Over 15 years in the construction industry has taught me one thing: the right tools can make or break a project. But when I say tools, I don’t just mean hammers and screw guns. The digital solutions we use on projects are arguably just as impactful as the kit in the back of the van when it comes to delivering a project successfully.
Today, I’m diving into the leading construction management software solutions, which I’ve narrowed down to six contenders that I’ve personally used over the years:
Each brings something unique to the table, and I’ll share my experiences and observations to help you figure out which one might best suit your needs. In the end, I’ll give my opinion on which stands above the rest, nailing the competition and raising the roof on construction management.
For more in-depth reviews of the construction management software discussed, check out Honest Construction Software Reviews.
BuilderTrend
BuilderTrend is a no-nonsense cloud-based software popular among small to medium-sized construction companies. It focuses on a simple all-in-one project management suite, but also covers business management functions such as client relationship management, and financial/budgeting tools.
I’ve used BuilderTrend on a number of projects, and I’ve found its value in its simplicity – the ability to keep things simple yet include most of the functions you’ll need to run a project.
Personally, I’ve always favored simplicity. The less room for error allowed, the less likely I am to get a phone call at 9pm on a Friday from one of the team who can’t find a particular file needed for their super urgent email that has to go out that day or the whole world will end. Sound familiar?
(buildertrend.com)
What I Like About BuilderTrend
Not only does BuilderTrend stand out for its simple and intuitive user interface, but the back end is not to be sniffed at either. The integration capabilities are rather impressive, including connectivity with accounting platforms like QuickBooks, linking operation and accounting teams together under one roof.
And if the no-frills interface is still making you or the team as confused as the apprentice asking for ‘sky-hooks’ down the builder’s merchant, BuilderTrend’s customer care team has your back.
With the option to set up live video training with your team on any topic of your choosing, BuilderTrend understands and appreciates the importance of making their clients feel looked after.
The functionality of BuilderTrend may not be as comprehensive as some of the bigger players such as Procore or Coins, however, for the price point, BuilderTrends project management tools do all the basic functions you would expect, such as work scheduling, customer dashboards, and financial management.
What I Don’t Like About BuilderTrend
Despite these advantages, there are a few pain points I’ve experienced with BuilderTrend. One of which is the heavy reliance on manual data entry, which can be cumbersome on larger or busier projects. Nobody enjoys typing up reports from scratch, and I think a little automation would go a long way.
Additionally, it does lack some basic features that I would expect to see, such as resource allocation, and multiple client user access. The absence of these fundamental functions means that you need to get creative to find workarounds. For a piece of kit that starts at $499 a month, I would expect more.
How Much Does BuilderTrend Cost?
BuilderTrend offers three tiers: the Essential Plan at $499/month, the Advanced Plan at $799/month, and the Complete Plan at $1,099/month.
These costs include unlimited users, and compared to other software products which charge their fee as a percentage of turnover, in my experience, BuilderTrend comes in as a more affordable option.
Access Coins
Access Coins is a project management and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platform aimed at large-scale contractors. As the name suggests, Coin’s foundations are in construction financial management, however, it has since developed into a full suite of project management tools.
(getapp.co.uk)
What I Like About Access Coins
Many construction management software products talk about ‘real-time data’, however, in my opinion, none do it as well as Coins. It focuses on encouraging collaboration between teams by removing obstacles in sharing data and communication.
I also like that Coins clearly has construction at its very core. It is not a project management software tweaked to include construction-related functions. When using it, it is quite obvious that construction is what it was born to do from day one.
This is demonstrated in features such as the “rental desk” function, allowing managers to charge out equipment to projects as an equipment hire store would.
Another example is the “what-if” budgeting scenario, which allows a project team to anticipate what risks or opportunities can occur across different forecasting models.
Coins excels in financial management and real-time data processing. Its supply chain management tools are designed to improve efficiency and reduce potentially expensive errors.
What I Don’t Like About Access Coins
Coins, while a solid choice, comes with its share of hurdles. The software’s steep setup demands – both financially and in terms of effort – can be a challenge for smaller teams looking for quick results.
Furthermore, customizing Coins to fit specific workflows often feels like a never-ending task, sometimes requiring outside help and additional expense. Moreover, its all-in-one design limits compatibility with other tools, forcing businesses to choose between a full transition or managing fragmented systems.
These barriers can make adopting Coins a test of patience and resources, especially for fast-paced projects.
How Much Does Access Coins Cost?
Coins doesn’t come with a fixed price tag; its cost is tailored to the size of your business and the features you need.
While the lack of public pricing usually hints at a premium, the extensive capabilities of the platform can make it a worthwhile investment for those handling large, complex projects.
For smaller businesses, the price may feel steep, but for larger operations, the potential for streamlining processes and cutting administrative burdens can translate into significant long-term savings.
Autodesk Build
As the new kid on the block, Autodesk Build enters the scene polished and eager to impress. It aims to replace the typical patchwork of spreadsheets, emails, and messaging apps by creating a unified system focused on project management, field collaboration, and cost control.
It’s no surprise, but one of Autodesk Build’s top offerings is its ability to integrate effortlessly with other Autodesk products like AutoCAD and Revit, making it an ideal choice for teams already working within the Autodesk ecosystem.
This integration ensures that both design and delivery teams are working from the same information packages without the excuse of “I didn’t receive that revision number”.
For companies entrenched in Autodesk’s tools, Build doesn’t feel like a standalone addition but rather an essential upgrade to an existing platform, bridging the gap between design and execution – which is no easy task.
(linkedin.com)
What I Like About Autodesk Build
Autodesk Build is another example of a construction management software that has building in its DNA. The deep integration with Autodesk’s design tools like AutoCAD, ensures site teams are always working with the latest revisions, adding a layer of comfort against potentially expensive misunderstandings.
The cost management tools are just as impressive, making change orders a breeze to track, approve, and link to tasks, cutting down on the spreadsheet chaos that usually plagues estimators and quantity surveyors.
The document control system has features like automatic version tracking and hyperlinking that eliminate confusion over which plans are the current revision, as well as making it simple to toggle between related documents.
With Autodesk Build, arguments over revisions are replaced by quick navigation through linked documents, saving both time and sanity.
What I Don’t Like About Autodesk Build
Autodesk Build, while powerful, has its limitations that can frustrate teams. Its steep learning curve means that users without prior Autodesk experience will likely need extensive training to navigate the platform and get the most from its features, which can be a challenge for busy teams managing live projects.
Additionally, its heavy reliance on cloud functionality makes it vulnerable in areas with poor internet connectivity, leaving teams stranded without access to critical tools – a glaring issue for rural sites or basement-level work.
How Much Does Autodesk Build Cost?
Autodesk Build keeps its pricing straightforward with a Standard Plan available at $145 per user monthly or $1,625 annually.
For larger organizations managing a significant user base, custom quotes can be arranged to tailor the subscription to specific needs.
Autodesk offers a 30-day trial, allowing you to explore its features risk-free before committing.
Bluebeam
Bluebeam started as a straightforward PDF take-off tool for generating accurate measurements and estimates from digital drawings. While its roots are in simplifying PDF workflows, Bluebeam has evolved into a comprehensive construction management platform.
Its powerful markup tools allow users to annotate PDF drawings, enabling detailed takeoffs and customizable toolsets for standardizing project-specific symbols.
Document management features, such as hyperlinking and revision tracking, ensure teams work from the latest plans, while the “Sets” feature organizes large files without altering their structure.
Bluebeam Studio enhances collaboration with real-time editing and centralized document storage, making it easy to manage permissions and maintain security. Tools for batch processing and dynamic measurement further reduce repetitive tasks.
(bluebeam.com)
What I Like About Bluebeam
Bluebeams markup tools allow you to annotate PDFs on the move, whether it’s a quick scribble to flag an issue or custom tool sets for consistent marking of structural or safety concerns. These tools offer a simple alternative to lengthy email chains by noting drawings and documents with live feedback directly onto the files.
Its document management system ensures revisions don’t get mixed up, with intuitive features like hyperlinking and version control that keep everyone working on the most current plans.
Bluebeam Studio further elevates the game by enabling real-time collaboration across teams from any location, perfect for resolving issues without needing an on-site meeting.
What I Don’t Like About Bluebeam
Bluebeam is undeniably powerful, but like any tool, it has its quirks. For starters, it’s a bit of a resource hog – try opening a hefty plan set, and your computer might groan louder than a laborer hauling plasterboard on a Monday morning.
I’ve even had it freeze during a client meeting, leaving me awkwardly staring at a spinning wheel instead of the plans.
Its client-facing tools also leave much to be desired; one login per project just doesn’t cut it, and I’ve had to shamefully share my personal login more than once.
And while it handles document management brilliantly, it’s surprisingly lacking when it comes to resource allocation. I’ve often found myself juggling Excel sheets alongside Bluebeam to track people and materials, which feels like a fundamental issue from a construction management software.
How Much Does Bluebeam Cost?
Bluebeam offers three pricing options depending on your needs.
The Basics Plan at $260 per user per year is great for smaller teams or solo users just starting, while the Core Plan at $330 adds collaboration tools like Studio and document tracking, perfect if you’re juggling multiple projects.
The Complete Plan, at $440, gives you all the bells and whistles, like quantity takeoffs and batch processing, making it ideal for big operations.
Microsoft Project
Microsoft Project is the undisputed OG in project management, offering tools for task management, resource allocation, and reporting that form a solid, well-developed foundation for organizing construction projects.
Input your tasks, and it generates Gantt charts, critical paths, and dependency maps that adapt as the project progresses, while resource tools help allocate labor, equipment, and materials, flagging conflicts in real time.
The reporting features provide in-depth insights into budgets and progress, though it lacks construction-specific essentials like on-site logs and snagging lists.
However, the steep learning curve, reliance on precise data input, and limited mobile functionality might leave some teams struggling to make it work effectively in the field. It’s powerful, but its complexity and less than intuitive interface means it’s not for everyone.
(microsoft.com)
What I Like About Microsoft Project
Microsoft Project strikes a balance between power and flexibility, making it a versatile tool for construction managers of all shapes and sizes. Its spreadsheet-like interface is straightforward yet highly customizable, allowing users to adapt workflows for agile sprints, Gantt charts, or a mix of both.
Need to shuffle resources or adjust task dependencies on the fly? It handles those changes with ease. The reporting features are extensive, offering a wide array of templates and customizable dashboards to suit any audience, from stakeholders to in-depth internal reviews.
Not to forget, its status as an industry-standard means most teams and subcontractors already know the ropes, saving time on training and getting up to speed.
What I Don’t Like About Microsoft Project
Microsoft Project, while powerful, has a few frustrating limitations. Its steep learning curve can feel like wading through wet cement, especially for teams without prior experience or a dedicated expert to guide them.
The interface isn’t always intuitive, and getting up to speed requires significant time and effort – often involving formal training.
On top of that, it lacks construction-specific tools like daily logs, RFIs, or client portals, forcing users to rely on additional software to cover these gaps.
How Much Does Microsoft Project Cost?
Microsoft Project offers flexible pricing options, including monthly plans and one-off payments, to suit teams of varying sizes and needs.
The monthly plans range from Planner Plan 1 at $10/user/month for basic task tracking and integration with Microsoft 365 apps, to Project Plan 3 at $30/user/month, which adds advanced scheduling, resource management, and AI tools like Microsoft Copilot.
At the top end is Project Plan 5 at $55/user/month, designed for enterprise-level portfolio management with greater customization and resource hierarchies.
For those preferring a one-time purchase, Project Standard ($679.99) is ideal for managing single projects without collaboration, or Project Professional ($1,299.99) adds advanced features like payroll management.
Project Server (price on request) caters to large organizations needing extensive collaboration tools.
The range ensures options for everything from simple task management to large-scale, strategic project oversight.
Sage Construction Management
Sage Construction Management is designed as a comprehensive platform focusing on project management, accounting, and tender bid management. Its modular approach, with eight packages and optional add-ons, offers flexibility for businesses ranging from boutique builders to large-scale contractors.
Key features include tools for scheduling, RFI management, and customizable dashboards that ensure real-time project updates and transparency.
On the financial side, it carries solid job costing, payroll, and compliance tools, while its reporting and analytics deliver insights into costs and performance.
The service management module caters to post-construction needs like warranty tracking and maintenance scheduling.
With integrations for tools like Procore and Microsoft Project, and the option for custom APIs, Sage aims to fit a wide variety of workflows while maintaining a focus on efficiency and scalability.
(www.accordantco.com)
What I Like About Sage Construction Management
It will come as no surprise that Sage Construction Management excels in financial tools, offering real-time cash flow tracking, payroll integration, and insightful forecasting that keeps projects on budget and operations running smoothly.
Its integration with third-party software is a pleasant surprise, as I anticipated Sage would try and keep you using their products alone. This allows connections with software like Procore and Microsoft Office, ensuring you don’t have to abandon your favorite systems.
The service management module is a big hit for me, simplifying post-construction tasks like scheduling technicians, tracking warranties, and managing maintenance. Whether it’s resolving a faulty fire alarm or logging a repair history, Sage keeps client satisfaction high and aftercare stress low, making it a reliable choice for firms that prioritize long-term relationships.
What I Don’t Like About Sage Construction Management
Sage Construction Management, while robust, isn’t without its quirks. Whereas I like the use of integration with third-party software, it can be clunky, with data mapping and syncing sometimes causing delays or requiring IT expertise to smooth out the bumps.
Its extensive customization options, though powerful, can overwhelm teams without proper training, leading to overcomplicated setups or underutilized features. Reporting, another key area, occasionally stumbles under the weight of large data sets, making quick insights hard to come by when time is tight.
These challenges can make getting the most out of Sage feel like a bit of a project in itself.
How Much Does Sage Construction Management Cost?
Sage Construction’s pricing isn’t exactly easy to pin down, as it requires a consultation to get a custom quote – an approach that’s annoyingly common in construction software.
However, the silver lining is that Sage uses a fixed monthly subscription model, avoiding the turnover-based fees some competitors rely on. While the lack of transparency can be frustrating, it’s worth considering the bigger picture: the potential savings in time and efficiency that Sage can offer might outweigh the initial cost, especially for firms juggling complex projects.
Final Thoughts
After putting these six platforms through their paces, the winner for me is Access Coins. While it has its quirks – like a steep setup process and customization hurdles – Coins doesn’t just add construction features as an afterthought; it was built with them in its DNA.
From its ‘rental desk’ to the “what-if” budgeting scenarios, it anticipates the challenges of managing complex projects and tackles them head-on.
The financial tools alone are worth their weight in gold, bridging the gap between project management and accounting.
Ultimately, the best construction management software is the one that fits your business, but Coins offers a depth and functionality that in my view stands a little taller than some of its competitors.
It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, but for those managing multiple sites and large teams, the time and cost savings it delivers can more than justify the investment. It’s not the flashiest or easiest to adopt, but if you’re looking for a tool to help you truly master the chaos of construction, Coins is the one to beat.
