Managing a construction project is no small feat. General contractors have to juggle timelines and budgets, follow up on leads, and handle client communication. And just like you need the right tools to build a home, you also need the right tools to manage your business.
That’s where the best general contractor software comes in.
It doesn’t just help you stay organized and on track — it can actually save you loads of time and money, help you avoid mistakes and rework, and even land you more jobs!
And now in 2025, with AI and automation, there are even more options for GCs who want construction software to streamline their businesses.
So in this 7-minute read, we’ll look at the top software options for managing an entire project lifecycle.
- Management software
- Design programs
- Financial tracking
- Construction estimating software
- Other unique solutions
Let’s kick it off with an overview of different types of construction software and what you should look for when choosing.
Why trust us? Here at Cedreo, we’ve got 20+ years of experience working with general contractors and housing professionals. So we know what it takes to run a business effectively!
Types of GC Software
Depending on how big your business is, here are some types of software you might be looking for.
Design Software
Design software is essential for contractors working on custom homes, remodels, or landscaping projects. These tools help you create visual plans that bring ideas to life and impress clients. Key features include:
- Floor plan creation: Easily design 2D layouts and transform them into 3D models.
- 3D rendering: Produce realistic images of projects to showcase designs to clients.
- Terrain modeling: Plan outdoor spaces by integrating land contours and elevations into your designs.
Example tools: Cedreo, SketchUp, Chief Architect.
Project Management Software
Managing schedules, resources, and teams is critical to keeping projects on track. Project management software offers tools to organize and oversee all aspects of your construction jobs. Features to look for include:
- Scheduling: Develop detailed project timelines.
- Task assignment: Track team responsibilities and progress.
- Daily logs: Maintain records of activities and updates from the job site.
Example tools: Procore, Buildertrend, CoConstruct.
Construction Estimating Software
Accurate estimates are the foundation of a successful project. Estimating software simplifies this process, allowing contractors to calculate costs for materials, labor, and equipment. Features include:
- Pre-built templates: Standardize your estimates to save time.
- Cost libraries: Access databases of material and labor prices for accurate quotes.
- Integration: Sync with accounting platforms for streamlined financial tracking.
Example tools: STACK, RSMeans, Clear Estimates.
Accounting Software
Construction projects involve complex financial management. Dedicated accounting software helps you keep track of your money and stay on top of your finances. Features include:
- Budgeting: Track costs against estimates in real-time.
- Invoicing: Generate professional invoices with a few clicks.
- Payroll: Simplify employee and contractor payments.
Example tools: QuickBooks, Xero.
Marketing Software
Your ability to generate new leads and manage relationships is just as important as your ability to complete projects. Marketing software helps contractors attract and retain clients. Features include:
- Lead management: Track prospects through your sales process.
- Email campaigns: Automate follow-ups to stay top-of-mind with clients.
- Client portals: Provide a professional experience from the first interaction.
Example tools: Go High Level, Salesforce, Signpost.
Combination Solutions
Some tools are designed to handle several aspects of your construction business. Here are a few examples of this:
- Cedreo: Streamlined design, construction documents, client presentations.
- Buildertrend: Project management, marketing, financial management.
- ProCore: Bid management & estimating, project management, materials tracking, financial management.
- Jobber: Marketing, scheduling, customer communication
What to Look for in the Best Software for General Contractors
Selecting the best construction software for general contractors isn’t just about how many features it has. It’s more about how well it fits your specific business needs. So whether you’re a small residential remodeler or running a larger home construction business, here are key considerations to evaluate before making a choice:
Business Size and Scope
Small Contractors: If you’re handling smaller residential projects, you may not need a comprehensive platform like Procore. Look for user-friendly tools that focus on core features like design, scheduling, client communication, and cost estimation without overwhelming you with enterprise-level complexity.
Medium to Large Contractors: For larger operations managing multiple large projects, go with a project management tool with resource tracking, estimating, and team collaboration tools.
Use Case
Ask yourself…why do I need this software?
For Design and Presentations: Focus on platforms with 3D rendering and terrain modeling like Cedreo.
For Project Oversight: Consider tools like Buildertrend or Procore, which excel in scheduling, resource tracking, and job site management.
For Financial Tracking: Look for accounting software or integrated solutions that manage budgeting, invoicing, and payroll.
Time and Cost Savings
Evaluate ROI: Look for software that saves the most time and money for your business type.
For example,
- If you spend a lot of time hand-drawing plans or using outdated design software, switching to a modern 3D program with an intelligent toolset can save you countless hours of work. For example, with Cedreo, even with no previous 3D design experience, you can create an entire set of home plans in as little as 2 hours!
- Or if you have a larger contracting business, you could benefit from choosing an all in one solution for marketing, project management, and accounting, instead of paying for multiple subscriptions.
Ease of Use
Simple Interface: If you’re a one-man show managing the software yourself, prioritize user-friendly platforms with minimal setup time and intuitive interfaces.
Team Usage: For larger teams, make sure the software supports multi-user environments and provides role-specific access.
Learning Curve: Check for training resources like tutorials, webinars, or a knowledge base to help you and your team get up to speed.
Customer Support
Your business can’t afford to wait days for an answer from customer support. That’s why it’s worth choosing platforms with the following:
Availability: Look for platforms that offer responsive customer support, including live chat, email, or phone support.
Resources: Access to onboarding assistance, help centers, and training materials can make a big difference, especially for new users.
Support Team Quality: Read reviews to ensure the support team is knowledgeable and helpful.
Accessibility and Integrations
Check if the software integrates with your existing tools, such as QuickBooks Online for accounting or CRMs for client management. Seamless integrations reduce manual data entry and improve efficiency.
And don’t forget to make sure it’s compatible with your devices — MAC, Windows, Android, iOS, etc. Some programs, like Cedreo, are browser-based which means you can use it in any desktop web browser. That’s a nice option for not being tied down to one specific computer and being able to use the platform anywhere you have wifi and a laptop.
Best Construction Software for General Contractors – 9 Options
There are hundreds of options out there, but here are some of the best software for general contractors. We’re giving you options for a variety of uses from design to accounting to business management.
Best for Design – Cedreo
Best for: Home builders, designers, and remodelers looking for residential design software that’s powerful and easy to use.
Cedreo is quickly becoming one of the most popular residential home design programs in the construction industry, and it’s easy to see why. No other software lets you do so much, so fast. Even if you’re a user with limited design experience, you can save time by creating a fully furnished home, including 3D renderings, in as little as 2 hours!
Complete your design with Cedreo’s extensive library of furniture, materials, and textures. Many architectural rendering software programs need advanced computer capabilities, but Cedreo’s cloud-based software lets you design anywhere with a web browser and internet, making it an extremely accessible program.
And despite being easy to learn, Cedreo also has advanced features like terrain modeling, professional presentation documents, as well as elevations and cross sections.
Key features for general contractors:
- Minimal learning curve
- Maximum time savings during the project planning phase
- Quick creation of 2D and 3D floor plans and renderings
- Advanced customization options let you even design container and tiny homes.
- Easily download blueprints, 3D renderings, and presentation documents
- Show clients projected completed projects with realistic visuals
PricingFree and premium pricing options for individuals and teams. Check current prices here.
Beginning to End Project Management – Procore
Best for: Large-scale commercial project management
The Procore platform is an extensive software for managing everything from bidding and planning, to financial management and closeout. It’s been used on over a million projects all over the world and is the leading construction management software for large residential and commercial construction businesses.
While some software is designed either for office use or field use, Procore is designed for efficient communication between field teams, owners, specialty contractors, and designers.
It integrates with building information modeling software that helps your team manage designs and even get on-the-fly elevations and cross-sections in the field.
While it’s great for large construction businesses handling multiple projects, it may be overkill if you’re a GC with a few crews and subcontractors.
Key features for general contractors:
- Real-time platform communication
- Financial management extensions
- Unlimited users, data, documents, and photos
- 150+ integrations
- Easily generate custom reports
Medium to Large Business Financial Management – Sage
Best for: Midsize to large general contractors who need financial management and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning).
Known for its robust financial tools, Sage provides a complete solution for managing payroll, job costing, accounts payable/receivable, and general ledger tasks. It also helps contractors keep projects on track with features like scheduling, equipment management, and change order processing, all from a centralized platform.
This makes Sage particularly valuable for medium to large construction businesses that handle multiple projects and require advanced financial oversight.
Key features for general contractors:
- Estimating and takeoff tools
- Subcontractor/supplier discussion tracking
- Accounting, budgeting, and financial management
- Easy mobile access to project data
- Property manage for lease and tenant tracking
Pricing upon consultation.
Takeoffs and Estimates – STACK
Best for: Quick takeoffs and estimating
STACK is one of the leading general contractor estimating software tools for projects in the pre-construction phase. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools that enable contractors to perform fast and accurate digital takeoffs, create detailed cost estimates, and manage project documents efficiently.
In 2021, STACK acquired SmartUse. That means STACK now has features for collaboration during the building and operating phases of a project. Design and field teams can view and markup plans, create punch lists, and workflows. You can purchase the Build & Operate platform apart from the Takeoff & Estimate software.
Key features for general contractors:
- Quick takeoffs and estimates
- Quickly calculate materials and labor
- New project management platform
Pricing: From $599 to $2,999 per user per year
Small to Medium Business Management – Buildertrend
Best for: Residential builders, remodelers, and specialty contractors need a project management platform.
Buildertrend is a cloud-based construction management software for residential builders and remodelers. It offers tools for scheduling, task tracking, and client communication, all accessible through a user-friendly mobile app.
The platform streamlines the construction process, from lead management to invoicing, with QuickBooks integration and features for bids, proposals, and change orders. Buildertrend is designed to help small and medium-sized contractors save time and improve efficiency.
Key features for general contractors:
- Scheduling and timesheets
- Customer management
- Bid request and change orders
- Project management
Pricing: From $499 – $1099 per month
Jobsite Management – Fieldwire
Best for: Jobsite coordination
Fieldwire is an excellent tool for construction professionals looking to optimize their jobsite management. Using Fieldwire, you can easily organize, assign, and schedule tasks via a Kanban priority, Gantt chart, or calendar view, while tracking progress and job details from any device.
Fieldwire lets you easily create and share documents and photos, communicate in real-time with everyone from contractor foreman to project manager, and generate reports automatically. Fieldwire supports walk-throughs and inspections, ensuring that every step of your project goes as planned.
Features for general contractors:
- Real-time messaging
- Instant insights and reports
- Issue tracking for quick inspections and walk-throughs
Pricing: From free to $89 per user per month.
For Managing Subcontractors – eSUB
Best for: Managing subcontractors
eSUB provides an effective tool for standardizing project management procedures and managing day-to-day operations. This cloud-based software allows you to easily stay on top of multiple projects.
Built-in accountability features help general contractors navigate risks and track important information. See your workload in real-time and communicate with various subcontractors on one platform. Share project details for fast turnaround of RFIs.
Key features for general contractors:
- Cloud-based software
- Automatically tracks labor
- Two-way subcontractor communication
Pricing upon consultation.
For Small Construction Companies – Jobber
Best for: Small general contractors
Jobber is a field service management software that can help general contractors streamline operations and enhance client relationships, particularly for smaller-scale projects or service-focused work.
With Jobber, contractors can manage scheduling, quotes, invoicing, and payment collection from a single, user-friendly platform. Its intuitive mobile app allows contractors to stay connected to their business from the field so they can get real-time updates.
Key features for general contractors:
- Easily create quotes
- Drag and drop calendar for job scheduling
- Integrated invoicing and payments
Pricing: From $29 to $149/month.
Large Scale Construction Management – Autodesk Construction Cloud
Best for: Large projects that require close coordination between design and construction.
Autodesk Construction Cloud is a powerful platform that connects project information, workflows, and teams across the entire construction lifecycle. With seamless integration into Autodesk tools like Revit and AutoCAD, it’s ideal for precon teams looking to enhance design coordination, track jobs, and ensure project success.
Its intended use case is similar to Procore. However, with its deep integration with design tools, it’s a top choice for projects prioritizing design and preconstruction planning.
Key features for general contractors:
- Centralized communication, project information, and document management
- BIM and design tool integration
- Advanced reporting and analytics
- Field execution tools
Pricing upon consultation.
Which Contractor Software Is Right for Your Business?
In today’s competitive construction industry, selecting the right software is essential for general contractors to streamline workflows, improve collaboration, and drive project success. Whether you prioritize design integration, comprehensive project management, or field execution, tools like Autodesk Construction Cloud, Procore, and Cedreo offer powerful solutions.
If you’re a residential contractor and would like to streamline your design workflow, give Cedreo a try. With a FREE version, you’ve got nothing to lose. Sign up today and see how Cedreo can save you valuable time and money.
