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What is construction project management software?

Construction project management software, or construction PM software, is designed to streamline construction tasks. The software allows a construction company to plan, monitor, and collaborate on projects efficiently, and it connects builders, contractors, and clients in a single location. 

In addition to facilitating collaboration and communication, a construction project management application provides several features for tracking project progress and costs, including document management, scheduling, contract management, and quality assurance. Construction project management software automates duties and connects workflows and data throughout the project lifecycle, thereby increasing the construction team’s efficiency and productivity. Additionally, it can send construction professionals and field supervisors updates on project scope or resource availability. 

This software enables the project manager to generate construction quotes and bids, plan and assign tasks, monitor business expenses, generate purchase orders and invoices, and process payments. Construction management software provides the general contractor with everything necessary to complete construction projects on time and within budget. 

Let’s review our hand-picked construction PM software favorites and what sets them apart from other tools. 

  • Buildertrend is best for remodelers who need an all-in-one solution.
  • Fieldwire is best for real-time communication.
  • Houzz Pro is best for client acquisition & lead management.
  • Procore is best for its mobile application.
  • monday.com is best for task tracking.
  • Contractor Foreman is best for its ease of use and unlimited storage.
  • Autodesk is best for its construction software modules.
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Top construction project management software

May 23, 2024: Kaiti Norton updated the pros and cons for Contractor Foreman, which incorrectly stated the software did not have a client portal or bidding/estimate capabilities. She also reorganized some of the page elements to improve the flow of information.

Buildertrend: Best for remodelers who need an all-in-one solution

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Pros

  • Free trial available
  • Comprehensive features tailored for home builders and remodelers
  • Integration with accounting, email, and calendar apps

Cons

  • Expensive pricing plans
  • Less intuitive user interface with a steep learning curve

Buildertrend is a cutting-edge, cloud-based construction project management software for home builders, remodelers, and specialty contractors. It offers an all-in-one solution for streamlining various aspects of a construction business. With features such as lead capture, proposal management, invoicing, and real-time communication, Buildertrend helps users efficiently manage projects from start to finish.

It enables creating and tracking tasks, attaching documents and photos, scheduling, and integrating calendars for easy schedule management. It also provides tools for estimating, bid management, client communication, and document management while offering integration with popular accounting software. Buildertrend aims to enhance productivity, reduce delays, and increase customer satisfaction in the construction industry.

All-in-One Project Management: Buildertrend offers a comprehensive set of project management tools, allowing users to create and track tasks, attach documents and photos, assign tasks to workers, and generate work-in-progress reports. It provides a platform for managing all aspects of a construction project. 

Integration and Automation: Buildertrend integrates with various business apps, such as QuickBooks and Xero, streamlining financial processes by automatically updating invoice information. It also automates email campaigns and lead tracking, saving time and improving efficiency. 

Tailored for the Construction Industry: Buildertrend’s features are specifically tailored for the construction industry. It offers functionalities like drag-and-drop scheduling, bid and change order management, client communication, and document storage. These functionalities address home builders, remodelers, and specialty contractors’ unique needs.

Essential plan is $339 per month, billed annually.

Advanced plan is $599 per month, billed annually.

Complete plan is $829 per month, billed annually.

We chose Buildertrend because it offers an all-in-one solution for streamlining various aspects of a construction business. With features such as lead capture, proposal management, invoicing, and real-time communication, Buildertrend helps efficiently manage projects from start to finish. It enables construction project managers to create and track tasks, attach documents and photos, schedule projects, and integrate with calendars for easy schedule management.

Buildertrend also provides tools for estimating, bid management, client communication, and document management while offering integration with popular accounting software. With its user-friendly interface and mobile app accessibility, Buildertrend allows users to efficiently manage projects, enhance communication, and deliver successful construction projects on time and within budget.

Also read: Construction Software Guide

Fieldwire: Best for real-time communication

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Pros

  • Free plan available for budget-conscious users
  • Scalable solution for businesses of any size
  • Mobile app, real-time messaging, and task management

Cons

  • Relies on third-party storage apps for document storage
  • Can be relatively costly, impacting scalability for some users
  • Some reported issues with image file management

Fieldwire is a cloud-based project management solution tailored for the construction industry. It caters to subcontractors, general contractors, architects, and other professionals involved in construction projects. With its mobile app and web-based platform, Fieldwire facilitates efficient collaboration and real-time information sharing between team members, on-site or in the office.

The software offers features such as task and job management, plan viewing with collaborative markups, issue tracking with annotations and photos, scheduling, and resource monitoring. It also provides timestamp and version control for accuracy and transparency. Fieldwire allows users to create custom forms and templates, track punch lists, generate custom reports, and visually track project progress.

Plan viewing with collaborative markups: Fieldwire allows users to view construction plans, make collaborative markups, and track version history, ensuring accurate communication and collaboration.

Issue tracking with annotations, photos, and checklists: Fieldwire provides tools for tracking and managing construction issues. Users can annotate plans, attach photos, create checklists, and document progress, improving issue resolution and communication.

Task management and scheduling: Fieldwire enables users to manage and track construction tasks, create schedules, assign responsibilities, and monitor progress. This feature helps streamline project management, improve coordination, and ensure timely task completion.

Basic plan is available for free

Pro plan starts at $39 per user per month, billed annually

Business plan starts at $59 per user per month, billed annually

Business Plus plan starts at $74 per user per month, billed annually

We chose Buildertrend because it offers an all-in-one solution for streamlining various aspects of a construction business. With features such as lead capture, proposal management, invoicing, and real-time communication, Buildertrend helps efficiently manage projects from start to finish. It enables construction project managers to create and track tasks, attach documents and photos, schedule projects, and integrate with calendars for easy schedule management. Buildertrend also provides tools for estimating, bid management, client communication, and document management while offering integration with popular accounting software. With its user-friendly interface and mobile app accessibility, Buildertrend allows users to efficiently manage projects, enhance communication, and deliver successful construction projects on time and within budget.

Also read: Top Construction & Contractor CRM Software (2023)

Houzz Pro: Best for client acquisition & lead management

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Pros

  • Set of features tailored specifically for home renovation and design professionals
  • Includes tools for lead management, client communication, project scheduling, and invoicing
  • Integrates with the popular Houzz platform
  • Includes an AR feature called “View in My Room” that allows users to visualize

Cons

  • Learning curve may require time and effort
  • Lacks advanced customization options
  • Pricing a bit higher

Lead management: Houzz Pro offers tools for effectively managing and tracking leads, allowing professionals to streamline their sales process and convert leads into clients.

Project management: The software provides features for project scheduling, task management, and communication with clients and team members. It helps professionals stay organized, track project progress, and ensure timely completion.

Client collaboration and communication: Houzz Pro includes a client portal where clients can collaborate, provide feedback and access project updates. This feature facilitates efficient communication, enhances client satisfaction, and fosters transparency throughout the project lifecycle.

Starter, Essential & Pro Plans are available in a 30-day free trial

Starter plan is $99 per month

Essential plan is $139 per month

Pro plan is $199 per month

Ultimate plan is $399 per month

We chose Houzz Pro for its integration with the popular Houzz platform, which has a vast community of homeowners seeking home renovation and design professionals. With its extensive portfolio showcase, client reviews, and marketing tools, Houzz Pro enables professionals to present their work and attract potential clients effectively.

The lead management features within Houzz Pro allow professionals to efficiently track, organize, and nurture leads, helping them streamline their sales process and convert leads into clients. Houzz Pro’s focus on lead generation is a valuable tool for home renovation and design professionals looking to grow their businesses.

With Houzz Pro, professionals can effectively manage leads, communicate with clients, schedule projects, and handle invoicing. The software allows for creating and managing project proposals, expense tracking, and generating detailed reports. It also provides a client portal where clients can collaborate, provide feedback and access project updates.

Houzz Pro goes beyond project management by offering features to enhance the marketing and client acquisition process. Professionals can showcase their portfolios, manage reviews, and utilize the Houzz platform to attract new clients. The mobile app Houzz Pro enables professionals to manage projects and communicate with clients while on the go.

Procore: Best for its mobile application

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Pros

  • Industry-specific focus, providing tools and functionalities explicitly tailored for the construction industry
  • Offers exceptional customer support, training resources, responsive support team
  • The mobile app allows users to access project information, collaborate with team members, and complete tasks on the go

Cons

  • Specific workflows can lack flexibility
  • Accounting capabilities may be limited compared to dedicated accounting software

Procore is a cloud-based construction project management software that caters to owners, general contractors, subcontractors, and specialty contractors. The software covers all major areas of construction project management, including project planning, document management, request for information (RFI) tracking, quality and safety management, and field productivity tracking.

One of the strengths of Procore is its mobile app, which allows users to access project information, collaborate with team members, and complete tasks while on the go. This mobile capability enhances productivity and keeps the project moving forward.

Mobile App: Procore provides a mobile app for iOS and Android devices, allowing users to access project information, communicate with team members, and complete tasks on the go. This enhances productivity and enables real-time collaboration in the field.

Financial Management: Procore includes features for budgeting, change order management, and financial tracking. Users can manage project costs, track expenses, generate accurate reports, and streamline financial processes within the software.

Customer Support: Procore is known for its outstanding customer support, providing training resources, documentation, and a responsive support team. Users can access assistance and guidance to maximize their software usage and resolve any issues that may arise.

Contact Procore to get a custom quote.

We chose Procore because its mobile application has an intuitive design, user-friendly interface, and extensive functionality. The mobile app allows users to access project information, collaborate with team members, and perform tasks seamlessly on iOS and Android devices. It offers a smooth and responsive experience, enabling project managers to stay connected, make real-time decisions, and oversee project progress while on the go. The app’s comprehensive features, ease of use, and reliability contribute to Procore’s reputation as having the best mobile application in the market.

monday.com: Best for task tracking

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Pros

  • Ready-to-use construction templates and project management tools
  • Affordable pricing plans for small businesses and larger enterprises
  • Efficient task tracking and assignment capabilities

Cons

  • 24/7 support only available for the high-tier plan
  • Lacks construction-specific features and financial tools
  • Limited storage capacity

monday.com is a cloud-based project management platform that offers a flexible and easy-to-use solution for construction project management. While it lacks industry-specific features, it provides general project management tools for tracking tasks, assigning users, and monitoring project progress. The platform offers a free version for individuals and pairs, with affordable paid plans for small businesses and larger enterprises.

Integration options are available through Zapier, and guest access can be provided to clients for transparency. While storage is limited, monday.com’s intuitive interface and comprehensive project management tools make it suitable for construction companies seeking a user-friendly solution.

Task tracking: monday.com allows users to track tasks and assign them to team members, providing clear visibility on who is responsible for each task and its progress.

Templates: monday.com offers ready-to-use construction templates that can streamline project setup and management processes, saving time and effort.

Integration library: monday.com offers an extensive integration library with pre-built integrations to key programs such as Outlook, Dropbox, Slack, Gmail, and Zapier. This allows users to extend the functionality of monday.com by integrating with other apps commonly used in construction projects.

monday.com is available for free for up to 2 seats.

Basic plan starts at $9 per user per month, billed annually

Standard plan starts at $12 per user per month, billed annually

Pro plan starts at $19 per user per month, billed annually

Enterprise plan requires custom pricing.

We chose monday.com for construction project management due to its user-friendly interface, simplified collaboration, and task-tracking capabilities. It offers a flexible and affordable solution that allows team members, both on and off the job site, to track task progress and project status. The platform’s customizable workflows, integration options, and project performance dashboard provide visibility and control over projects. While it lacks construction-specific features, monday.com’s comprehensive project management tools, and guest access option for clients make it attractive for project managers seeking streamlined collaboration and task tracking in construction projects.

Contractor Foreman: Best for its ease of use and unlimited storage

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Pros

  • Provides unlimited projects and unlimited cloud-based storage
  • Integrates with popular third-party solutions such as QuickBooks, Zapier, and Google Calendar

Cons

  • Requires quarterly or annual contract; difficult cancellation process
  • Steep learning curve

Contractor Foreman allows users to manage tasks, documents, client information, work orders, invoices, and punch lists. Contractor Foreman stands out for its ease of use and unlimited projects and storage. It covers everything from project management to financials and is suitable for smaller teams.

The software includes custom reports, RFIs, change order management, bid management, submittal management, and unlimited cloud-based storage. While it lacks features in other software, and accounting integrations are limited to higher-priced plans, Contractor Foreman provides an affordable solution for managing construction projects.

Ease of Use: Contractor Foreman is known for its intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easy for users to navigate and utilize the software effectively. The software’s design and flow allow for a seamless user experience, enabling users to quickly access tasks, documents, client information, and other essential features.

RFIs and Change Order Management: Contractor Foreman provides tools for managing requests for information (RFIs) and change orders. Users can create, track, and communicate changes efficiently, ensuring clear communication and streamlined processes.

Custom Reports and Analytics: The software allows users to generate custom reports and gain insights into project performance. It offers reporting features that help businesses track progress, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions.

All plans are available for a 30-day free trial

Standard plan is $49 per month, billed annually

Plus plan is $87 per month, billed annually

Pro plan is $123 per month, billed annually

Unlimited plan is $148 per month, billed annually

We chose Contractor Foreman for its ease of use and unlimited storage capabilities. The software’s intuitive interface and user-friendly design make it simple for project managers to navigate and utilize its features effectively. With its emphasis on ease of use, project managers can quickly access tasks, documents, client information, and other essential features, streamlining project management processes.

Additionally, Contractor Foreman’s unlimited storage ensures that project managers can store and manage many project-related documents, photos, and files without limitations, providing a centralized repository for easy access and organization.

Autodesk: Best for its construction software modules

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Pros

  • Empowers estimators with accurate takeoffs and quantities
  • Reduces rework and improves overall design quality
  • Provides a single shared data environment for design collaboration and coordination

Cons

  • Occasional file sync issues
  • Pricing can add up quickly depending on selected modules

Autodesk’s Construction Cloud platform offers modules like Autodesk Build, Takeoff, and BIM Collaborate. Autodesk Build is a project management tool that streamlines workflows, document control, and cost management. Takeoff enables accurate estimations by combining 2D and 3D workflows. BIM Collaborate aligns design and construction teams, reducing rework.

The flexible platform allows users to choose and pay for specific modules. It can be accessed via web browsers and mobile apps, facilitating collaboration. Some users have reported occasional file sync issues and desired better integration with other Autodesk products. Despite that, Construction Cloud offers essential project management, estimation, collaboration, and coordination features, making it valuable for construction professionals, significantly larger teams, and complex projects.

Collaboration and coordination: Autodesk Construction Cloud facilitates collaboration and coordination among teams through features like document management, markups, design reviews, RFIs, submittals, and centralized issue management. 

Single shared data environment: Autodesk Construction Cloud provides a centralized data environment for design collaboration and coordination, enabling teams to manage the entire process more efficiently. 

Estimation capabilities: Autodesk Takeoff empowers estimators with accurate 2D and 3D takeoffs, enabling them to generate quantities from models and produce quality estimates for faster and more precise bidding.

Autodesk offers three plans:

Standard

Premium

Enterprise

Contact Auto desk for a pricing quote.

We chose Autodesk due to its suite of construction software modules, such as Autodesk Build, Takeoff, and BIM Collaborate. These tools streamline workflows, enhance collaboration, and provide project management, estimation, document control, and design coordination features.

The flexibility to select specific modules based on project needs, cloud-based accessibility, integration options, and a centralized data environment make Autodesk a preferred choice for project managers seeking efficient construction management, improved collaboration, and enhanced profitability.

Also read: Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Construction Projects 

Find your new construction project management software

What are the construction PM software benefits?

Budgeting

Construction PM software minimizes costs and maximizes profits through better budget management. It automates material and labor cost calculations, standardizes bid proposals, and provides visibility into potential budget allocation risk factors. Accurate budget estimates and effective communication of objectives to stakeholders and clients are essential for successful project execution.

Resource management

Construction PM software helps align and optimize the resources and tools used in construction projects. It analyzes resource data, enables better resource allocation based on project bids and estimates, and facilitates real-time tracking of tool and equipment usage, staff allocation, and material consumption. This results in more efficient resource coordination and utilization. 

Real-time communication and collaboration

Construction PM software provides centralized communication for team members, clients, consultants, contractors, and project managers, regardless of location. This ensures real-time communication and collaboration, improving coordination and keeping everyone on the same page. 

Security and accessibility

Storing documents and information in a centralized system reduces the risk of data loss or unauthorized access compared to traditional paper-based methods or scattered digital files. Access controls and permissions can be set to ensure that only authorized personnel can view and modify specific information. 

Better accountability

Construction management software improves accountability across all levels of the construction project. With features like task tracking, progress monitoring, and performance metrics, project managers can easily monitor and evaluate the performance of team members, subcontractors, and vendors. This promotes transparency and encourages accountability for meeting project milestones and deadlines.

What is the business impact of construction PM software?

Construction PM software significantly impacts the construction business by controlling costs and maximizing profits through better budget management. It enhances data security, accessibility, and accountability by centralizing document storage and enabling task tracking. The software improves efficiency by automating tasks and streamlining communication and decision-making through a centralized platform.

Construction PM software also facilitates effective resource management by analyzing data and optimizing resource allocation. Accurate budgeting and cost control are achieved through automated calculations and visibility into potential budget risks. The software enables transparent project tracking and real-time monitoring of progress and simplifies document management. It also improves client communication, fostering stronger relationships and greater satisfaction.

Overall, construction project management software’s functionalities lead to increased efficiency, reduced costs, and successful project outcomes.

Choosing the best construction PM software

Ready to start your construction PM software comparison? Our Technology Advisors are here to help you find the perfect tool for your company’s projects. Call for a free 5-minute consultation, or complete the form at the bottom of this page for fast, free recommendations based on your needs.

FAQs

Construction project management software is a digital solution that helps construction companies streamline and optimize their project management processes. It provides tools for budgeting, scheduling, resource allocation, communication, and document management, improving efficiency, collaboration, and overall project performance.

The benefits of construction PM software include cost minimization and profit maximization through better budget management, improved resource allocation and utilization, real-time communication and collaboration, enhanced data security and accessibility, and increased accountability for project milestones and deadlines.

Irene Casucian Avatar
Irene Casucian
Staff Writer
Irene Casucian is a research analyst for TechnologyAdvice, TechRepublic, and Fit Small Business. With sufficient experience as an HR writer, she has developed a profound understanding of various business needs that inform her research and analysis of HR platforms. Irene specializes in HR software evaluation and draws on her experience as a research assistant to provide in-depth assessments. Irene conducts objective research by gathering data to evaluate HR software performance across various HR functions, such as payroll, ATS, and onboarding, using carefully defined criteria to assess each platform’s effectiveness.