Choosing the best CRM for contractors or construction companies can be challenging in the seemingly endless sea of platforms. Streamlining sales and forging stronger relationships with your clients can be made easier with the right construction CRM software in place.
CRM software allows you to focus more on selling home construction projects and overseeing major projects for your clients. However, finding the best CRM for contractors can be tricky; it’s easy to get overwhelmed when it comes to the selection process. But once you land on the appropriate solution that meets your business requirements, it will become easier to maintain and grow your company.
In this article...
Top 7 construction & contractor CRM software
Some construction CRM software options include:
- HubSpot CRM: Best free CRM that offers no-cost marketing tools
- Salesforce: Best cloud-based CRM
- Pipedrive: Best for centralizing multi-channel data and automation
- Insightly: Best overall CRM for construction contractors
- Houzz Pro: Best for streamlining payments and online invoicing
- SalesRabbit: Best for field sales tracking and lead management
- BasisBoard: Best for bid management for subcontractors
The right CRM platform for your business should have features that benefit your daily operations and are in tune with your business’s unique needs. Typically, good CRM software for construction companies and contractors focuses on better managing company-wide email, project planning, bid tracking, and processing payments.
| Company | Starting Price (Per user/month) | Free Option | Quotation Tools | Mobile Option | Customer Service Type | Learn More |
| HubSpot CRM | $23 per user/month for the hub and $45 per month for two users | Yes | Yes | Yes | Online chat, email, and phone support available | HubSpot |
| Salesforce | $25 per user/month | No | Yes | Yes | 24/7 support only available on the unlimited plan | Salesforce |
| Pipedrive | $14.90 per user/month | No | Yes | Yes | 24/7 support available | Pipedrive |
| Insightly | $29 per user/month | Yes | Yes | Yes | Phone and email support available | Insightly |
| Houzz Pro | $65 per user/month | Yes | Yes | Yes | Chat and phone support available | Houzz Pro |
| SalesRabbit | $29 per user/month | No | Yes | Yes | Phone and email support available | SalesRabbit |
| BasisBoard | Information not provided by vendor | Yes | Yes | Phone and email support available | BasisBoard |
HubSpot CRM: Best free CRM with no-cost marketing tools
Pros
Cons
Our Rating: 4.5/5
Flexible pricing: HubSpot CRM offers several different plans that vary in cost, with features that are often specific to each plan. The free plan carries a lot of value, is easy to use and navigate, and offers robust tools to help streamline your company’s operations. It is important to note, however, there are other plans that bundle services with solutions that are fully customizable. HubSpot’s marketing, sales, customer service, and operational hubs are part of a starter bundle that carries a $45 monthly cost for two users, with options available for plan expansions.
Ease of use: HubSpot CRM is easy to use with a user interface that’s simple to navigate. For most businesses, this ease of use goes a long way, which is especially important since there is a lack of customer service support when working with the free version. However, tutorials for some of the tools you regularly use are available online and should help you adequately resolve any issues. There is also a large HubSpot knowledge base that’s free to access.
Content creation made easy: When it comes to content creation, HubSpot makes it easy. The drag-and-drop experience for creating custom content like landing pages, various forms, and email templates couldn’t be simpler. This CRM also has an option that offers a hands-off approach to managing social media. Scheduling approved content to post online through automation frees up time and allows you and your team to focus on more important tasks.
HubSpot CRM’s user interface is designed with simplicity and efficiency in mind. Its dashboard and reporting tools are particularly beneficial for construction businesses to track projects and client interactions seamlessly.
What sets HubSpot CRM apart in the construction industry is its comprehensive suite of no-cost marketing tools. Unlike many competitors, HubSpot offers a free plan that includes essential marketing tools, making it an ideal choice for construction businesses looking to maximize their marketing efforts without additional costs.
While other CRMs like Salesforce and Zoho offer industry-specific features, they often come at a higher cost, especially for marketing tools. HubSpot provides a balance of functionality and cost-effectiveness, making it more suitable for construction businesses with tight marketing budgets.
Our ratings
Pricing: 4.8/5
General features and interface: 4.4/5
Core features: 4.5/5
Advanced features: 3.8/5
Integration and compatibility: 4.8/5
UX: 4.8/5
Industry-specific features: 3.5/5
HubSpot CRM is an intuitive and easy-to-use software platform. While HubSpot offers tools and services for free right from the start, it also features flexible planning bundles that you can adopt and customize for your business. HubSpot’s tools are modular in nature and coincide with the growth of your company.
HubSpot CRM has become more intuitive and construction industry-friendly. It has enhanced its project management features and integrations with construction management software, addressing the specific needs of the industry more effectively than in previous versions.
Having said this, HubSpot CRM could further enhance its construction-specific features, such as more advanced project tracking and on-site communication tools, to stay ahead of competitors like Salesforce and Zoho, which are continuously updating their industry-specific offerings.
Salesforce: Best cloud-based CRM
Pros
Cons
Our Rating: 3.9/5
Project management: Salesforce CRM offers specialized project management tools essential for tracking and managing construction projects.
Analytics and reporting: Its advanced analytics and reporting capabilities provide insights into project performance and client interactions.
Customization and flexibility: The platform’s high degree of customization means it can be tailored to meet the needs of the construction industry.
Integration capabilities: The platform integrates with various construction management software, enhancing operational coherence.
Mobile accessibility: Its mobile functionality allows construction professionals to access and manage CRM data on-site.
Collaboration tools
Free trial available
Essentials: $25/user/month
Professional: $75/user/month
Enterprise: $150/user/month
Unlimited: $300/user/month
*All plans billed annually
As one of the largest CRM solutions on the market. For construction, Salesforce is best for firms seeking a cloud-based CRM that offers flexibility, comprehensive project management tools, and integration capabilities. Its ability to provide real-time data access across project sites sets it apart from competitors.
The interface design scored 75 out of 100, reflecting a user experience that balances complexity and usability. This is crucial for construction professionals who require quick, intuitive access to project data.
Unlike many competitors, Salesforce offers a comprehensive suite of tools tailored for the construction industry. Its cloud-based nature allows for seamless integration with on-site activities, a critical need in construction project management.
Our ratings
Pricing: 2.7/5
General features and interface: 4.5/5
Core features: 4.5/5
Advanced features: 4.2/5
Integration and compatibility: 3.8/5
UX: 4/5
Industry-specific features: 5/5
Salesforce is especially useful for established companies wishing to streamline their sales processes through automation, which makes it easier to convert leads and maintain a healthy customer base.
For construction firms, factors like project management efficiency, data accessibility, and integration capabilities are paramount. Salesforce’s high scores in these areas (100 in document storage and 100 in API availability) highlight its alignment with these industry-specific needs.
This CRM comes with many dedicated tools that work well, including a marketing product that offers full automation for email campaigns and keeps track of customer activity. Additionally, Salesforce has integrated dvanced features like AI analytics and multi-channel support in recent years.
However, while there are many add-on features that can complement your business and make it run more efficiently, smaller businesses will find the amount of money they’ll need to invest to get the most out of this cloud-based CRM may not fit their budgets.
There is no free version of Salesforce, so smaller businesses will likely benefit from an alternate CRM platform.
Pipedrive: Best for centralizing multi-channel data and automation
Pros
Cons
Our Rating: 4.2/5
Sales pipeline management: Pipedrive provides a visual sales pipeline specifically designed to track and manage construction bids and contracts.
Activity and goal tracking
Customizable workflows: The platform offers customizable workflows that can be tailored to fit the unique processes and stages of construction projects.
Integration with construction tools
Mobile accessibility: Workers and managers can access and update project information from construction sites.
Reporting: The CRM includes comprehensive reporting tools that provide insights into project performance, client interactions, and financial metrics.
Document management: This allows for easy storage and retrieval of construction project documents like blueprints and contracts.
Custom fields and data management: Pipedrive allows the addition of custom fields to manage specific data relevant to construction projects.
Free trial available
Essential: $14.90/user/month
Advanced: $27.90/user/month
Professional: $49.90/user/month
Power: $64.90/user/month
Enterprise: $99/user/month
Pipedrive proves its mettle as a construction CRM with a stellar blend of features tailored to the industry’s needs. Its intuitive visual pipeline management, coupled with forecasting and reporting capabilities, offers a clear snapshot of project progress and potential bottlenecks.
Pipedrive CRM is best for construction businesses seeking a CRM that excels in centralizing multi-channel data and automation. Its high scores in user experience, integration, and core features, backed by positive user reviews, make it a top recommendation.
What sets Pipedrive apart from its competitors in the space is its intuitive design focused on centralizing data from multiple channels. This feature is crucial in the construction sector, where managing diverse data streams is a daily challenge.
Pipedrive also scores higher than its peers in multi-channel support and ease of data import/export, making it ideal for construction businesses that deal with various data sources and require seamless integration.
Our ratings
Pricing: 3.5/5
General features: 4.3/5
Core features: 4.6/5
Advanced features: 3.5/5
Integration and compatibility: 4.8/5
UX: 4/5
Industry-specific features: 3.2/5
Pipedrive is another cloud-based CRM platform that’s geared toward improving a company’s sales figures. This CRM is designed from the ground up to facilitate sales teams and is a more affordable option for small-scale businesses that would benefit from an easy-to-use and fully customizable software solution.
Pipedrive’s user interface is designed for simplicity and efficiency. Its customizable dashboard and easy navigation significantly benefit construction managers who need quick access to project data.
As the platform has progresses, it has put an emphasis on enhancing its multi-channel data management and automation features. These improvements are particularly beneficial in the construction industry, where efficiency and data centralization are key.
Lower-tier versions of Pipedrive can be limited, so your company stands to benefit more from paying extra for a higher-tier option. Like some other CRMs, Pipedrive also offers contact management, automation, anywhere-access, and the option for mobile phone support.
Insightly: Best overall CRM for construction contractors
Pros
Cons
Our Rating: 3.9/5
Unique sales tools: Unlike other CRMs, Insightly allows salespeople to take photos of business cards on their mobile phones; all of the information found on the card is then used to generate new leads within the software for easy reference.
Useful email tools: Insightly offers a unique tool that schedules customer and lead emails. Because the platform can automate tasks and workflow processes, it will save your team a lot of time and reduce the amount of work that is usually done manually.
When it comes to construction-focused CRMs, Insightly carves out a unique space with its dual emphasis on customer relationship and project management. Its advanced pipeline visualization and tracking, contact management, and integration with popular tools like G Suite and Office 365 make it an excellent fit for handling construction projects.
It offers comprehensive project management features, ease of integration with construction-specific tools, and its ability to scale as businesses grow. Its focus on enhancing contractor-client relationships through management tools makes it an asset in the construction industry.
A must for the industry, it integrates well with construction-specific tools and focuses on project-centric functionalities. Unlike many competitors, the platform provides a unique blend of CRM and project management, making it an all-in-one solution for contractors.
Insightly scores impressively across various performance categories. With a total score of 77.6 out of 100, it demonstrates strong capabilities in user experience, integration, and core features, particularly in contact management, task automation, and document storage.
Our ratings
Pricing: 4.2/5
General features and interface: 3.6/5
Core features: 4.3/5
Advanced features: 3/5
Integration and compatibility: 4.2/5
UX: 3.8/5
Industry-specific features: 3.5/5
For construction contractors, the ability to seamlessly integrate project management with customer relationship management is paramount. Insightly’s design caters to this need more directly compared to others that might excel in either CRM or project management but not necessarily in the integration of both.
It’s an easy-to-use CRM that allows businesses to create data fields and modules that, when optimized, can be used to oversee projects, manage events, and complete various tasks all within one platform. At its core, Insightly is a cloud-based CRM that makes managing your sales pipeline a cinch.
There are a variety of plans you can select from that will improve workflows and optimize regular tasks. This applies to tasks for marketing and sales teams working together on general projects and events, in particular.
However, while Insightly leads in many aspects, it could further strengthen its position by enhancing its AI analytics and collaboration tools, ensuring it remains at the forefront.
Houzz Pro: Best for streamlining payment scheduling and online invoicing
Pros
Cons
Our Rating: 3.4/5
Useful tools overall: Professionals are able to do many things through available platform features like progress tracking for every project, which betters project management, and lead management, which includes growing client lists and the ability to easily communicate with them through client dashboards.
Personalized attention with email notifications and quick replies: Houzz Pro offers features like “quick replies” for time-saving message creation, email nudges for client actions on estimates or proposals, and reminders.
Virtual consultations: The CRM program integrates with calendars for scheduling video meetings or phone calls.
Cloud-based file sharing: This feature supports unlimited file uploads.
Gmail extension: Houzz Pro includes a built-in Gmail extension, allowing users to create new leads directly from Gmail, manage leads, and save email templates without leaving their email interface.
Automation and integration: The CRM program is designed to sync with various tools, reducing manual errors and duplications.
Free trial available
Free plan available
Starter: $65/month
Essential: $99/month
Pro: $149/month
Ultimate: $499/month
Houzz Pro sets itself apart with its industry-specific features. Its comprehensive project management, 3D floor plan visualization, and client collaboration tools are tailored to the unique needs of construction and design businesses. With its ability to generate detailed proposals and synchronize project schedules with business goals, Houzz Pro emerges as a top choice.
Unlike many of its competitors, Houzz Pro integrates payment scheduling and invoicing seamlessly into its CRM platform. Uniquely, this integration is a core feature rather than an add-on, designed with the specific needs of construction contractors in mind.
While other CRMs like HubSpot offer broader functionality, Houzz Pro’s focus on construction-specific needs like payment scheduling and invoicing makes it more suitable for contractors who prioritize financial management within their CRM system.
Our Ratings
Pricing: 2.9/5
General features and interface: 3.5/5
Core features: 4.1/5
Advanced features: 2.9/5
Integration and compatibility: 3.3/5
UX: 4/5
Industry-specific features: 3.8/5
Houzz Pro is primarily designed for use by home builders, remodelers, and contractors. It offers an all-in-one marketing and client management tool to help with online advertising, profile customization, and lead generation. Team members can directly collaborate with their clients using a simple dashboard that configures estimates and creates useful design templates and 3D floor plans that can be used in future projects.
Houzz Pro has evolved significantly through its updates, particularly in enhancing its invoicing and payment features. Earlier versions focused more on general CRM functionalities, but recent updates have seen a shift towards specialized construction industry needs.
The primary areas of improvement for the platform are in the AI analytics and multi-channel support arena, making it a stronger competitor to comprehensive CRMs solutions like HubSpot.
SalesRabbit: Best for field sales tracking and lead management
Pros
Cons
Our Rating: 4.2/5
Exceptional sales tools: SalesRabbit’s tools can improve a sales representative’s pitch when in the field. With direct mobile access, sales representatives can also refer to interactive presentations, documents, and other relevant content, all of which can help them close a sale. Users can also access digital contracts from any mobile device as they meet with prospective clients who are a digital signature away from becoming a new customer.
Free plan available
Team: $29/user/month
Pro: $39/user/month
Enterprise: Contact SalesRabbit for a customized quote
SalesRabbit CRM is best for construction businesses focusing on field sales tracking and lead management due to its specialized features, ease of use in field conditions, and lead management tools.
The tools SalesRabbit makes available to sales representatives allow them to further develop their efficiency, increase motivation, and deepen their understanding of the goals set by the company. SalesRabbit also allows management to track a rep’s progress by using built-in GPS functionality.
What sets SalesRabbit apart from its competitors is its laser focus on the construction industry’s specific needs. Unlike generic CRM solutions, SalesRabbit offers tailored functionalities for field sales tracking and lead management.
Compared to broader CRM platforms, SalesRabbit provides more nuanced tools for on-site sales management and client interactions, which are crucial in the construction industry. While other CRMs might excel in office-based sales or digital marketing, SalesRabbit makes its mark in the field where construction sales happen.
Our ratings
Pricing: 4.2/5
General features and interface: 4.6/5
Core features: 5/5
Advanced features: 3.3/5
Integration and compatibility: 3.8/5
UX: 4/5
Industry-specific features: 4.2/5
SalesRabbit’s user interface is designed with field sales teams in mind, offering an intuitive and responsive experience. This design choice significantly reduces the learning curve and enhances on-site productivity, a critical aspect for construction professionals often working in dynamic environments.
SalesRabbit’s user interface is designed with field sales teams in mind, offering an intuitive and responsive experience. This design choice significantly reduces the learning curve and enhances on-site productivity, a critical aspect for construction professionals often working in dynamic environments.
SalesRabbit tracks sales and lead management and is tailored for door-to-door field sales representatives. These professionals rely on the software to improve their sales performance and increase lead conversions.
While SalesRabbit excels in many areas, it could further enhance its offering by expanding its e-commerce compatibility and improving VoIP capabilities.
Basis Board: Best for bid management for subcontractors
Pros
Cons
Our Rating: 4.4/5
Excellent bid board tool: By providing a bid board, Basis Board helps companies complete various tasks like sending proposals, responding to requests for information (RFIs), and inviting vendors to bid on projects.
Centralizing systems: Companies can use Basis Board to organize bid invitations by placing them in a centralized hub for easy reference. This will ultimately prevent estimators from working on the same tasks.
Free trial available
Contact Basis Board for a customized quote
We selected Basis Board for its extensive bid management system. The ability to track bids from start to finish adds in an extra tool that is supremely beneficial to manufacturers. Having bid management woven tightly into CRM software creates a synergy that is hard to beat as you bounce between bidding jobs and working with existing clients.
Compared to more generalized CRM systems, BasisBoard offers more detailed and construction-specific functionalities, such as integrated bid calendars and direct communication channels with contractors. This focus makes it more suitable for subcontractors who need specialized tools over generic CRM features.
Basis Board has evolved to become more intuitive and aligned with the specific needs of construction bid management. This evolution is seen in its streamlined interface, improved data integration capabilities, and enhanced communication features, all of which are critical for efficient bid management.
For subcontractors in construction, the key decision-making factors for Basis Board include its specialized bid tracking system, integration with construction management software, and tailored communication tools.
Basis Board’s design prioritizes ease of use and efficiency, with a clear, intuitive interface that reduces the learning curve for subcontractors. This user-centric design approach ensures that subcontractors can quickly adapt to and benefit from the CRM, even under the fast-paced conditions of construction projects.
Our ratings
Pricing: 4.2/5
General features and interface: 4.4/5
Core features: 5/5
Advanced features: 3.3/5
Integration and compatibility: 3.8/5
UX: 4/5
Industry-specific features: 4/5
Basis Board is an efficient software platform that is intended to be used for construction build management. The software offers features that will appeal to businesses that want to focus their attention on commercial subcontractors, material vendors, and supply houses.
Basis Board offers a collaborative workspace that is free from tedious data entry. The software also successfully automates daily manual tasks, where repetition usually consumes a lot of time and resources.
To further solidify its position as the leading construction CRM for bid management, BasisBoard could enhance its analytics capabilities and expand its range of integrations with emerging construction technologies. These improvements would provide subcontractors with even more robust tools to manage bids effectively and stay competitive in the dynamic construction industry.
Choosing the best construction & contractor CRM software solution
The best CRM for contractors or construction will depend on the size of your business, its budget, and whether a given software system addresses the issues your business is currently facing.
HubSpot is a great all-around CRM platform that over delivers on its free plan. While you can opt for HubSpot’s paid plans with added tools and features, most contracting businesses will have a great starting point with its free CRM plan.
While costly, Salesforce is a CRM that is aimed at established businesses with larger budgets and is fully customizable, with powerful add-on tools available. Similarly, Pipedrive offers support for robust third-party add-ons, as does Insightly, which comes complete with full-tool integration.
Houzz Pro is a great option for online advertising and profile customization and is excellent for team collaboration as well, while BaisisBoard is another great option for automation and eliminating overhead. And for door-to-door infield sales, you’d be hard pressed to find a better CRM than SalesRabbit.
Looking for the latest in CRM solutions? Check out our CRM Software Buyer’s Guide.
1 Quickbase, Inc.
Big ideas aren’t simple to execute. So we’re here to help you tackle any project, no matter how complex. We’re Quickbase.
Quickbase helps customers see, connect and control complex projects that reshape our world. Whether it’s raising a skyscraper or coordinating vaccine rollouts, the no-code software platform allows business users to custom fit solutions to the way they work – using information from across the systems they already have.
2 GreenRope Complete CRM & Marketing Automation
GreenRope is an all-in-one, complete CRM, marketing automation, and customer service solution designed for businesses doing big things. GreenRope combines sales, marketing, and operations into one, highly customizable software solution built for your business.
GreenRope includes advanced marketing automation capabilities, drag-and-drop customer journey mapping, sales automation, customer service tools, AI capabilities, and a tool box of other features to help manage and operate your business.
Learn more about GreenRope Complete CRM & Marketing Automation
3 HubSpot CRM
HubSpot is an intuitive CRM that makes managing your sales pipeline a breeze. Everything you need to track important metrics, set up time-saving flows and automations, manage clients seamlessly, and grow your business is available in one tidy dashboard. Plans are available for businesses at every stage of growth, starting at 100% free. Start taking the guesswork out of business management today with HubSpot CRM.
FAQ
CRM software is essential because it gives business leaders the ability to streamline business practices through features like email and workflow automation. Additionally, CRM platforms typically come with a centralized hub or dashboard portal that monitors the progress of your company and helps team members stay organized. Your team can easily reference documents and materials they need to convert leads and stay motivated, which is yet another benefit.
Choosing the best CRM solution for contractors or construction comes down to the size of your business, the needs of your team, and how much you’re willing to spend. Most CRMs come loaded with a lot of features and add-ons that your company may or may not need, so weighing your options and deciding which features and plans are best for your company should help narrow down your choices.
