Top Construction Management Software for General Contractors

The construction industry is complex, requiring meticulous coordination across various aspects—scheduling, budgeting, task management, and communication—to achieve project success. General contractors, in particular, benefit greatly from robust construction project management software designed to centralize project information, streamline workflows, and enhance collaboration across the project team. These tools have become essential for today’s construction professionals, helping construction companies manage resources, timelines, and client expectations efficiently.

For general contractors, the right software can boost productivity, reduce errors, and improve project oversight. However, with numerous construction project management software solutions available, each with distinct features and limitations, selecting the right one can be challenging. This guide provides insights into top software choices for general contractors and explains why a custom-built solution with Knack may be the most effective option for meeting specific requirements, from tracking change orders to managing subcontractors and improving profitability.

Overview of Construction Management Solutions

Construction management software assists contractors in organizing and managing daily operations, such as project planning, budgeting, and document management. These tools centralize essential project information, improve collaboration, facilitate real-time progress tracking, and support streamlined workflows. By consolidating functions like task assignments, communication, job costing, invoicing, and cost tracking, these platforms minimize errors, enhance accountability, and ultimately lead to more successful project execution.

For general contractors, construction management software is crucial. It automates routine processes, enhances communication with stakeholders, optimizes resource management, and provides accurate forecasting and metrics. These capabilities enable construction companies, including small businesses and home builders, to compete effectively in a demanding industry.

7 Software Options for General Contractors

1. Procore

• Overview: Procore is a comprehensive construction management tool popular among contractors for its robust project management capabilities and customizable workflows.
• Key Features: Real-time collaboration, financial tracking, document management, and tools for handling change orders.
• Drawbacks: Its complexity and cost may be unsuitable for smaller contractors or those with straightforward needs.
• Verdict: Ideal for contractors managing large, complex projects requiring detailed oversight, including lifecycle management and preconstruction phases.

2. Buildertrend

• Overview: Buildertrend is a cloud-based platform designed for project, client, and financial management, especially tailored for construction companies.
• Key Features: Time tracking, budget management, CRM for client communication, project document sharing, and scheduling.
• Drawbacks: The extensive feature set, including capabilities for invoicing and job costing, can be overwhelming and more costly than simpler options.
• Verdict: Great for contractors needing an all-in-one solution, particularly for small to mid-sized projects with complex client and financial tracking needs.

3. Fieldwire

• Overview: Fieldwire focuses on task management and team communication, enhancing efficiency on job sites.
• Key Features: Task assignments, document sharing, real-time messaging, and punch lists for job site tasks.
• Drawbacks: Limited scope for end-to-end project management, as it lacks more comprehensive financial and CRM tools.
• Verdict: Best for contractors who prioritize on-site team coordination and punch lists but may not meet all project management needs.

4. PlanGrid

• Overview: Known for its blueprint and document management, PlanGrid is popular among contractors needing mobile access to plans and project information.
• Key Features: Mobile-friendly blueprint access, real-time updates, and issue tracking for easy on-site management.
• Drawbacks: May lack the comprehensive project management features, such as forecasting and job costing, that larger teams require.
• Verdict: Great for contractors needing mobile-friendly document management and blueprint access for project closeout and markups.

5. CoConstruct

• Overview: Now part of Buildertrend, CoConstruct offers specialized tools for residential and commercial contractors focusing on project and client management.
• Key Features: Project scheduling, CRM for client communication, budgeting, team collaboration, and preconstruction tracking.
• Drawbacks: Its complexity can be overwhelming for smaller teams with simpler project management needs.
• Verdict: Effective for contractors needing detailed project and client management tools, especially for specialty contractors and custom home builders.

6. Autodesk Build

• Overview: Autodesk Build integrates project management with design tools, making it ideal for teams seeking a solution that bridges design and construction.
• Key Features: Centralized document management, tools for RFIs and submittals, real-time cost management, and mobile collaboration.
• Drawbacks: Complexity and cost can be prohibitive for small businesses or contractors with simpler needs.
• Verdict: Suited for contractors seeking a design-integrated project management solution, particularly for complex, design-heavy projects that benefit from Autodesk’s ecosystem.

7. RedTeam

• Overview: RedTeam emphasizes collaboration and documentation, supporting all stages of the project lifecycle from planning to execution.
• Key Features: Project tracking, financial management, team collaboration, and tools for managing purchase orders and subcontractor agreements.
• Drawbacks: Limited customization options and a potentially steep learning curve, especially for contractors new to digital project management tools.
• Verdict: Good for contractors needing a collaborative platform with strong documentation features, especially in financial and subcontractor management.

Knack: The Best Software Solution for General Contractors

While ready-made construction management software can be helpful, it often has limitations—such as rigid workflows, unused features, or high costs. For contractors needing a tailored solution, Knack offers an ideal alternative that combines flexibility, scalability, and affordability. Knack is a no-code application development platform that allows you to build your own software in just a few minutes, at the fraction of the price you would pay for traditional software.

Tailored to Meet Unique Needs
Knack enables contractors to build custom platforms that are aligned with their specific project requirements. This includes custom workflows, dashboards, data fields, and checklists, allowing contractors to design a solution without compromise. Whether tracking project information, managing subcontractors, or handling purchase orders, Knack adapts to your workflow.

Ease of Use with a No-Code Platform
Knack’s no-code builder is user-friendly, even for non-technical team members. Teams can create and manage custom forms, integrate data, and streamline workflows, keeping the focus on project tasks rather than on complex software training.

Flexible Integrations and Scalability
Knack integrates with popular tools like QuickBooks, Microsoft, and other ERP solutions, ensuring a seamless operation within existing ecosystems. Its flexibility allows for growth, with new features or adjustments as business needs evolve, ensuring it supports long-term lifecycle management.

Cost-Effective with Transparent Pricing
With Knack, contractors only pay for the features they need, avoiding high costs associated with bundled, pre-packaged software. This pricing model supports budget-friendly project management that focuses on essential features like job costing and project approvals.

Control Over Data and Security
For contractors handling sensitive data, Knack provides full control over data management, enhancing security and compliance beyond what some third-party software offers.

Resources and Support for Smooth Implementation
Knack provides comprehensive resources, from onboarding support to templates and guidance, making it easy for contractors to build and maintain custom solutions that streamline their workflows. Knack even offers templates to expedite your build.

Construction Template Apps

Work Order Template

Efficient work order control for supervisors and technicians.

Fleet Management App Template

Optimize fleet operations with real-time tracking, route planning, and proactive maintenance.

Equipment Tracker Template

Employees search and checkout available equipment. Admins can view history logs.

Construction Project Management App Template

Streamline construction project oversight from planning to completion.

Property Inspection App Template

Effortlessly streamline property inspections; Real-time scheduling, detailed reporting, and seamless communication.

Try Knack’s Construction Management Template App Today

General contractors have various software options to consider, but not all offer the right balance of affordability, functionality, and ease of use. While solutions like Procore and Autodesk Build provide robust features, they may also introduce complexities or costs unsuitable for smaller contractors or specialty contractors needing customizable solutions.

Knack’s Construction Management Template App offers a custom approach to construction management. It includes essential features for project tracking and collaboration, and Knack’s no-code platform enables contractors to personalize the app to their needs. As businesses grow, Knack’s scalability and integration options allow contractors to manage workflows seamlessly, track project metrics, and gain greater control over profitability.

Read “How to Build Construction Software (Tutorial)” >>

Start Transforming Your Construction Management

Streamline project schedules, improve communication, and gain control over project progress with Knack’s Construction Management Template App. This no-code solution, built specifically for general contractors, is available for a 14-day free trial. Discover how it can enhance your project management, support your subcontractors, and drive success.