9.0
Editor’s Rating:
Best Overall
Procore: Portfolio
Procore
  • Full construction management solution
  • Real-time project visibility
  • Detailed Gantt charts
8.7
Editor’s Rating:
Best for Small General Contractors
Contractor Foreman: Contractor Foreman Financials
Contractor Foreman
  • 100 day money back guarantee
  • Integrates with 50+ other systems
  • Residential and commercial
8.4
Editor’s Rating:
Best for Residential Home Builders
Buildertrend: Dashboard
Buildertrend
  • Automatic schedule shifts to avoid overscheduling
  • Custom schedule templates
  • Automated notifications for labor and clients

Construction scheduling software helps companies complete projects faster with organized schedules like Gantt charts, labor and material allocation, and time tracking. Using our advanced review methodology, we researched the best construction scheduling systems on the market and ranked them below.

1 Procore - Best Overall

Why we chose it: We picked Procore as our best overall pick with a 9.0 score because it’s well-suited for general contractors handling commercial and/or residential projects. A leading platform in the construction industry, it offers collaborative schedules so every team is up to date with any revisions and updates. Additionally, its Gantt charts feature is essential for contractors to view activities, detailed timelines, and maintain task-based budgets. The ability to view timelines as a Gantt chart or as a daily, monthly, or yearly calendar makes it easy for all team members to be aligned.

We also found Procore’s workforce management module effective for labor scheduling. Contractors can streamline their planning process by visualizing their workforce and proactively assigning workers to upcoming projects weeks or months ahead. Also, users can create budgets for all projects, with resource allocation for labor, materials, and all other expenses associated with the job. This helps companies track cost forecasts and change budgets on the fly. Unfortunately, Procore has a quote-based pricing model, so businesses must reach out for details.

Best Overall:
Procore
★★★★★
★★★★★
(5)

Procore: Portfolio
Procore: RFIs
Procore: RFIs - General Information
Procore: Current Drawings
Procore: Drawings
What We Like
Full construction management solution
Real-time project visibility
Detailed Gantt charts
What We Don’t Like
Custom pricing model means limited price data available.
Learning curve for new users means training is required
Overview
Price Range: $$$
Starting Price: $375/month
Client OS: Web
Deployment: Cloud Hosted

2 Contractor Foreman - Best for Small to Midsize General Contractors

Why we chose it: We like Contractor Foreman best for small to midsize general contractors due to its affordable plans that scale with firms’ growth. We gave it an 8.7 score because of its detailed project tracking features that help small businesses stay on top of all expenses. Specifically, its daily logs keep complete project records for each day to manage productivity and updates. This includes logs for all materials and equipment delivered and used, ensuring funds are allocated smartly.

We also like Contractor Foreman’s chat feature, which can help teams collaborate and stay up to date with updates by sending messages directly from the mobile app. This eliminates using personal phone numbers or slow-response emails, as companies can send messages directly or in group chats. Overall, Contractor Foreman is an affordable solution for small to midsize construction contractors. Plans start at $49/month, billed annually, and include unlimited projects. One downside to the system is that it is missing a takeoff module, which could be a dealbreaker for companies not wanting to integrate a third-party system.

Best for Small to Midsize General Contractors:
Contractor Foreman
★★★★★
★★★★★
(14)

Contractor Foreman: Contractor Foreman Financials
Contractor Foreman: Contractor Foreman Project Details
Contractor Foreman: Contractor Foreman Project Manager
Contractor Foreman: Contractor Foreman Kanban Report
Contractor Foreman: Dashboard with Project Stats
Contractor Foreman: Dashboard
Contractor Foreman: Drawer Menu
Contractor Foreman: Chat
Contractor Foreman: Time Card
Contractor Foreman: Contractor
Contractor Foreman: Daily Log
Contractor Foreman: Estimate
Contractor Foreman: File Photo
Contractor Foreman: PDF
What We Like
100 day money back guarantee
Integrates with 50+ other systems
Residential and commercial
What We Don’t Like
Manual data uploads for certain financial platforms
Does not include accounting
Overview
Price Range: $$
Starting Price: $49/month
Client OS: iOS, Android, Web
Deployment: Cloud Hosted

3 BuilderTrend - Best for Residential Home Builders

Why we chose it: We found Buildertrend ideal for residential construction companies because of its industry-specific features. The system includes preloaded, customizable templates that make start tracking new projects and managing multiple at once efficient. Its 8.4 score also reflects its ability to shift a schedule automatically when a change is made, making it easy to edit and adjust the rest of the calendar accordingly.

Buildertrend’s time clock feature allows home builders to clock in and out on their mobile devices. This helps companies keep accurate time for their workers and allows for better project analysis, as management can see the total hours worked on each job. We also like its online portal, which keeps clients updated throughout the process. This is essential for home builders who adhere to specific customer specifications and deadlines so they can be satisfied.

One drawback we found for Buildertrend is that it may be expensive for small home builders. Its most popular Advanced plan is $799/month, best suiting contractors with larger budgets and teams.

Best for Residential Home Builders:
Buildertrend
★★★★★
★★★★★
(10)

Buildertrend: Dashboard
Buildertrend: To-Do Filters
Buildertrend: Daily Logs and Timeclock
Buildertrend: Jobs Menu
Buildertrend: Project Schedule
Buildertrend: Photo Upload
What We Like
Automatic schedule shifts to avoid overscheduling
Custom schedule templates
Automated notifications for labor and clients
What We Don’t Like
Non-customizable workflow
Print-outs lack project details
Limited CRM and marketing tools
Overview
Price Range: $$$
Starting Price: $499/month
Client OS: iOS, Android, Web
Deployment: Cloud Hosted

4 Fieldwire - Best for Field Management

Why we chose it: We included Fieldwire because of its strong field management features. The system is available on Android, iPhone, and tablets, so field teams can access essential information from anywhere, helping communication between the job site and the office. Scheduling plans like Gantt charts and Kanban boards allow for streamlined task optimization for teams.

Fieldwire also optimizes building inspections to keep projects on schedule. Users can set custom checklists for each building and conduct inspections directly from the mobile app. For any problems that occur, field teams can report to management with photos and comments for quick fixes. We also like its reporting capabilities, as companies can run reports on progress, inspections, and closeouts to gain insight into each project.

Fieldwire offers a free version for small teams with up to 5 users and 3 projects. However, we don’t like that the BIM viewer feature is only available in the Business package at $50/user/month.

Best for Field Management:
Fieldwire
★★★★★
★★★★★
(2)

Fieldwire: Specifications Page
Fieldwire: Files Page
Fieldwire: Project Creation Page
Fieldwire: Dashboard
Fieldwire: Fieldwire Scheduling
Fieldwire: Fieldwire Plans
Fieldwire: Fieldwire Form Builder
Fieldwire: Fieldwire Checklist
What We Like
Free version available for small teams (5 users)
Coordinates communication in real-time
Apps available for Apple and Android devices
What We Don’t Like
Advanced features are locked behind higher priced plans
Mobile performance can be limited by poor cell service in remote areas
Handwritten notes or drawing sketches on plans is difficult and choppy
Overview
Price Range: $$
Starting Price: $39/user/month
Client OS: Windows, iOS, Android
Deployment: Cloud Hosted

5 Jobber - Best for Specialty Contractors

Why we chose it: We like Jobber best for specialty trade contractors in plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and roofing. Companies needing to coordinate multiple crews and technicians across several job sites daily must have efficient scheduling. Users can create jobs and assign teams quickly on a shared drag-and-drop calendar, available on the mobile app for on-the-go access. It even includes dispatch management for efficient routing to cut down on transit time and get to every job fast.

We also found Jobber’s client manager module effective for service contractors. It organizes and stores customer information in one place, making it easy to access past jobs, detailed customer profiles, and communication history. The system also creates professional invoices instantly after job completion for fast payment. Companies can send invoices via text or email; the software automatically sends follow-up reminders for delayed payments. One downside we found during our research was that GPS tracking and online booking features are unavailable on the base Core plan.

Best for Specialty Contractors:
Jobber
★★★★★
★★★★★
(6)

Jobber: Job Calendar
Jobber: Add Quote
Jobber: Sample Invoice
Jobber: Jobber Scheduling Module
What We Like
Batch invoice creation
Integrates with QuickBooks and Xero
Real-time scheduling and dispatching
What We Don’t Like
Visits and jobs treated separately
Lack of compulsory custom fields for quotes and invoices
Refunds are cumbersome to process without Stripe Jobber Payments
Overview
Price Range: $$
Starting Price: $49/month
Client OS: iOS, Android, Web
Deployment: Cloud Hosted

6 Houzz Pro - Best for Remodelers and Designers

Why we chose it: Houzz Pro is best suited for remodelers and designers because of its industry-specific features. We like its 3D floor plan module that enables users to showcase realistic models of renovations and interior designs directly in the system. This allows clients and management to visualize layouts, materials used, and the overall look of the proposed remodel. Designers can then turn approvals into accurate client estimates, helping manage budgets and the cost of materials.

We also like Houzz Pro’s project management module. It helps companies stay on schedule with item assignments, Gantt charts, and real-time updates. Management can assign tasks and items for each job area, helping to maintain clear communication within teams on who is completing what task. A clear schedule is essential for remodelers to keep clients up to date with updated plans and timelines to keep them satisfied and in the loop. However, some users have reported the schedule lacks advanced capabilities like cost management and time tracking alerts and notifications.

Best for Remodelers and Designers:
Houzz Pro
★★★★★
★★★★★
(3)

Houzz Pro: Takeoff and Measurements
Houzz Pro: Project Scheduler
Houzz Pro: Estimates
Houzz Pro: Lead Management
What We Like
Platform is user-friendly and requires minimal training
Basic plan with a Pro directory listing is free
Includes marketing and advertising tools
What We Don’t Like
UI is fairly basic compared to competitors
Project match leads do not always meet lead requirements
Limited website customization
Overview
Price Range: $$
Starting Price: $85/month
Client OS: iOS, Android, Web
Deployment: Cloud or On-Premises

7 Touchplan - Best for Infrastructure Construction

Why we chose it: We found Touchplan best for large general contractors in the infrastructure construction industry. This is due to its ability to handle complex scheduling requirements involving several stakeholders and subcontractors through extensive Gantt charts and Kanban boards. Users can visualize trends, KPIs, and roadblock analytics across all infrastructure projects to see granular data. Management can also create milestones and collaborate with all teams to effectively delegate tasks for efficiency.

We also like Touchplan’s resource allocation capabilities, which help contractors stay within budget by efficiently managing materials and labor. Optimized allocation ensures projects finish on time and appeases stakeholders by not overspending on unnecessary resources. The system offers unlimited users and mobile access on any device, allowing team members to edit plans and schedules from the job site. However, there is no offline access, so sites in cellular service dead zones won’t be able to access the system without a hotspot.

Best for Infrastructure Construction:
Touchplan

Touchplan: Project Insights
Touchplan: Staffing Profile
Touchplan: Current Period Tasks
Touchplan: Run Reports
Touchplan: Quantity Tracking Page
Touchplan: Project Insights Page
What We Like
Responsive and helpful customer support
Easy to understand and see the overlap between plans
Multiple users can modify plans in real-time without issue
What We Don’t Like
Functions are limited to some extent. Will need to find work arounds.
Challenging to assign issues to subs or consultants - you need to give them access to the project
Overview
Price Range: $$$
Client OS: Web
Deployment: Cloud Hosted

What is Construction Scheduling Software?

These systems assist in managing the schedules of labor and resources in a construction project. Sometimes included as part of a larger construction management software, standalone platforms automate the calculations necessary to determine a probable completion date. Knowing these dates in advance allows you to schedule project tasks based on labor, equipment, and materials availability.

Construction scheduling is more than simply creating a work schedule for your employees. With scheduling software, task sequences, priority levels, task dependencies, and task completion times can all be illustrated in a logical progression towards project completion.

Fieldwire Scheduling Construction Scheduling Software
Creating a construction schedule in Fieldwire.

Key Features

  • Custom Schedule Views: Create schedules in an easy-to-read format. Set up calendar views, Gantt charts, or Kanban boards.
  • Resource Allocation: Assign materials, labor, and equipment to specific tasks.
  • Availability Tracking: Check if equipment or materials are available or currently in use, as well as employee availability.
  • Online Timesheets: Track employee time spent on particular tasks in the project.
  • "What-if" Analysis: Test out various construction schedules by moving project tasks to different time slots to complete project tasks without strain on your employees or resources.
  • Drag-and-Drop Capabilities: A visual approach to scheduling lets you move tasks to different time slots to see if your project team can fit the construction tasks at that time or what possible effects it may have on your bottom line in terms of budget.
  • Capacity Planning: Determine the capacity needed to meet the demand for construction projects you consider adding to the schedule. Adjust schedules in real-time when unexpected bottlenecks occur.
  • Priority Scheduling: Determine the profitability of each construction job to establish priority levels and work on the most important jobs first.
  • Time Tracking: Track hours spent on individual tasks and the project as a whole. Monitor billable vs non-billable hours for improved budgeting.
  • Budgeting: Estimate the total cost of a project based on the labor hours scheduled. Includes labor costs, material procurement costs, and operating costs.
Procore Project Overview
View detailed project overviews with Procore.

Primary Benefits

Better Manage Your Construction Budget

Accurate scheduling in construction management can reduce overall project costs. To start, anticipating cash flow correctly at the start of a job can be a key factor in making on-time payments during the job. The schedule can show predicted milestones for ordering the right supplies or arranging labor.

Another way to improve the budget is by meeting deadlines faster. While outside factors easily affect construction timelines, updating the schedule with software can help you recover lost time. Finishing a job on time or early can save labor, equipment, and materials. Also, updating the schedule can temper expectations to ensure you’re not making promises to a client that your business won’t be able to keep.

Buildertrend Budget
Examine budgets for each contract and project on Buildertrend.

Avoid Bottlenecks from Bureaucracy

Many construction businesses need to apply for permits and inspections before being able to complete work. There may also be local and municipal requirements to be met when building a residential home or a commercial building. By creating an accurate timeline of when a project will start, you’ll be better able to know when you need to apply for said permits.

In your construction process, you want to avoid bottlenecks that may come from waiting for certain tasks to be completed. One example is waiting for an electrical installation to be completed before you can proceed with further work. By scheduling these inspections ahead of time and planning non-dependent tasks to occur during installation, your business will be able to operate at peak efficiency.

Procore inspections construction scheduling software
View your inspections in Procore.

Types of Scheduling Views Available

Construction scheduling software can visually display your schedule in several formats, including:

Gantt Charts

A Gantt chart acts as a bar chart that illustrates the schedule for your construction project. This scheduling method provides a means of viewing the dependencies between tasks, helps visually represent the connections between what must be completed first, and can also track the completion of project milestones. Gantt charts are important in construction due to the frequency of changes in a construction project. Charts make it easy to see the tasks that are on schedule, running behind, or at risk of exceeding the allotted time.

Buildertrend Gantt Chart
A Gantt chart schedule developed in Buildertrend.

Calendar Views

Calendar views allow you to view your construction project schedule in a format people recognize. In construction scheduling, a calendar view allows you to view tasks and their start and end dates in an easy-to-understand format. Tasks can easily be rescheduled in a drag-and-drop fashion whenever changes are needed. Calendars can also be viewed in a daily, weekly, or monthly format, which is great if you have an interest in tasks on a daily level or want to look farther out into the future.

Jobber Scheduling
Drag and drop scheduling calendar on Jobber.

Kanban Boards

In construction scheduling software, Kanban boards can use historical data to help you estimate a current project’s duration and plan and prioritize upcoming projects. The aim is to provide scheduling based on workflow historical data rather than estimates. The ease and convenience of Kanban boards let you better visualize each stage of your construction project.

Touchplan Project Kanban Board
A Kanban board schedule in Touchplan, with color-coded tasks and assignments.
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