handling quoting, scheduling, invoicing, and customer management. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | Contractor Foreman Affordable all-in-one app for small contractors covering estimates, job tracking, scheduling, invoicing, and expenses. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 6 | Knowify Job costing and construction management software with time tracking, billing, and purchase order integration for general contractors. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Buildxact Estimating, takeoff, and job management platform designed for residential builders with QuickBooks integration. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Housecall Pro Mobile-first software for home service contractors managing bookings, dispatching, invoicing, and payments. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | Leap Modern CRM and operations platform for home service pros with lead tracking, scheduling, and flat-rate pricing. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | Fieldwire Construction field management app for task assignment, plan viewing, punch lists, and site communication. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.7/10 |
Comprehensive construction management platform for scheduling, budgeting, client communication, and daily logs tailored to residential builders and remodelers.
Custom builder software with client portals, selections management, budgeting, and project scheduling for home construction projects.
Cloud-based construction management tool for project tracking, financials, RFIs, and submittals suitable for small to large contractors.
Field service software for small contractors handling quoting, scheduling, invoicing, and customer management.
Affordable all-in-one app for small contractors covering estimates, job tracking, scheduling, invoicing, and expenses.
Job costing and construction management software with time tracking, billing, and purchase order integration for general contractors.
Estimating, takeoff, and job management platform designed for residential builders with QuickBooks integration.
Mobile-first software for home service contractors managing bookings, dispatching, invoicing, and payments.
Modern CRM and operations platform for home service pros with lead tracking, scheduling, and flat-rate pricing.
Construction field management app for task assignment, plan viewing, punch lists, and site communication.
Buildertrend
specializedComprehensive construction management platform for scheduling, budgeting, client communication, and daily logs tailored to residential builders and remodelers.
The interactive client portal that lets homeowners track progress, view schedules, approve change orders, and message teams in real-time.
Buildertrend is an all-in-one construction management software tailored for home builders, remodelers, and general contractors, offering tools for scheduling, budgeting, job costing, and invoicing. It facilitates seamless team collaboration through daily logs, time tracking, and mobile apps, while providing a client portal for real-time updates and communication. Designed to streamline workflows from bid to closeout, it integrates with accounting software and supports custom reporting for small to mid-sized operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one platform eliminates need for multiple tools
- Excellent client portal enhances homeowner communication and transparency
- Robust mobile app enables real-time on-site updates and photo documentation
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners despite intuitive interface
- Pricing scales quickly for teams with multiple projects
- Limited free trial and custom quoting process can delay onboarding
Best For
Small general contractors managing residential remodeling and new construction projects who require integrated scheduling, budgeting, and client management tools.
Pricing
Custom pricing starts around $299/month for Essentials plan (1-5 users), scaling to $500+/month for Pro/Enterprise tiers based on users and projects.
CoConstruct
specializedCustom builder software with client portals, selections management, budgeting, and project scheduling for home construction projects.
Interactive client portal enabling homeowners to view plans, make selections, and track progress seamlessly
CoConstruct is a robust construction management software tailored for small to mid-sized custom home builders and remodelers. It provides end-to-end tools for project scheduling, budgeting, change orders, daily logs, and financial tracking. The platform excels in client collaboration via a dedicated portal for selections, messaging, and progress updates, making it ideal for residential general contractors focused on transparency.
Pros
- Exceptional client portal for real-time collaboration and selections
- Comprehensive project management including scheduling and budgeting
- Strong mobile app for on-site updates and photo logging
Cons
- Higher pricing may strain very small operations
- Steeper initial learning curve for full customization
- Limited advanced reporting compared to enterprise tools
Best For
Small general contractors specializing in custom residential remodeling who value client communication and streamlined project workflows.
Pricing
Starts at $299/month for Launch plan (company-wide), up to $499+/month for Pro; custom quotes based on needs.
Procore
enterpriseCloud-based construction management tool for project tracking, financials, RFIs, and submittals suitable for small to large contractors.
Portfolio-level financials and analytics for unified visibility across all projects
Procore is a comprehensive cloud-based construction management platform tailored for general contractors, offering end-to-end tools for bidding, project scheduling, financial tracking, quality control, and field operations. It enables real-time collaboration between office and field teams through mobile apps and centralized data. While powerful for scaling operations, it can feel robust for smaller-scale projects. Ideal for small general contractors seeking enterprise-grade capabilities without switching platforms.
Pros
- Extensive feature set covering full project lifecycle from bid to closeout
- Robust mobile app for real-time field updates and photos
- Seamless integrations with accounting, HR, and BIM tools
Cons
- High pricing makes it less accessible for very small contractors
- Steep learning curve due to depth of features
- Overkill for simple, single-project operations
Best For
Small general contractors managing multiple mid-sized projects who need scalable, collaborative tools for growth.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $4,000-$12,000 annually for small teams (5-20 users), with per-user or per-project options.
Jobber
specializedField service software for small contractors handling quoting, scheduling, invoicing, and customer management.
Client Hub for self-service client access to quotes, job approvals, invoices, and payments
Jobber is a cloud-based field service management platform designed for small service businesses, including general contractors, to handle scheduling, dispatching, quoting, invoicing, and payments. It features a mobile app for on-the-go job management, client communication tools, and integrations with accounting software like QuickBooks. The software emphasizes automation for reminders, GPS tracking, and reporting to streamline daily operations for field teams.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and mobile app
- Automated quoting, invoicing, and payment collection
- Excellent QuickBooks integration and customer support
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with team size and users
- Advanced reporting and customization limited to higher tiers
- Occasional mobile app glitches reported by users
Best For
Small general contractors with 1-10 field technicians seeking mobile-first tools for job scheduling, billing, and client management.
Pricing
Starts at $49/month (Lite plan, 1 user, annual billing), with Core at $129/month, Grow at $249/month, and Plus at $349+/month; per-user pricing applies.
Contractor Foreman
specializedAffordable all-in-one app for small contractors covering estimates, job tracking, scheduling, invoicing, and expenses.
Seamless estimate-to-job conversion with built-in assemblies and real-time cost tracking
Contractor Foreman is an all-in-one construction management platform tailored for small to medium-sized contractors, offering tools for job scheduling, estimating, invoicing, time tracking, and client communication. It features a user-friendly mobile app for on-site updates, daily logs, and photo documentation, streamlining fieldwork. The software integrates with QuickBooks for seamless accounting and supports unlimited jobs and users on higher plans.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with minimal learning curve
- Affordable pricing with unlimited jobs and storage
- Strong mobile app for real-time field updates and communication
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Fewer third-party integrations compared to competitors
- Customization options for forms and workflows are basic
Best For
Small general contractors and solo operators seeking an easy, cost-effective tool to manage daily operations without complex setup.
Pricing
Starts at $49/month (1 user), $98/month (up to 5 users), $149/month (up to 10 users); custom enterprise plans available.
Knowify
specializedJob costing and construction management software with time tracking, billing, and purchase order integration for general contractors.
Automated bi-directional QuickBooks sync that pulls costs and pushes invoices/estimates in real-time
Knowify is a cloud-based construction management software designed specifically for small to mid-sized general contractors and trade subcontractors. It provides end-to-end tools for creating estimates, managing jobs, tracking costs, scheduling, issuing purchase orders, and handling invoicing with progress billing. The platform excels in real-time job costing and offers a mobile app for field teams to log time, materials, and updates on the go, with seamless integration to QuickBooks for accounting automation.
Pros
- Seamless two-way QuickBooks integration for automated syncing of estimates, invoices, and costs
- Comprehensive job costing and progress billing tailored for contractors
- Intuitive mobile app for time tracking and field updates
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small or solo operations
- Moderate learning curve during initial setup and customization
- Reporting and analytics are solid but lack advanced customization in base plans
Best For
Small general contractors and specialty trade firms that use QuickBooks and need integrated job management without enterprise complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for Basic plan (1 user), $149/month for Essential, up to $299+/month for Pro plans; annual discounts available, additional users $49-$99/month each.
Buildxact
specializedEstimating, takeoff, and job management platform designed for residential builders with QuickBooks integration.
Real-time supplier price integration for instant, accurate material costing in estimates
Buildxact is a cloud-based construction management platform tailored for small to medium-sized builders, remodelers, and general contractors. It streamlines estimating, digital takeoff, quoting, job costing, scheduling, and invoicing with real-time supplier pricing integrations. Users can manage projects end-to-end from any device, making it ideal for residential construction workflows.
Pros
- Rapid estimating and takeoff tools with auto-pricing from suppliers like Home Depot
- Intuitive mobile app for on-site job tracking and approvals
- Strong focus on accurate job costing and profitability insights
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for solo contractors or very small teams
- Limited advanced CRM or subcontractor management compared to enterprise tools
- Some users report occasional glitches in supplier data sync
Best For
Small residential builders and remodelers needing fast, accurate estimating without complex enterprise features.
Pricing
Starts at $149/user/month (billed annually) for Select plan; Premium at $299/user/month; Elite at $499/user/month; 14-day free trial available.
Housecall Pro
specializedMobile-first software for home service contractors managing bookings, dispatching, invoicing, and payments.
Online booking widget that allows customers to self-schedule jobs 24/7, integrated directly into dispatching
Housecall Pro is an all-in-one field service management platform tailored for home service businesses, including small general contractors handling repairs, maintenance, and smaller jobs. It streamlines scheduling, dispatching, invoicing, payments, and customer management through a user-friendly web and mobile app. While versatile for service-oriented contracting, it excels in operational efficiency rather than complex construction project management.
Pros
- Intuitive scheduling and real-time dispatching with GPS tracking
- Seamless mobile app for on-site job updates, photos, and payments
- Strong integrations with QuickBooks and automated customer communications
Cons
- Limited advanced project management for larger construction jobs like material tracking or subcontractor portals
- Pricing scales quickly with users and add-ons, less ideal for solo operators
- Reporting lacks depth for detailed job costing and profitability analysis
Best For
Small general contractors focused on residential repairs, service calls, and quick-turnaround projects who need efficient field operations without heavy construction-specific tools.
Pricing
Starts at $49/month for solo users (Basic), $129/user/month (Essentials), up to $229/user/month (Max), billed annually with add-ons for marketing and call booking.
Leap
specializedModern CRM and operations platform for home service pros with lead tracking, scheduling, and flat-rate pricing.
Integrated financing network with one-click instant approvals from multiple lenders
Leap is an all-in-one platform tailored for home service contractors, including small general contractors handling residential projects like remodeling and renovations. It streamlines the sales process with quick digital quoting, integrated financing options, project scheduling, invoicing, and QuickBooks integration. The mobile app enables field teams to manage jobs on the go, from estimates to payments.
Pros
- Lightning-fast quoting and digital contracts to close deals quicker
- Seamless financing integrations with instant lender approvals
- Robust mobile app for on-site project management and payments
Cons
- Less suited for complex, large-scale construction projects
- Custom pricing can feel steep for solo operators
- Occasional reports of integration glitches with third-party tools
Best For
Small general contractors specializing in residential services who prioritize accelerating sales and financing over advanced project bidding.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$200/user/month for core plans, scaling with features and users; includes a free trial.
Fieldwire
specializedConstruction field management app for task assignment, plan viewing, punch lists, and site communication.
Interactive plan hyperlinks that link specific blueprint locations directly to tasks, photos, and issues for instant field navigation
Fieldwire is a mobile-first construction management platform tailored for field teams, providing tools for viewing blueprints, assigning tasks, capturing photos with markups, managing punch lists, and generating reports. It facilitates real-time collaboration between office staff, foremen, and subcontractors, helping small general contractors track progress and resolve issues efficiently on job sites. With offline access and intuitive mobile apps, it's designed to streamline daily field operations without requiring extensive training.
Pros
- Excellent mobile app with offline functionality for field use
- Superior plan viewer with markup and hyperlink tools
- Real-time task assignment and reporting streamline communication
Cons
- Pricing scales per user, which can get expensive for larger crews
- Lacks built-in estimating, bidding, or full accounting features
- Integrations with accounting software are limited compared to competitors
Best For
Small general contractors focused on field coordination and daily task management for residential or light commercial projects.
Pricing
Pro plan at $39/user/month (billed annually), Business at $59/user/month; free plan for up to 5 users with limited features; 30-day free trial.
Conclusion
The top small general contractor software tools, with Buildertrend leading, CoConstruct close behind, and Procore rounding out the trio, each offer unique strengths to meet diverse needs. Buildertrend stands out as the top choice for its comprehensive all-in-one platform tailored to residential builders and remodelers. CoConstruct excels with custom features for home construction, while Procore delivers scalable cloud-based management, making it a strong alternative for various project sizes.
Take the next step in upgrading your workflow—try Buildertrend to experience its robust scheduling, budgeting, and client communication tools firsthand, and see how it can transform your contracting operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison