5 Buildertrend Alternatives and Competitors for 2024

Construction businesses rely on robust tools to manage workflows, track costs, and keep teams aligned. Buildertrend has become a leading name in construction project management software, offering features like project scheduling, document management, and job costing. While these capabilities make it a strong choice for general contractors and contractor foremen, Buildertrend isn’t the perfect fit for every team.

Some users find Buildertrend’s pricing model restrictive, its workflows time-consuming to learn, or its mobile app lacking in flexibility. Whether you’re a small business seeking cost-effective options or a construction business needing advanced features, exploring alternatives is crucial.

In this blog, we’ll highlight top alternatives to Buildertrend and explore their key features. Finally, we’ll explain why Knack is the best cloud-based software solution, combining customization, scalability, and ease of use.

What is Buildertrend?

Buildertrend is a cloud-based construction project management software designed to streamline the entire construction lifecycle. It offers key features like project scheduling, document management, invoicing, change orders, and job costing, making it a popular choice among general contractors, contractor foremen, and small businesses. Buildertrend’s mobile app enables teams to manage projects and communicate effectively while on the go, making it particularly useful for construction teams working across multiple job sites.

While Buildertrend provides a robust suite of tools, it’s not without its limitations. Its comprehensive feature set can feel time-consuming to navigate, especially for teams with less technical expertise or those new to construction management software. Additionally, its pricing model may not be suitable for small businesses or those looking for cost-effective solutions.

Another common concern is Buildertrend’s rigidity. While its pre-built workflows are helpful for typical construction processes, they may lack the flexibility needed for teams that require advanced customization or unique workflows. For businesses with diverse operational needs or growing project complexity, this can become a significant drawback.

Buildertrend is a strong option for managing construction projects, but if you need more customization, scalability, or affordability, exploring alternatives can help you find a software solution that better fits your construction business.

Top Buildertrend Alternatives

Here are the top alternatives to Buildertrend, each offering unique features to suit various construction workflows:

1. Procore

Best for: Large-scale construction businesses needing enterprise-level tools.

Procore is a comprehensive construction project management software that excels in resource management, cost management, and document management. Its integration with BIM tools and support for RFIs, submittals, and change orders make it an excellent choice for pre-construction and large projects. However, its complexity may not suit small businesses or contractor foremen looking for a more user-friendly interface.

2. CoConstruct

Best for: Custom home builders and remodelers.

CoConstruct is tailored for custom projects, offering key features like project scheduling, invoicing, and change orders. Its focus on collaboration between clients and contractors makes it a go-to tool for pre-construction planning. However, its limited scalability may restrict its use for teams managing diverse workflows or larger construction businesses.

3. PlanGrid (by Autodesk Construction Cloud)

Best for: Teams focused on field collaboration.

PlanGrid, now part of Autodesk Construction Cloud, shines in field-first features like mobile app accessibility, Gantt charts, and real-time updates for contractor foremen. It simplifies submittals, RFIs, and blueprint sharing, but it lacks the comprehensive project planning and resource management capabilities found in broader software solutions.

4. Smartsheet

Best for: General project management with customizable workflows.

Smartsheet is ideal for teams prioritizing flexibility. Its spreadsheet-like interface makes it easy to manage timelines, tasks, and resource management. While effective for general contractors, it lacks industry-specific features like job costing or change order tracking, making it less suitable for construction businesses with specialized needs.

5. JobNimbus

Best for: Roofing contractors and smaller teams.

JobNimbus combines CRM functionality with time tracking and invoicing features, making it an excellent fit for small businesses. However, its limited advanced features and scalability may hinder teams managing complex or large-scale projects.

Why Choose Knack as the Best Buildertrend Alternative?

When evaluating alternatives to Buildertrend, Knack stands out as a cloud-based software solution that adapts to your needs, whether you’re managing pre-construction planning, change orders, or document management. Here’s why Knack is the ultimate choice for construction project management software:

• User-Friendly Interface: Knack’s intuitive no-code builder ensures contractor foremen and general contractors can start building custom tools with minimal effort.
• Custom Workflows: Create tailored apps for project scheduling, resource management, job costing, and even time tracking. Knack adapts to your workflows, not the other way around.
• Scalability for Growth: From small businesses to large construction businesses, Knack grows with you, offering advanced features for complex workflows.
• Affordable Pricing Model: Knack’s transparent pricing makes it accessible for teams of all sizes, helping you manage project costs without breaking the bank.
• Mobile App Accessibility: Stay connected on the go with Knack’s mobile-friendly platform, ensuring you make informed decisions whether you’re in the office or on-site.
• Seamless Integrations: Knack integrates with tools like QuickBooks and CRMs, simplifying service management and enabling smooth data flow across your organization.
• Document Management: Store and organize all your construction documents securely, ensuring everything from submittals to RFIs is easily accessible.

Knack isn’t just an alternative—it’s a flexible, scalable, and user-friendly solution that empowers construction businesses to streamline their workflows and achieve better results.

Get Started with Knack Today

Looking for a better way to manage your construction projects? With Knack, you can build tools that work the way your team needs them to—whether it’s for project scheduling, cost management, or service management.

Start your free trial today and discover why Knack is the best alternative to Buildertrend for construction project management.