8 Best Buildertrend Alternatives in 2025

Buildertrend alternatives offer better pricing, easier setup, or specialized features that Buildertrend can't match. 

I tested eight platforms to see which handle project management, estimating, and field operations without the usual friction.

My top three: OneCrew for project-based work, Procore for large commercial teams, and RedTeam for change-order control with APV pricing. Keep reading for the full list and where each platform wins.

8 Best Buildertrend Alternatives Summarized

I tested these Buildertrend competitors based on pricing, ease of use, and specialized features. Here's how they stack up:

What is the Buildertrend Platform?

Buildertrend is a cloud-based construction management platform that handles project scheduling, client communication, and financial tracking for residential contractors and builders.

Core features

• Project management tools let you schedule tasks, assign crews, and track progress across multiple jobs. The platform includes Gantt charts, milestone tracking, and automated scheduling updates.
• Client communication features provide homeowner portals where clients can view progress photos, approve change orders, and message your team. Daily logs and automatic updates keep everyone informed.
• Financial management covers budgeting, change orders, and payment tracking. You can create estimates, track costs, and generate invoices through the platform.

Typical users

• Custom home builders use Buildertrend for managing complex residential projects with multiple phases and client touchpoints.
• Remodeling contractors rely on the platform for client communication and change order management during home renovations.
• General contractors managing residential projects appreciate the scheduling and subcontractor coordination features.

Why I Looked for Buildertrend Alternatives

Buildertrend works well for residential contractors, but several limitations push people toward competitors. Buildertrend's strengths include strong client communication tools, established integrations with accounting platforms, and a proven track record with custom home builders.

Here are three key limitations that drive contractors to seek alternatives:

• Generic industry approach: Buildertrend serves all construction types, so it lacks specialized features for paving, commercial work, or specific trades.
• Complex setup process: Getting Buildertrend configured properly takes weeks or months, especially for companies with existing workflows.
• High pricing for small teams: The cost per user adds up quickly, making it expensive for smaller contractors who need full platform access.

1. OneCrew: Best Overall Alternative

OneCrew delivers specialized project management for paving contractors with features that Buildertrend can't match. I tested their estimating tools, crew scheduling, and customer portal across real paving scenarios.

Why does it beat Buildertrend?

• Purpose-built for paving work: Understands asphalt and concrete workflows, from takeoff measurements to crew dispatch, unlike Buildertrend's generic approach
• Faster implementation: Contractors start using OneCrew in days, not weeks, with templates designed for paving project phases
• All-in-one platform: Replaces multiple tools (estimating apps, crew scheduling, customer communication) that Buildertrend users often need separately

Pros

• Configurable estimating templates with built-in cost calculators for materials and labor
• Customer portal where clients view proposals, upload photos, and make payments
• Mobile-first design that works for field crews without constant internet connection

Cons

• Newer platform with a smaller user community compared to established alternatives
• No accounting features; it requires integration with QuickBooks or similar platforms

Pricing: Seat-based pricing based on team size and features needed. Pricing details available during demo calls.

Bottom line

OneCrew wins for paving contractors who need specialized features and faster setup. The platform handles everything from PDF takeoff to invoice generation, with workflows designed specifically for asphalt and concrete work.

2. JobTread: Best for Financial Management

JobTread focuses on job costing and financial controls that many contractors need, but Buildertrend handles poorly. Its approach emphasizes profitability tracking over project scheduling.

Why does it beat Buildertrend?

• Superior job costing: Real-time profit tracking with detailed cost breakdowns that show exactly where money goes on each project
• Better budgeting tools: Financial planning features help contractors avoid cost overruns that Buildertrend users often experience
• Integrated estimating: Platform connects estimates directly to job costs, creating accountability that Buildertrend lacks

Pros

• Detailed financial reporting with profit margins calculated in real-time
• User-friendly interface that doesn't require extensive training
• Strong integration with QuickBooks and other accounting systems

Cons

• Weaker client communication features compared to Buildertrend
• Limited scheduling capabilities for complex multi-phase projects
• No mobile app for field teams to update job progress

Pricing: Plans start at $199/month for basic features, with higher tiers including advanced reporting and integrations.

Bottom line

Choose JobTread if financial control matters more than client communication. It's perfect for contractors who need to understand job profitability but don't require Buildertrend's extensive client portal features.

3. Procore: Best for Large Commercial Projects

Procore handles enterprise-level construction management with features that make Buildertrend look basic. I tested its document control, RFI management, and collaboration tools on commercial scenarios.

Why does it beat Buildertrend?

• Enterprise-grade controls: Procore manages complex approval workflows, document versioning, and compliance tracking that large projects demand
• Advanced collaboration: Multiple stakeholders can work simultaneously with role-based permissions and audit trails
• Thorough reporting: Built-in analytics and custom dashboards provide insights that Buildertrend's basic reports can't match

Pros

• Handles unlimited users and projects without performance issues
• Extensive third-party integrations with design and accounting platforms
• Mobile apps designed for field supervisors and project managers

Cons

• Potentially expensive pricing that would make sense only for larger contractors
• Steep learning curve requiring dedicated training and setup time
• Overkill features for residential contractors or simple projects

Pricing: Contractors must get a custom quote.

Bottom line

Procore works for commercial contractors managing $1M+ projects where document control and compliance matter more than cost. Skip it if you're doing residential work or need simple project tracking.

4. Fieldwire: Best for Field Teams

Fieldwire delivers mobile-first project management designed for field supervisors and crews. Their approach prioritizes task management and real-time updates over office-based planning.

Why does it beat Buildertrend?

• Mobile-optimized design: Field teams can update tasks, share photos, and communicate without returning to the office
• Visual task management: Pin tasks directly to project plans and photos for clear communication
• Offline capability: Teams work without an internet connection, syncing updates when connectivity returns

Pros

• Intuitive interface that requires minimal training for field workers
• Excellent photo and markup tools for documenting work progress
• Strong integration with popular project management platforms

Cons

• Limited financial management and estimating features
• No client communication portal for homeowner projects
• Basic scheduling compared to full construction management platforms

Pricing: Plans start at $39/user/month with volume discounts for larger teams.

Bottom line

Fieldwire works best for contractors with large field teams who need mobile task management. It complements rather than replaces platforms like Buildertrend for comprehensive project management.

5. Contractor Foreman: Best for Small Contractors

Contractor Foreman provides all-in-one simplicity for small contractors who find Buildertrend too complex or expensive. Their approach emphasizes ease of use over advanced features.

Why does it beat Buildertrend?

• Simple setup: Contractors start managing projects within hours, not days or weeks
• Affordable pricing: Fixed monthly cost regardless of project size or user count
• All-in-one approach: Includes estimating, scheduling, and invoicing without requiring additional tools

Pros

• Very affordable compared to per-user pricing models
• Easy learning curve for contractors new to project management platforms
• Includes basic CRM features for lead management

Cons

• Limited customization options for specific workflows
• Basic reporting compared to enterprise platforms
• No advanced features for large or complex projects

Pricing: Plans start at $49/month for unlimited users and projects.

Bottom line

Contractor Foreman fits small contractors who need basic project management without Buildertrend's complexity. It's perfect for teams of under 10 people managing straightforward projects.

6. RedTeam: Best for Change Order Management

RedTeam specializes in commercial construction with advanced change order and cost control features that Buildertrend can't match. The platform handles complex approval workflows and budget tracking.

Why does it beat Buildertrend?

• Advanced change management: Sophisticated approval workflows track change orders from request to completion with full audit trails
• Better cost controls: Real-time budget tracking prevents cost overruns with automated alerts and approvals
• Commercial focus: Features designed for general contractors managing multiple trades and subcontractors

Pros

• Total project controls for commercial construction
• Strong integration with accounting and payroll systems
• Excellent customer support and training programs

Cons

• Expensive pricing requires significant project volume to justify
• Complex setup process requiring a dedicated project manager
• Overkill for residential contractors or simple projects

Pricing: $729/month includes up to $5M in Active Project Value (APV). APV above $5M is billed monthly at published rates. Implementation and onboarding packages start at $2,750.

Bottom line

RedTeam works for commercial contractors managing multiple trades and complex change orders. Skip it for residential work or projects under $500K.

7. Houzz Pro: Best for Marketing Integration

Houzz Pro combines project management with marketing tools, helping remodelers manage projects while generating new leads. The platform connects project delivery with business development.

Why does it beat Buildertrend?

• Integrated marketing tools: Generate leads, manage client communication, and showcase completed projects in one platform
• Design collaboration: Built-in tools for sharing design ideas and getting client approvals on finishes
• Portfolio management: Automatically create portfolio content from project photos and client testimonials

Pros

• Strong lead generation features through Houzz marketplace integration
• Excellent client communication and project visualization tools
• Built-in invoicing and payment processing features

Cons

• Limited features for contractors who don't need marketing tools
• Basic scheduling and resource management compared to dedicated platforms
• Potentially higher costs for the full feature set, including marketing components

Pricing: Starter $85/month, Essential $129/month, Pro $199/month for one user. Each extra user is $60/month. Custom or Enterprise available. Advertising packages start at $499/month.

Bottom line

Houzz Pro fits remodelers and designers who want project management combined with lead generation. It's not suitable for contractors focused purely on project delivery.

8. Buildern: Best for Home Builder Workflows

Buildern focuses specifically on production and custom home builders, with features tailored to residential construction workflows. This platform handles everything from land development to warranty management.

Why does it beat Buildertrend?

• Home builder specialization: Features designed specifically for residential construction phases and permit management
• Better warranty tracking: Complete warranty management and follow-up systems that Buildertrend lacks
• Production builder features: Handles multiple homes simultaneously with standardized processes and reporting

Pros

• Specialized features for home construction phases and permit tracking
• Good integration with popular accounting and design platforms
• Strong customer support focused on home builder needs

Cons

• Limited flexibility for contractors outside residential construction
• Higher pricing than general construction management platforms
• Less established user community compared to larger platforms

Pricing: Plans start at $250/month with pricing scaling based on active projects and users.

Bottom line

Buildern excels for production and custom home builders who need specialized residential features. It's overkill for remodelers or contractors working on commercial projects.

Note: For more detailed comparisons, check out our Buildertrend vs. Procore analysis and Buildertrend reviews.

How I Tested These Buildertrend Alternatives

I evaluated each platform based on three key factors that matter most to contractors switching from Buildertrend.

1. Pricing transparency 

Hidden costs and complex pricing structures create budget problems for growing contractors. I requested detailed pricing for 5-person and 15-person teams, including all required features and setup costs.

2. Ease of use

Platforms requiring weeks of training slow down project delivery and frustrate field teams. I set up sample projects in each platform, measuring time from signup to first invoice generation.

3. Feature depth

Missing critical features force contractors to use multiple platforms, increasing costs and complexity. I compared estimating tools, scheduling features, client communication, and financial reporting across realistic project scenarios.

My process: I spent 2–3 hours with each platform, creating test projects that mirror real construction workflows from estimate to final payment.

Which Buildertrend Alternative Should You Choose?

Your best choice depends on your specific business type and project requirements.

• Choose OneCrew if you're a paving contractor (of any size) who needs specialized asphalt and concrete features, faster implementation, or wants to replace multiple tools with one platform
• Choose JobTread if financial control and job costing accuracy matter more than client communication features, or if you're struggling with project profitability
• Choose Procore if you manage large commercial projects over $1M that require enterprise-grade document control and compliance tracking

Stick with Buildertrend if you're a residential contractor satisfied with current workflows, have invested heavily in training, and don't need specialized trade features.

My Final Verdict

OneCrew delivers the best overall value for contractors ready to move beyond Buildertrend's limitations. Other platforms offer specific advantages. OneCrew's specialized approach for paving contractors, faster setup, and all-in-one design make it the clear winner.

The platform handles workflows that Buildertrend treats generically, delivers faster implementation, and costs less than cobbling together multiple tools. For paving contractors in particular, OneCrew's purpose-built features justify switching immediately.

Pro tip: Paving contractors should also explore our guides on concrete estimating tools, the costs of starting an asphalt business, and asphalt maintenance best practices.

Get Started with OneCrew

OneCrew combines the project management features you need with specialized tools that Buildertrend can't match. Purpose-built for paving contractors, OneCrew handles everything from PDF takeoff to customer payments in one platform.

Here's why contractors choose OneCrew over Buildertrend alternatives:

• Built for paving contractors: OneCrew understands asphalt and concrete workflows, from site mapping to crew dispatch and job costing.
• Faster setup and easier training: Contractors start using OneCrew in days, with templates designed for real paving workflows.
• Configurable estimating: Build detailed estimates with cost calculators, material databases, and automated labor calculations.
• Fewer tools to manage: OneCrew replaces estimating apps, crew calendars, customer communication, and invoicing in one workspace.
• Integrated customer portal: Clients view and approve proposals, share photos, message your team, and pay invoices in one place.

Book a free demo today to see how OneCrew can simplify your operations from lead to invoice.

FAQs

1. What is the best Buildertrend alternative? 

OneCrew is the best Buildertrend alternative for paving contractors who need specialized features and faster setup. JobTread works best for contractors prioritizing financial management, while Procore suits large commercial projects.

2. How much does Buildertrend cost?

Buildertrend pricing is available only by requesting a custom quote from their team through the pricing page. The quote process tailors the price to your business and includes unlimited users and unlimited projects. Expect to answer a few questions and schedule a call to review options.

3. What are the top Buildertrend competitors? 

The top Buildertrend competitors include OneCrew, JobTread, and Procore. OneCrew focuses on project-based contractors who want clear job controls and a clean field-to-office handoff. JobTread targets builders with strong estimating and CRM. Both OneCrew and Procore serve large commercial teams that need enterprise-grade workflows. 

4. Is Procore better than Buildertrend? 

Procore is better than Buildertrend for large commercial projects that require enterprise-grade controls, modular products like Project Management, Financials, Quality and Safety, analytics, and stricter compliance. Buildertrend works better for residential contractors and remodelers who want simpler client communication, selections, and quick scheduling with unlimited users.

5. Is OneCrew a competitor to Buildertrend? 

OneCrew competes with Buildertrend in the construction management space but focuses specifically on paving contractors rather than general residential construction. OneCrew offers specialized features that Buildertrend doesn't provide.

6. Why do contractors look for Buildertrend alternatives? 

Contractors look for Buildertrend alternatives due to high pricing, complex setup requirements, and generic features that don't match specific trade workflows. Many need more specialized tools or simpler implementation processes.

7. Which platform is best for small contractors? 

Contractor Foreman is best for small contractors with its $49/month flat rate and simple setup process. OneCrew also works well for small paving contractors who need specialized features.

8. What is the difference between Buildertrend and JobTread? 

The main difference is that JobTread focuses on financial management and job costing, whereas Buildertrend emphasizes client communication and project scheduling. JobTread offers better profit tracking but weaker homeowner portal features.