The Best Construction Business Management & Marketing Tools

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Welcome to the ultimate guide for mastering the complex art of construction business management and marketing! In the dynamic and ever-evolving construction industry, success depends not only on impeccable craftsmanship but also on adept project management, financial oversight, and strategic marketing execution. The Best Construction Business Management & Marketing Tools are crucial for understanding these elements and achieving long-term growth and sustainability.

Whether you’re an experienced contractor with years of expertise or new to the field eager to make your mark, navigating the plethora of available tools and resources can be both challenging and rewarding. By leveraging modern technology, data analytics, and innovative marketing strategies, you can enhance operational efficiency and gain a competitive edge. As you pursue professional growth and excellence, this guide will provide valuable insights to help you thrive in the construction business.

One of the big questions we get asked at Contractor Coalition is the tools we use, and we don’t leave anything off of the table. Nick from Ns Builders, Brad from AFT Construction), Tyler from TRG Home Concepts, and myself here at construction2style, together have compiled a comprehensive list of essential tools and categorized them to help you streamline your operations, boost productivity, and elevate your construction business to new heights. So, grab your hard hat and get ready to embark on a journey towards success in the construction industry!

Financial & Sales Tools

Quickbooks

• PRICE: TBD
• FEATURES: QuickBooks is a widely-used accounting software that aids businesses in managing their finances, invoicing, and expenses. It simplifies financial tasks by tracking income and expenses, generating reports, and streamlining tax preparation. With features such as bank reconciliation, payroll management, and seamless integrations with other software, QuickBooks serves as a comprehensive tool for effective financial management.

Bill.com

• PRICE: $79/monthly
• FEATURES: Bill.com offers an efficient solution for managing construction payments. By streamlining vendor payments and allowing you to use your credit card, it simplifies and enhances convenience. 

Hubdoc

• PRICE: Free trial, then $12/monthly
• FEATURES: Hubdoc streamlines data extraction from receipts, invoices, and bills, eliminating the need for manual entry and filing. 

Calendly

• PRICE: Free for 1 seat, than $10/per seat
• FEATURES: Our calendar scheduling tool, “Calendly,” plays a pivotal role in enhancing time management and streamlining workflows for our team. Its diverse functions extend beyond merely sending calendar invites; it revolutionizes time-saving strategies. By integrating Calendly into our email signatures, we provide an effortless way for others to schedule meetings with us. This seamless coordination ensures smooth alignment of schedules. Additionally, the automatic inclusion of a Zoom link further simplifies meeting setup, making Calendly an indispensable assistant for efficient appointment management.

Dubsado

• PRICE: Free trial, then $400 per year.
• FEATURES: Experience Workflow CRM with automated email responses for lead inquiries. 

Digs

• PRICE: Free trial
• FEATURES: Digs collaboration software offers an enhanced solution for communicating, saving, and sharing all home-related information in a single location.

Project Management Tools

BuilderTrend

• PRICE: $99 – $799/month
• FEATURES: BuilderTrend is a leading construction management software designed to streamline the entire building process. It offers tools for project management, scheduling, client communication, document sharing, and more. With its scalable pricing structure, BuilderTrend caters to both small and large construction businesses, ensuring efficiency from pre-construction to project completion. The platform integrates with financial systems, offers mobile access, and includes daily logs to keep teams informed and projects on track.

Adaptive

• PRICE: Custom
• FEATURES: Adaptive Construction Management turns your construction vision into reality by simplifying complex processes. The software focuses on providing peace of mind through expert team collaboration, strong communication channels, and efficient time management. Whether you’re working on residential, commercial, or industrial projects, Adaptive excels in delivering a seamless experience from concept to completion, ensuring top-notch project management across various industries.

Asana 

• PRICE: Free trial available, paid plans start at $10.99/month
• FEATURES: Asana is a versatile project management tool that helps construction teams organize tasks, collaborate effectively, and meet deadlines. With features like task assignment, timelines, and team communication tools, Asana keeps everyone aligned and projects moving forward. The free trial allows users to explore its core functionalities before upgrading to a paid plan for access to premium features like timeline views, automation, and integrations with other software.

Storage & Communication Tools

Slack

• PRICE: Free, or the business plan is $12/month
• FEATURES: Slack is a robust team communication and collaboration tool that streamlines internal conversations. It features organized channels for different projects or departments, direct messaging, file sharing, video calls, and integrations with numerous apps like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Asana to enhance team productivity.

Materio

• PRICE: Use code C2SLOVESMATERIO for a 20% discount coupon.
• FEATURES:Materio is a design and bidding tool tailored for the construction industry. It helps teams manage and execute designs, estimates, and proposals efficiently. The tool offers a free trial and scales its pricing based on the number of jobs processed, making it adaptable to small and large businesses.

Blue Beam

• PRICE: Free, then $200 – $400/month
• FEATURES:Bluebeam is construction software that provides solutions for PDF creation, markup, editing, and real-time collaboration for architects, engineers, and construction professionals. It helps streamline document management, review processes, and drawing management to increase project efficiency.

Indesign

• PRICE: Free, then TBD
• FEATURES: Adobe InDesign is a versatile tool used for digital and print design. It allows users to create everything from flyers, brochures, and magazines to eBooks and digital publications with precision. InDesign offers advanced typography and layout options, making it ideal for design professionals.

Miro

• PRICE: Free trial, then $16/month
• FEATURES:Miro is a collaborative, real-time whiteboard app that allows teams to work together visually. Whether for brainstorming, project management, or strategy mapping, Miro offers templates, sticky notes, and integration with tools like Slack, Google Drive, and Zoom to streamline collaborative workflows.

Docusign 

• PRICE: Starts at $10/month
• FEATURES: DocuSign provides electronic signature solutions, allowing users to securely sign, send, and manage documents from anywhere. It integrates with various platforms such as Salesforce and Google Workspace, automating document workflows and ensuring compliance with security standards.

Loom

• PRICE: Free for limited use, then $10/month
• FEATURES: Loom is a video messaging tool designed for recording short video tutorials, presentations, or team updates. It allows users to capture their screen, voice, and face simultaneously, making it easy to communicate complex ideas and share them via simple links.

Dropbox

• PRICE: Free for basic storage; paid plans start at $9.99/month
• FEATURES: Dropbox is a cloud-based file storage and sharing platform. It offers secure file storage, syncing across devices, and collaboration tools, allowing teams to share and access documents easily from anywhere. It integrates with a wide range of apps and services for seamless workflow management.

Google Workspace

• PRICE: Starts at $6/month
• FEATURES: Google Workspace is a suite of productivity tools that includes Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, Sheets, and more. It enables teams to collaborate in real-time, share files, and manage tasks, all while offering secure, cloud-based storage and access from any device.

Marketing & Branding Tools

Tailwinds

• PRICE: Free startup, then $20/month
• FEATURES: Tailwind is a Pinterest and Instagram scheduling tool designed to help users schedule posts, track performance, and optimize their content strategy. It offers a smart calendar, hashtag finder, and insights to drive more engagement. Additionally, Tailwind offers features like Contractor Coalition Group, which helps contractors support one another by sharing resources and best practices.

Buffer

• PRICE: Free for up to 3 social media channels; paid plans start at $6/month for more channels.
• FEATURES:Buffer is a social media scheduler that allows users to manage and schedule posts across Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. It provides insights into post performance and offers tools for queuing posts in advance, helping businesses maintain consistent social media activity.

Later

• PRICE: $25/month for one user; $45/month for teams
• FEATURES:Later is a visual social media scheduler for Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. It features a drag-and-drop calendar, hashtag suggestions, and tools for visually planning content. It also offers analytics to track performance, helping users optimize their social media strategy.

Monday

• PRICE: Free for up to 2 seats; $10/month per user (up to 30 seats)
• FEATURES:Monday.com is a work management tool that helps teams set tasks, assign deadlines, and create workflows. It’s designed for project management, offering task tracking, time management, and collaboration features. It also integrates with other tools to create seamless workflows for teams.

Loom

• PRICE: Free plan available; paid plans start at $8/month
• FEATURES:Loom is a video messaging tool that allows users to record their screen, voice, and face simultaneously. It’s used to create quick explainer videos for clients or internal teams, enabling users to avoid repetitive explanations. Loom improves time management by allowing teams to share concise video updates that can be viewed on their own time.

Canva

• PRICE: Free for basic features; Pro plan starts at $12.99/month
• FEATURES: Canva is an online design platform that allows users to create graphics, presentations, videos, and social media posts. It’s especially popular for designing Instagram Reels, logos, infographics, and other marketing materials. Canva provides thousands of templates and easy-to-use design tools for both beginners and professionals.

ConvertKit

• PRICE: Free for up to 1,000 subscribers; paid plans start at $9/month
• FEATURES:ConvertKit is an intuitive email marketing platform that simplifies building and nurturing an audience. It offers powerful automation, segmentation, and customization options, enabling users to engage with their subscribers through personalized email campaigns. It’s user-friendly and highly effective for businesses focusing on audience growth and engagement.

AI Tools for Design within Construction

OpenSpaceAI

• PRICE: Must contact sales for pricing.
• FEATURES: OpenSpace.ai, a trailblazing AI construction software, has documented over 750 million square feet of construction space, solidifying its leadership in the industry. What distinguishes OpenSpace.ai is its revolutionary AI-powered visual documentation platform, seamlessly capturing job site images into 360-degree walkthroughs, providing invaluable digital twins for in-depth pre-construction analysis. Its advanced AI algorithms automatically map images to project plans, expediting the analysis process and fostering enhanced collaboration among stakeholders.

Room Sketcher

• PRICE: Free trial / Premium $2 per project / Pro, $10 per month / Team option for $360 per year
• FEATURES: RoomSketcher is an innovative technology company that provides a floor plan and home design software that is easy to use and extremely powerful. From 2D to 3D, floor plans to 360 degree views, this app has you covered.

Homestyler

• PRICE: Free trial, then from $4 – 20 per month.
• FEATURES: Homestyler, developed by Autodesk, is a popular AI interior design tool catering to professionals and homeowners. The platform offers a vast library of 3D models, furniture, and decor items, allowing users to create and customize virtual spaces. Homestyler’s AI algorithms can suggest design elements, colors, and styles based on user input and preferences. Additionally, Homestyler provides augmented reality features, enabling users to overlay virtual furniture and decorations onto their real-world surroundings.

Canvas

• PRICE: .20 per sq ft
• FEATURES: Canvas Measurement Report simplifies the process of capturing existing conditions. It provides a detailed overview, including floor plans and key measurements of floors, walls, doors, windows, and countertops, essential for tasks like bidding and takeoffs. With Canvas, you can save significant time by scanning and uploading your space to generate the report automatically, streamlining your workflow and eliminating the need for manual measurement and drafting.

Digs

• PRICE: Free starter version / Pro – $59/month
• FEATURES: Digs is an AI collaboration platform for builders that automatically organizes documents, enhances collaboration, and generates digital homeowner handoffs with a few clicks. Digs’ results in more efficient builds and a full digital understanding [3D digital twin] of the home for the homeowner that is both usable and shareable.

AI Tools for Construction Business Management

ClickUp

• PRICE: Free version, Unlimited: $7/month per user / Business: $12/month per user, Available on all paid plans for $5 per Workspace member per month
• FEATURES: Experience optimized construction timelines with AI-powered scheduling, ensuring task accountability and timely completion through AI-driven alerts. Streamline materials tracking, resource management, and cost allocation within a centralized system, while dashboards efficiently manage project documents, reducing administrative overhead. Tailor workflows to construction team needs, access on-the-go project management via the mobile app, and benefit from integrated time tracking and budget management, supported by access to training resources for effective utilization.

Procore Copilot

• PRICE: Contact sales for a custom quote
  FEATURES: The emergence of Procore Copilot highlights the construction industry’s pressing need for technological solutions that reduce manual labor and enhance efficiency in complex workflows. As per the findings of the 2023 How We Build Now Report, a substantial 28% of total project time is consumed by rework, with an additional 18% dedicated to data search activities. These statistics underscore the significant impact on project performance caused by inefficiencies in these areas.

Fusion 360 by Autodesk

• PRICE: $70/month per user
• FEATURES: Fusion 360 redefines computer-aided design (CAD) with AI integration, enhancing design efficiency and accuracy. Unique generative design capabilities use AI algorithms to optimize structures and components. Seamless BIM integration ensures collaboration throughout the construction lifecycle, with real-time cloud-based collaboration. Fusion 360’s AI-driven simulation tools enable predictive performance analysis, and while users may need to purchase credits for cloud software, the platform is lauded for its powerful features in reviews.

Fieldwire

• PRICE: Basic: $0/month per user; Pro: $54/month per user; Business: $74/month per user; Business Plus: $89/month per user
• FEATURES: Fieldwire excels in AI data analysis for construction sites, providing real-time data aggregation and intelligent reporting. Advanced AI algorithms facilitate insights into construction progress, empowering informed decision-making. The software streamlines communication and documentation with features like automated issue tracking, custom forms, and notifications. While some limitations exist in tracking financials and budgets, and as an estimating tool, Fieldwire’s pricing tiers cater to varying user needs.

DroneDeploy

• PRICE: Individual: $499/month per user; Advanced: $599/month per user; Projects: Contact sales for pricing; Enterprise: Contact sales for pricing.
• FEATURES: DroneDeploy utilizes AI and drones to revolutionize construction site documentation. AI algorithms create high-resolution 2D maps and 3D models, offering a comprehensive representation of construction sites. Real-time data capture and automated image analysis empower stakeholders with crucial insights into progress. While some limitations include the inability to import 3D models for overlay designs, DroneDeploy’s pricing options cater to various user needs.

viAct

• PRICE: Contact sales for pricing.
• FEATURES: Renowned for AI construction site monitoring, viAct boasts a 97% accuracy in detecting safety hazards. Real-time monitoring powered by advanced computer vision algorithms identifies potential hazards and deviations from plans. The integration of 3D models with live camera feeds offers an immersive view of construction progress. While not fully customizable, viAct prioritizes data protection and offers a high level of accuracy in safety compliance detection.

AI Clearing

• PRICE: Contact sales for pricing.
• FEATURES: AI Clearing revolutionizes construction progress monitoring with advanced computer vision and machine learning algorithms. Real-time insights into construction sites ensure transparency, accuracy, and efficiency. The software detects and analyzes subtle changes in construction activities, flagging discrepancies for swift corrective actions. While not universally adopted, AI Clearing’s features contribute to accurate project completion.

AVEVA Insight

• PRICE: Contact sales for pricing.
• FEATURES: AVEVA Insight optimizes industrial operations with AI-driven analytics and predictive maintenance algorithms. Seamless integration of data from diverse sources provides a comprehensive view of industrial assets’ health and performance. The intuitive dashboard offers actionable insights, reducing instances of downtime. While clash detection is unavailable, AVEVA Insight’s pricing model caters to varied user needs.

• PRICE: Free trial, then starting at $30/month
• FEATURES: Jasper.ai is an AI-powered content creation platform designed to help individuals and businesses generate high-quality, SEO-optimized content quickly and efficiently. It uses advanced natural language processing (NLP) to write various types of content, including blog posts, social media updates, product descriptions, and emails. Jasper offers over 50 content templates and supports long-form and short-form writing. It can adapt to different brand voices and remember key business details to create personalized content. Additionally, Jasper includes features like a plagiarism checker, SEO optimization tools, and integrations with third-party platforms. The platform is available in different pricing tiers, from individual creators to large teams, making it a versatile tool for content generation.

Miscellaneous Tools 

Evernote 

• PRICE: Free, then starting at $10/month
• FEATURES: Evernote is a versatile platform that transcends traditional note-taking, offering comprehensive solutions for project planning and efficient information retrieval. With its intuitive interface and robust features, Evernote simplifies the process of capturing ideas, organizing tasks, and accessing information swiftly. Boasting a free trial to experience its full potential, Evernote empowers users to seamlessly transition from brainstorming sessions to project execution, all while providing easy-to-use tools for locating pertinent information whenever it’s needed. Whether jotting down quick reminders, collaborating on team projects, or archiving essential documents, Evernote’s adaptable framework ensures that users can stay productive and organized in any endeavor.

Freedom Travel Systems  

• PRICE: Custom, TBD
• FEATURES: Freedom Travel Systems, with Eli Facenda at the helm, is Nick Schiffer’s preferred choice for travel management solutions. Eli Facenda’s expertise and dedication ensure that our travel experiences are seamless and tailored to our preferences. With Freedom Travel Systems, we enjoy personalized service, access to exclusive deals, and comprehensive support throughout our journeys. Eli’s commitment to excellence and attention to detail make every trip a memorable and stress-free experience. When emailing him mention “Nick Schiffer” so they know where the referral came from.

Lenovo, Think Pads

• PRICE: Average price $1,500
• FEATURES: Lenovo’s ThinkPad series stands as a benchmark in the world of laptops, renowned for their durability, performance, and reliability. With an average price of $1,500, ThinkPads offer exceptional value for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Boasting robust construction and cutting-edge technology, ThinkPads are engineered to withstand the rigors of daily use while delivering uncompromising performance. From powerful processors and ample storage options to ergonomic keyboards and vibrant displays, ThinkPads cater to the diverse needs of modern users, whether they’re tackling demanding workloads or indulging in multimedia entertainment. Renowned for their sleek design and renowned ThinkPad features like the TrackPoint, fingerprint reader, and legendary keyboard, Lenovo’s ThinkPad lineup continues to set the standard for excellence in the realm of laptops.

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Indesign 

• PRICE: Starting at $22.99/month
• FEATURES: InDesign stands as a cornerstone in the realm of digital and print design, offering a comprehensive toolkit tailored to meet the diverse needs of designers and publishers. Seamlessly blending precision and creativity, InDesign empowers users to craft captivating layouts for a variety of mediums, from magazines and brochures to digital publications and eBooks. Its intuitive interface and robust features streamline the design process, enabling users to bring their visions to life with unmatched finesse and efficiency. While InDesign offers its software for free, future pricing is yet to be determined, ensuring accessibility for creators of all levels while allowing for sustainable development and support of the platform. Whether designing for print or digital platforms, InDesign remains a trusted ally for professionals seeking to elevate their projects to new heights of excellence

Miro

• PRICE: Free trial, $16/month
• FEATURES: Miro is a dynamic real-time whiteboard application that revolutionizes collaboration and ideation processes. With its intuitive interface and versatile tools, Miro empowers teams to brainstorm, plan, and innovate seamlessly, regardless of physical location. Offering a free trial period to experience its full potential, Miro subsequently provides a subscription service at a reasonable rate of $16 per month, ensuring continued access to its extensive features and updates. Whether it’s mapping out strategies, sketching designs, or organizing thoughts, Miro facilitates fluid communication and fosters creativity within teams, making it an indispensable tool for modern businesses and professionals alike.
   

Flipsnack 

• PRICE: Free trial
• FEATURES: Flipsnack is an innovative online platform tailored for creating and publishing digital booklets in PDF format. We appreciate Flipsnack for its user-friendly interface, which allows us to easily design visually appealing and interactive publications. With Flipsnack, we can seamlessly share our content online, reaching a wider audience while maintaining the professional quality of our materials. Its versatile features and customization options make it an indispensable tool for showcasing portfolios, brochures, catalogs, and more with ease.
   

Airtable

• PRICE: Free, with paid version
• FEATURES: Airtable is a versatile platform that we love using for content scheduling. Its intuitive interface and customizable templates make it easy to organize and manage our content calendar effectively. With Airtable, we can plan and schedule our content creation process, collaborate with team members, track deadlines, and ensure consistency across multiple channels. Its flexibility allows us to adapt our scheduling workflow to fit our specific needs, making content management a seamless and efficient process.

Kajabi

• PRICE: Starting at $190/month
• FEATURES: Kajabi is an all-in-one platform designed for entrepreneurs, course creators, and digital marketers to build, market, and sell online courses, memberships, and digital products. It provides a range of features, including customizable website templates, email marketing tools, payment gateways, and course creation tools. Kajabi also supports automation, allowing users to create funnels and workflows to engage their audience and drive sales. Its integrated tools for marketing, customer relationship management (CRM), and analytics make it a comprehensive solution for businesses looking to scale their online presence. Additionally, Kajabi offers membership sites, podcasts, and communities, making it a versatile platform for content monetization​.