Cloud construction management software is a web-based platform for planning and tracking project progress from any device with an internet connection.
Using our advanced review methodology, we tested and reviewed over 50+ providers across 7 metrics for our top picks. Here are the final results.
- Procore: Best Overall
- Fieldwire: Best for Field Teams
- Contractor Foreman: Most Affordable Pick
- Buildertrend
- Autodesk Build
- QuickBase
- eSUB Cloud
- Houzz Pro
- JobTread
- Buildxact
1 Procore - Best Overall
Why We Chose It: Procore is the most popular construction management software on the market, with over 2 million general contractors and owners using it worldwide. It earned top billing on our list because it grants mobile and offline access to field workers, allowing them to update drawings and other project documents on the fly.
The system has specialized tools for managing site safety and quality, including a daily log, incident reporting, and inspections to track performance. We also found Procore’s integration options worth noting, connecting with over 500 third-party applications like QuickBooks, Microsoft Project, and Salesforce.
However, our research into user reviews revealed that many found Procore Construction Financials challenging to use. That’s because it has rigid controls over adjusting prices for change orders. Users also struggled to reconcile very small discrepancies between the financial data in Procore and their own spreadsheets.
2 Fieldwire - Best for Field Teams
Why We Chose It: Fieldwire is our top pick for field teams. These include employees driving on-site activities, such as general contractors, subcontractors, designers, architects, and owners.
The blueprint viewer tool is a huge reason for this. It enables field workers to edit and share construction drawings from any device in real-time. With functions like automatic syncing and offline access, the blueprint viewer is a boon for teams dealing with numerous drawings.
Fieldwire boosts field operations with its location-based task tools, enabling team members to edit tasks with detailed annotations, photos, and videos. We appreciate its free plan, which accommodates up to five users and three projects, although it’s more of a temporary solution. As companies grow, they’ll likely need to transition to a paid plan to meet expanding needs.
3 Contractor Foreman - Most Affordable Pick
Why We Chose It: Contractor Foreman made our list because it’s affordable yet feature-heavy, handling bid management, job costing, and client interactions. Along with a free 30-day trial and a 100-day money-back guarantee, the software’s pricing starts at just $49/month.
Even Contractor Foreman’s standard plan has strong project management capabilities, including daily logs, work orders, punch lists, and a client portal. It supports accounting with straightforward tools for creating estimates, change orders, invoices, purchase orders, and sub-contracts. We also like that the standard plan has an employee directory, team chat, leads manager, time card tool, crew scheduling, and a calendar. Our research showed that Contractor Foreman does not have its own built-in takeoff capabilities. However, it integrates with Kreo Software, allowing users to import takeoffs from Kreo and export them to Contractor Foreman for creating estimates and invoices.
4 Buildertrend
Why We Chose It: We added Buildertrend to our list because it caters to home construction projects. We found it best for remodelers, homebuilders, and specialty residential contractors needing tools like mobile document scanning and client portals.
Buildertrend provides unlimited cloud storage for photos, videos, and documents. We like its strong communication features, allowing homeowners to track the progress of their construction projects, view schedules, and approve changes through a client portal. Additionally, the mobile app simplifies financial documentation by allowing users to scan receipts and automatically create bills with PDF attachments.
We’ve noticed that compared to alternatives like Contractor Foreman and Fieldwire, Buildertrend tends to be more expensive, costing $499 per month. Small teams and construction companies might want to explore more affordable options with lower monthly fees.
5 Autodesk Build
Why We Chose It: Autodesk is well-known in the construction industry, with a software suite tailored for project design, planning, and management. We chose Autodesk Build due to its tight integration with AutoCAD and Revit, making it ideal for teams already using Autodesk’s ecosystem.
One of Autodesk Build’s strongest features is its document management system. It ensures data integrity and security by safeguarding drawings and models with version control and permissions settings. Autodesk Build also has tools for safety management and project administration, covering schedules, budgets, and timelines.
Users can import AutoCAD drawings and upload Revit designs directly into Autodesk Build, allowing project teams to access detailed 3D models alongside other documents. However, newcomers to Autodesk may need to invest in multiple products for full functionality, increasing their dependence on the product ecosystem.
6 QuickBase
Why We Chose It: QuickBase made our list because it’s highly customizable, allowing construction teams to build apps tailored to their workflows. We like that it has an intuitive no-code application builder. It provides a visual interface with drag-and-drop tools, form builders, and templates to design user interfaces, define data fields, and set up relationships between tables.
Additionally, QuickBase has over 40+ pre-built integration channels to connect with third-party software. This includes widely used tools such as Sage Intacct, Outlook, and Microsoft Power BI. The system also offers a library of RESTful APIs to connect QuickBase with any external system.
We found that users unfamiliar with database concepts or app development may need time to learn QuickBase’s no-code approach. Our research also revealed potential performance issues when handling very large datasets or complex queries.
7 eSUB Cloud
Why We Chose It: We picked eSUB Cloud because it’s tailored specifically for trade contractors, enhancing how they collect and analyze project and job site data. With eSUB, subcontractors can track RFIs and change orders, and it also includes tools for managing time cards.
We found its project management functions fairly comprehensive, including scheduling and resource management tools. The eSUB Field Works Mobile App enables remote data sharing and communication with the office. The platform also centralizes job tracking and construction documents, streamlines submittal approvals, and integrates voice notes into projects.
However, some users reported slow performance and clunky navigation on the mobile app. We also found adding and uploading photos a little cumbersome, so we recommend exploring these areas with eSUB’s 14-day free trial.
8 Houzz Pro
Why We Chose It: Houzz Pro was initially built for design, remodeling, and home flipping companies. We picked it because it helps manage multiple jobs by centralizing scheduling, messages, files, and tasks. During our research into Houzz Pro, we found a number of noteworthy features:
- Task Management: Allows for task assignments to team members or clients, deadline setting, follow-ups, and notifications for task updates.
- Visual Schedules: Manage project items or tasks with color-coded stages or activities, set start and end dates, and opt for calendar or Gantt views.
- Centralized Communication: Streamlines processes from initial client interaction to project completion, with features for payment requests.
- Unlimited Cloud Storage: Offers cloud-based storage for all project-related documents.
- Lead Management: Helps professionals manage leads effectively with client dashboards and individual insights.
However, some users have noted that contracts automatically renew, and canceling the service can be difficult. They also report varying levels of success with the potential clients or business opportunities provided by Houzz Pro. Some leads are very relevant, while others are not as useful.
9 JobTread
Why We Chose It: We picked JobTread because it’s an end-to-end construction management software. Unlike some competitors that focus on specific aspects like project tracking or estimating, it’s an integrated platform supporting operations from pre-construction to completion.
Our research into JobTread showed the software performs best in these key areas:
- Project Performance Tracking: Keeps projects on schedule and budget with daily logs, automated job costing, and scheduling tools.
- Job Finances: Control costs, deliver consistent pricing, and ensure target profits are met, along with accurate invoicing and billing functionalities.
- Customer Experience: Offers online portals for customers to access job-related documents, communications, and invoices.
Some users found occasional glitches, like syncing issues, when integrating JobTread with QuickBooks. Additionally, certain features, such as custom report generation, are still in development and not yet available. JobTread was launched in 2021, so it’s still a fairly new software.
10 Buildxact
Why We Chose It: Buildxact made our list because it’s a good fit for small residential builders and contractors. It’s best for companies transitioning from traditional pen-and-paper methods to their first software platform. It includes functionalities like point-and-click estimating, automatic quote generation, and digital takeoff tools.
Buildxact has a mobile app that allows field workers to update job details, communicate with the office, and check schedules from anywhere. We also like that the platform integrates with popular accounting software such as QuickBooks and Xero. However, some users have run into slow load times or glitches when handling extensive datasets or large projects.
What Is Online Construction Project Management Software?
Web-based construction management software is a specialized app designed to assist in planning, coordinating, and controlling projects. Hosted in the cloud, this digital platform stores project data securely online. This allows managers, contractors, architects, and other stakeholders to access and update information from any location with internet access.
Key Features
Key features of online construction project management software include:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Project Scheduling and Planning | Tools for creating, visualizing, and modifying project timelines, including task management and milestone setting. |
| Document Management | Central repository for storing, sharing, and accessing all project-related documents. |
| Budgeting and Cost Control | Tracking finances, budget allocation, and real-time expense monitoring to manage and prevent budget overruns. |
| Resource Allocation | Management of labor, materials, and equipment to optimize utilization and prevent bottlenecks. |
| Communication Tools& | Integrated communication features like chat, forums, and email integration to enhance team collaboration. |
| Quality Control and Compliance | Tools for monitoring quality and ensuring compliance with standards and regulations. |
| Risk Management | Features for risk assessment to predict and mitigate potential project risks. |
| Reporting and Analytics | Advanced reporting tools for insight into project progress, productivity, and other key metrics. |
| Mobile Access | Mobile apps or mobile-friendly sites allow access to project data and communication from anywhere. |
| Integration Capabilities | Ability to integrate with other systems like GIS, accounting, and HR systems. |
Benefits
- Improved Project Coordination: Facilitates better coordination of tasks and resources, reducing conflicts and ensuring smoother project flow.
- Enhanced Communication: Centralized communication tools ensure that all stakeholders are easily and consistently informed, improving decision-making and response times.
- Increased Efficiency: Automating tasks like scheduling, reporting, and documentation reduces manual labor and speeds up project processes.
- Cost Control: Real-time budget monitoring and cost management help in keeping the project within financial constraints and identifying potential overruns early.
- Document Control: Centralized document management reduces the risk of using outdated plans, improves compliance, and ensures everyone accesses the same information.
- Mobility: Access to project data from any location at any time, enhancing the ability to make decisions on the go and respond to issues promptly.
- Better Risk Management: Advanced risk assessment tools allow for early identification and mitigation of potential risks, minimizing the project’s impacts.
Drawbacks
- Dependence on Internet Connectivity: These systems rely heavily on consistent internet access, which can be challenging in remote or newly developed areas.
- Complexity and User Adoption: The complexity of some software can lead to steep learning curves and resistance among less tech-savvy team members.
- High Initial Costs: Implementation can be expensive due to licensing fees, training costs, and the need for occasional updates.
- Data Security Concerns: Storing sensitive project information in the cloud can raise concerns about data breaches and loss of privacy.
- Integration Issues: Difficulties in integrating with existing systems or data inconsistency between various tools can lead to inefficiencies and errors.
Pricing Guide
The cost of cloud-based construction management software typically starts at $7 per month and can go up to $200 per month under a subscription-based pricing model. The overall cost of the software as a service (SaaS) usually depends on the number of users and the specific applications required.
While some free construction management software options are available, additional charges may apply for extra users or certain features. These include options like:
- Fieldwire has a free plan for up to 5 users, with features like drawing markup, task management, and on-site data collection.
- Contractor Foreman offers a free plan with essential construction management tools like scheduling, time tracking, job costing, and invoicing.
