Best Construction Management Software

Construction management software comes in many different forms. The best construction management software for your business depends on your specific needs.

In this guide, we’ll cover platforms that are designed for construction project management, offering tools aimed at tracking a single project’s progression, and employee performance.

We explore the top software options available for construction businesses, including what features are offered at what prices – and we’ll even show you some free construction management software.

Top 10 Construction Project Management Software

If you’re looking for software that can help you manage the efficiency and productivity of a single construction job, project management software is the way to go. These services focus on progress and employee performance tracking, giving you the tools you need finish a specific job correctly and on time. Essentially, project management software is great for keeping track of the overall progress of a complex project.

Take a look at some of the best providers of construction project management software below:

• Procore – Best overall construction management software
• Buildertrend – Best for project management and CRM
• CM Fusion – Best for small businesses 
• Zoho Projects – Best for third party integrations
• Smartsheet – Best for ease of use
• Projectmates – Best for reporting and analytics
• Raken – Best for affordability
• monday.com – Best for modern interface
• CoConstruct – Best for custom home builders
• RedTeam – Best for training support

In This Guide:

• Top 10 Construction Project Management Software
• What Is It?
• Different Types
• Core Features
• Who Uses It?
• Key Benefits
• Related Software and Services
• How Much Does It Cost?
• Free Construction Management Software
• How We Research and Test Project Management Software
• FAQs

Also Worth Considering…
 

Procore

Best overall construction management software

Procore is, simply put, the go-to provider for construction companies looking for project management software. Easily one of the most positively reviewed providers on the list, Procore offers thorough project reports that give you all the information you need from start to finish. Its basic design makes it easy to use, and mobile functionality keeps you connected throughout the day.

Because Procore is committed to being the best, the software undergoes frequent updates, which can be a bit disruptive. That, combined with the higher price tag, could turn some people off – but we’d be lying if we didn’t say that Procore comes in at a great value, given how many features come with it.

Procore Communication

Communication is key in relationships and construction projects, which is why Procore offers some handy tools that allow you to stand in touch with your workers. Between quick log check-ins and mobile functionality, you’ll be able to stay up to date on projects, progress, and more at all times.

Buildertrend

Best for dual functionality of project management and CRM

General project management software doesn’t always tick all the boxes for a construction company, and that’s why industry-focused Buildertrend can come in handy. In addition to the standard project tracking features found in the platform, Buildertrend uniquely offers CRM tools as well, so you can stay in contact with customers as well as construction workers.

Buildertrend is pretty robust software, which can be a bit intimidating for new users. Plus, with limited mobile functionality, you could get stuck in the field without a lot of help. But if you’re looking for a lot of features outside of the usual suspects, Buildertrend could be for you.

Buildertrend Document Storage

When it comes to managing a construction project, you better believe there’s a lot of documentation to keep track of. Buildertrend features unlimited file sharing, so you can have access to every important document or photo in real time, no matter where you are or who needs it.

CM Fusion

Best for small businesses

If you’re a small business that’s a bit intimidated by these big name companies and their robust software, CM Fusion might be what you’re looking for. This provider aims to service small businesses specifically, so your projects don’t get lost in the shuffle. It’s equipped with the ability to manage documents, log daily progress, track project activity, and collaborate with your team thanks to intuitive communication tools.

CM Fusion also comes with a simple, easy to use mobile app that will keep you connected when you or your team are on the job. Third party integrations are notably lacking from this software, but if you’re a small business that doesn’t need to connect your project management software to Quickbooks, you should be more than fine.

CM Fusion Cost Tracking

You have to know where you money is going in construction, and CM Fusion’s cost tracking feature can help you nail it down. This system will clearly keep track of how much your spending and where it’s going, all while tracking project time as well so as to keep you on schedule as much as possible.

Zoho Projects

Best for third party integrations

As part of Zoho’s massive family of applications, Zoho Projects offers users an easy to use project management platform, complete with built-in time tracking capabilities and gamification tools to improve productivity. Plus, with a solid free option, you’ll be able to try out this helpful software without risk.

We wouldn’t recommend sticking with the free version, though. As with any free software, limitations are significant. If you need to have access to specific project management features, like task dependencies and Gantt charts, you’re going to need to opt for the premium packages – which can get pretty expensive for larger companies. There are also some extremely useful automations locked behind higher tiers that can help speed up your entire business. Still, with its unique flat-rate pricing model, Zoho Projects offers some serious bang for your buck.

Zoho Projects Integrations

As with many larger companies, the third-party integrations available through Zoho Projects are as plentiful as they are convenient. Slack, Gmail, Zapier, Github, and Dropbox all integration with Zoho Projects, as does the massive family of Zoho apps, so if you’re looking for an all-in-one solution, this is it.

Smartsheet

Best for ease of use

Spreadsheets have been a time-honored tradition in growing businesses, but at a certain point, you need to upgrade to a more in-depth system. Smartsheet sticks to that standard spreadsheet model, while also offering a number of other features to automate even more of your business.

With a wide range of project templates, you’ll be able to organize any and every job under your supervision. Plus, with third party integrations like Gmail, Slack, and Jira, you’ll be able to do everything from a single, central hub.

Smartsheet Pricing

All of Smartsheet’s pricing plans are billed annually, so you’re going to need to make sure it’s the right software for you before making a commitment. Smartsheet offers pricing options for freelancers and large companies alike, but the more expensive tiers come with unlimited access to almost everything in the platform — this is worth it if you’ve got the space in your budget.

Projectmates

Best for reporting

Organization is key for any company, and Projectmates can help. This comprehensive platform makes navigating your business operations as easy as a few clicks, with document, cost, and workflow management tools built right into the software. Plus, with a robust reporting system, you’ll know exactly what’s working and what isn’t right away.

Projectmates is missing drag-and-drop functionality throughout the app – which customers have pointed out is more than noticeable – while reporting tools are thorough, but not customizable. Fortunately, with an helpful customer support team that is readily available, you can solve issues quickly.

Projectmates Analytics

Understanding what’s working and what isn’t can be vital data to the success of a business, and Projectmates offers some solid analytics tools to do so. With 100 pre-built reports and custom reporting capabilities, you’ll get the clearest picture available of how your business is doing and where it can improve.

Raken

Best for affordability

The importance of ease of use cannot be understated when it comes to construction management software. With Raken, you get a comprehensive interface designed to make life easier, not harder. The picture and video focused software makes check-ins easy, and the mobile app makes working in the field simple. Tragically, the software offers no offline functionality, but a solid data connection should solve that.

Raken is certainly on the more affordable end of the spectrum, offering a number of cheap plans. However, those plans lack some of the more important features, like time cards and cloud integrations – but if you need to get by without breaking the bank, Raken’s Basic plan comes in well below average, and still offers daily reporting and task management tools.

Raken Mobile App

Despite the lack of offline capabilities, the Raken mobile app still features some seriously impressive functionality. From the robust reporting options to the production tracking that monitors progress through jobs, you could run your entire business from your smartphone, although a little desktop assistance probably wouldn’t hurt.

monday.com

Best for modern interface

While not specifically tailored to construction management, monday.com is a great project management software provider that offers an easy to use interface that is modern and stylish. You’ll find a comprehensive timeline for viewing tasks that makes it easy to see exactly what projects need to get done and when, as well as plenty of graphs and charts to fully (and colorfully) understand your analytics and reporting.

The primary benefit of monday.com is the customizability, giving you the power to track and analyze what you want, as long as you understand the platform enough to do so. Unfortunately, monday.com is lacking a bit in the third party integrations department, but hopefully the flexibility of the platform will give you all the power you need to manage projects for your business.

monday.com Pricing

monday.com has a lot of pricing options. In addition to the four basic payment plans (Basic, Standard, Pro, and Enterprise), which are discussed in more detail on our monday.com pricing page. Each plan comes with a predetermined number of users, which allows you to be incredibly diligent in how much money you’re spending. Plus, if need to add more users, you can easily put them on the platform, but it will cost you a bit extra.

CoConstruct

Best for custom house designers

While a decidedly niche focus, CoConstruct is the number one construction management software provider for custom home builders and remodelers, given its notable flexibility and customizability throughout the platform. CoConstruct is inherently built to accept adjustments, modifications, and big changes from you or your clients, so that perfect home can be planned in the moment rather than months ahead of time.

Additionally, CoConstruct is bursting with features that fall into three primary categories: coordination, communication, and control. From scheduling and file sharing, to lead management and proposal functionality, to budgeting and forecasting, the platform is decidedly robust, which explains the more costly price tag. Some complain that the price is a bit more than you get, but if you’re looking for customizability, you can’t go wrong with CoConstruct.

CoConstruct Client Portal

Perhaps the best feature of CoConstruct is the dedicated client portal. This handy knowledge center and communication tool allows you and your clients to stay in touch without taking over your schedule. With simple communication resources and project timelines, you’ll be on the same page as your client throughout the entire process.

RedTeam

Best for training support

Let’s start off by saying that RedTeam is pretty expensive, but it makes up for it by having a truly massive feature catalogue that can help you with everything from project management to financial records to document sharing.

Given the sheer size of the RedTeam feature set, it can be a bit intimidating for new and seasoned users alike. Fortunately, RedTeam offers a wide range of training options, both free and paid, so you can get your whole team on board. Plus, your whole team, not just dedicated users, have access to their support line, so everyone will be able to get the help they need until they’re comfortable with the platform.

RedTeam Integrations

Even with RedTeam being one of the most robust software providers on the list, it still offers a wide range of third party integrations so you don’t have to completely try to learn a new software. In addition to a few others, RedTeam features comprehensive integrations with Quickbooks for financials and DocuSign for document signing, so you can truly make RedTeam a one-stop-shop for your construction management needs.

What Is Construction Management Software?

Construction management software is a business tool aimed at making the management of construction projects easier through organization and automation. From time tracking features to automated notifications for new jobs, construction management software is chock full of helpful resources that streamline daily processes and improve productivity through technology. Plus, with many providers offering mobile options, you and your construction team can stay in the loop without needing to stop by the office.

Different Types of Construction Management Software

There are two types of construction management software: cloud-based software and on-premises software. It’s important to evaluate exactly what your company needs from software like the platforms available above, which is why we wanted to thoroughly explain exactly what each type of construction management does, and who it’s best for.

Cloud-based software

Cloud-based construction management software is exactly what is sounds like: an internet-based platform paid in monthly or yearly installments, available anywhere you have a connection. These software providers have their own servers, run their own companies, and you subscribe to their product in order to gain access to the myriad of construction management software features.

On-premises software

On-premises construction management software, on the other hand, puts a little more control in your hands, albeit for a hefty price tag. Rather than paying for a subscription, you’d install servers at your office to house the platform, giving you the power to control every aspect of the software. It’s a bit more complicated and significantly more expensive to start off, but it could pay for itself over time compared to a monthly or yearly subscription.

Features of Construction Management Software

Now that you have a general idea about what construction management software is, it’s time to learn a little bit about what it does. More specifically, let’s take a look at what kind of features you can expect to find within your average construction management software platform.

• Project scheduling – schedule projects and assign workers seamlessly within the platform
• Project tracking – track the progress of any given project and provide updates to involved parties
• Job costing/project finances – keep track of job costs and project finances
• Easy to use reporting tools – customize your own analytics and enjoy simple, comprehensive graphs and metrics to inform decisions
• Document management and sharing – sign, send, and receive pertinent documents within the platform for easy access
• Issue tracking – solve problems and track their solutions in real-time
• Employee scheduling and crew management – assign construction workers to jobs and manage involvement throughout the project
• Accounting and financial management – track construction company finances and accounting, with many providers offering integration with Quickbooks

Depending on which provider you decide on, these features and more could be available to help you run your business, giving you the most productive approach to any given project. If any of these features jump out at you, make sure the provider you like offers that feature before deciding.

Who Uses Construction Management Software?

If you’ve made it this far in our construction management software guide, we’d hope that you’re one of the types of construction workers that need this kind of platform for your business. But if you still aren’t sure, take a look at this list of potential users of construction management software.

• General contractors
• Independent construction managers
• Subcontractors
• Architects
• Engineers

Simply put, if you’re in need to manage projects in the construction construction industry, this kind of software can help. From project tracking to finance management, the use cases are virtually endless depending on your needs.

Benefits of Construction Management Software

Understanding what construction management software is and what features you can find in your typical platform is one thing. But the real question is: how is construction management software going to improve my business? Take a look at some of the clear benefits of construction management software below:

Efficiency

Adding any business software to your company’s process should automatically improve efficiency, or what’s the point? With construction management software, you’ll not only improve productivity across the company, but you’ll also be able to meaningfully track that improvement in order to see exactly what works and what doesn’t.

Between automated routines that save you time and organized processes that make it easier to work, construction management software tackles efficiency from multiple angles so you can make sure this added expense is making a difference to your bottom line.

Collaboration

A construction team that works together, stays together, and with construction management software, you’ll empower your workers to collaborate like never before. With document sharing capabilities and communication tools built directly into many platforms, you can keep in touch with your team while sharing pertinent information in real time.

Additionally, given the on-the-go nature of construction projects, these software typically come with a mobile app, allowing you to get work done and share information while in the field. And if that doesn’t promote collaboration, we don’t know what will.

Scalability

The point of running a business is to grow, and you can’t grow without a little flexibility. With construction management software, you’ll be able to add workers, increase jobs, and more effectively manage your business thanks to the wide range of helpful features designed to do just that.

The reality is that an efficient company that prioritizes collaboration is bound to succeed, so you’re going to need to have the infrastructure in place to do so. Construction management software will allow you to truly grow right along with your success, and that’s more than a good reason to install one.

Software and Services Related to Construction Management Software

If construction management software is the first business resource you’re taking advantage of, you could be missing out. While these software can do a lot, they can’t do everything, which is why many construction businesses choose to employ multiple options to cover everything. Check out this list of some other services and software designed to work in tandem with construction management software.

• Project management software
• Building design and building information modeling (BIM) software
• Capital project management software
• Project-based ERP software
• Environmental health and safety software
• Architectural rendering software
• Bid management software
• Accounting software
• Estimating software
• Takeoff software

Now, depending on your provider, you might be able to integrate some of these software together in order to utilize an all-in-one solution. However, those third-party integrations vary widely from provider to provider, so make sure you check before you make a commitment.

Cost of Construction Management Software

As with any business software, the cost of construction management software can vary dramatically depending on a wide range of criteria. First off, it’s worth noting that most construction management software providers charge on either a monthly or yearly basis, and can cost you anywhere between $7 per month to $200 per month.

The difference between those prices depends on a number of factors including the size of your company, the number of users that need access to the platform, the kinds of features you hope to use, the provider you decide on, and the kinds of construction you’re involved with.

Additionally, construction management software can come with additional costs, depending on your needs. From training costs to setup fees, you can be looking at more than just a monthly rate. However, if you’re just getting started, the monthly costs available on provider pricing pages is a good place to start.

Free Construction Management Software

Saving money is the ultimate goal of a lot of companies, particularly when it comes to improving productivity. You can actually find a wide range of construction management software that’s available completely free of charge.

Tools like 2-Plan (pictured below), GenieBelt, OrangeScrum, and many others are available at no cost to you, and offer scheduling functionality, project tracking features, and document management tools.

However, if you take a closer look at any of these free options, you’ll realize the true cost of these services isn’t financial, it’s functional. These services rarely offer the features necessary to actually improve productivity on any meaningful level, not to mention their interface designs look straight out of the 90s.

Pros and Cons of Free Construction Management Software

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is, and when it comes to construction management software this rule holds fast. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of free construction management software.

Pros
– No cost
– May be useful for smaller construction work companies only needing basic features

Cons
– No modern features
– Poor usability
– No mobile options
– Less secure- your company, employee and financial data could be at risk
– Poor or no customer support

How We Research and Test Project Management Software

Choosing the Right Construction Project Management Software Solution

In earnest, spending a bit of your budget on good construction management software that meshes well with your company is a much sounder decision in the long run. The services above may cost money, but the return on investment is substantial, and noticeable shortly after use.

If you’re looking for construction management software for dispatching construction workers to the field, you can use our handy quotes tool to compare exact prices to find the best deal from a reliable and up to date software provider.

Frequently Asked Questions