When you’re drowning in ITBs, call-backs, and jobsite fires, a CRM isn’t “nice to have”—it’s how you stop bids and client relationships from slipping through the cracks. The right system gives you one place to log invites, track follow-ups, schedule site walks, and invoice without digging through emails.
Below is a no-nonsense ranking of CRMs that actually fit subcontractor workflows. We prioritized: (1) fit for subs, (2) ease of adoption, (3) bid/estimate/comms features, (4) integrations (QuickBooks, email, etc.), and (5) value.
1) Followup CRM — Best overall for bid tracking and sales discipline
Why subs pick it: It’s built around construction sales. Think: clean pipeline, reminders that actually get done, and simple reporting on hit rate and follow-ups. If your main pain is “we forget to follow up,” this fixes it.
Where it helps
- Log every ITB, due date, and next touch in one view
- Auto-reminders so no GC goes cold
- Quick reports for weekly sales huddles (win/loss, pipeline by stage)
Watch-outs
- Light on post-award/operations; pair with your PM or field tools
- Depth of mobile/app features varies by team needs
Best for: Any sub who wins by consistent follow-up (MEP, finishes, specialty trades).
See our Followup CRM comparison with Downtobid's bid board.
2) Service Titan — Best all-in-one for service-heavy trades
Why subs pick it: Serves as your operating system if you run lots of service tickets or small jobs. CRM + dispatch + mobile app + estimates + invoices in one platform.
Where it helps
- Call comes in → schedule → dispatch → invoice, without hopping tools
- Great mobile workflows for techs (photos, upsell options, signatures)
- Payment and KPI dashboards out of the box
Watch-outs
- Premium price and broader than some subs need
- More setup/training upfront than lightweight CRMs
Best for: HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and service divisions doing recurring work.
Check out these other Service Titan alternatives.
3) JobNimbus — Best blended CRM + light project management
Why subs pick it: You get simple job and sales pipelines tracking without enterprise bloat. Great mobile app, estimates/invoices, and customizable stages.
Where it helps
- Lead → estimate → contract → job tasks in one place
- Photo/document capture tied to contacts and jobs
- Two-way QuickBooks sync keeps books clean
Watch-outs
- Advanced automations/reporting may require higher tiers
- Not meant for complex GC-style PM
Best for: Roofing, exterior trades, and small-to-mid subs who want one tool to run the day.
4) AccuLynx — Best for roofing subs who want depth
Why subs pick it: Roofing-specific workflows (measurements, supplier ordering, insurance) plus CRM and production—in one mature platform.
Where it helps
- Aerial measurements → estimate → proposal → production calendar
- Supplier links and job photo/document control
- Commission tracking and sales dashboards
Watch-outs
- Heavier than a pure CRM; overkill if you don’t need roofing features
- Pricing reflects its breadth
Best for: Roofing/exteriors teams managing high volume and insurance work.
5) Jobber (Get Jobber) — Best simple ops for small teams
Why subs pick it:
- Easy quotes, drag-and-drop scheduling, automated reminders, and fast invoices/payments.
- Minimal learning curve.
Where it helps
- Clean client records with history
- Route-aware scheduling and team assignments
- One-click invoices and online payments
Watch-outs
- Light CRM analytics versus sales-first tools
- Not for complex multi-month construction projects
Best for: Small service-oriented subs who want to get organized fast.
Compare Jobbervs Downtobid here.
6) Sunbase Construction CRM — Best modern all-in-one for precon + scheduling
Why subs pick it: Newer platform purpose-built for contractors: pipeline, estimating/proposals, email/SMS follow-ups, and basic scheduling in one place.
Where it helps
- Central lead/bid hub with automated nudges
- Proposal templates + e-sign turnarounds faster
- Calendar/tasks tie sales to field handoff
Watch-outs
- Younger ecosystem; integrations still growing
- Verify accounting/PM connections you need
Best for: Growth-minded subs who want a modern, unified precon workflow.
7) Pipeline CRM — Best budget-friendly sales pipeline
Why subs pick it: General CRM that’s simple, customizable, and affordable. If you’re moving from spreadsheets, it’s an easy win.
Where it helps
- Clear pipeline with custom fields (bid due, estimator, scope)
- Email sync (Gmail/Outlook) and basic task automation
- QuickBooks Online, Mailchimp, and Zapier connections
Watch-outs
- No project execution; pair with your PM/field tool
- Construction-specific features are DIY via custom fields
Best for: Subs who need a straightforward, low-cost CRM to enforce follow-ups. Compare the features of Pipeline CRM vs Downtobid.
8) Buildr — Best BD-grade CRM for relationship-driven pursuits
Why subs pick it: Built for GCs, but larger subs benefit from unlimited seats, relationship tracking, go/no-go, and pursuit tasks that keep teams aligned.
Where it helps
- Centralizes client/org intel and tasks across estimators/PMsGo/No-Go forms keep teams focused on winnable work
- Procore integration (handy if your partners run on it)
Watch-outs
- Focused on precon/BD, not execution
- More horsepower than a very small shop needs
Read our comparison with Buildr and Downtobid.
Best for: Mid-to-large subs with collaborative BD and many parallel pursuits.
9) Leap (Leap + JobProgress) — Best in-home sales to production
Why subs pick it: Estimate at the kitchen table, generate digital contracts, offer financing, schedule crews, and take payment—end to end.
Where it helps
- Custom estimating calculators and branded proposals
- E-sign + financing + payments in one flow
- Customer/sub portals reduce back-and-forth
Watch-outs
- Bigger feature set to learn; pick modules you’ll use
- Pricing reflects breadth
Best for: Residential remodelers and trade subs selling direct to homeowners.
10) Buildern — Best “one tool” for small contractors
Why subs pick it: All-in-one vibe: CRM for bids/leads, simple scheduling, tasking, docs, and vendor/sub portals.
Where it helps
- Track leads/ITBs and roll wins straight into jobs
- Real-time tasking and document sharing across office/fieldVendor/sub portals streamline coordination
Watch-outs
- Jack-of-all-trades depth—make sure it fits your must-haves
- Confirm accounting/estimating integrations you rely on
Best for: Small subs wanting one hub from lead to light execution.
11) ConstructionCRM (CRM Construction Inc) — Best affordable, construction-savvy CRM
Why subs pick it: Straightforward, construction-focused CRM at approachable pricing—contacts, companies, pursuits, and Outlook/Mailchimp ties.
Where it helps
- Track companies/projects/activities like a true AEC shop
- Familiar Outlook-centric workflows and Power BI-ready data
- Cloud or on-prem options if IT has preferences
Watch-outs
- Utilitarian UI; fewer bells than newer SaaS
- Pair with PM/accounting for post-award
Best for: Cost-conscious subs that want an AEC-aware pipeline fast.
12) Unanet CRM (Cosential) — Best enterprise-grade AEC CRM
Why subs pick it: Relationship intelligence, pursuit history, proposal content, and forecasting at scale. Excellent for teams chasing complex work.
Where it helps
- Org charts, contact mapping, Outlook sync, and capture plans
- Deep reporting by market/client/team with robust governance
- Central resume/project database for proposals
Watch-outs
- Cost/complexity; needs a champion/admin and team buy-in
- Overkill for smaller subs
Best for: Larger subs with formal BD/marketing and many multi-month pursuits.
13) Dataforma — Best CRM + field service management for commercial service
Why subs pick it: Long-running platform combining CRM, dispatch, work orders, mobile timecards, and a client portal—great for service contracts.
Where it helps
- Centralized client/property history and correspondence
- Office↔️field workflows (photos, forms, live updates)
- Client portal for approvals, history, and payments
Watch-outs
- Interface is more “function first” than flashy
- Heavy if you don’t do service/maintenance
Best for: Commercial roofing, electrical/HVAC service, and facility-centric subs.
14) Microsoft Dynamics 365 Project Operations — Best if you’re already a Microsoft shop
Why subs pick it: Enterprise platform that unifies CRM, resource planning, project financials, and reporting inside the Microsoft stack.
Where it helps
- Sales process → project plan → resourcing → billing under one roof
- Tight ties to Outlook/Teams/Excel/Power BI
- Highly customizable for complex operations
Watch-outs
- Significant implementation and licensing. Too much system for most subs
- Best for: Very large or IT-forward subs standardizing on Microsoft.
Construction CRM Software Worth Mentioning: Downtobid Bid Board
Why subs pick it: This bid board was built for ITB chaos. Syncs your inbox, pulls every bid invite into one dashboard, and auto-saves GC contacts so you're not archaeology-ing through email threads at 6 p.m.
Where it helps
- Every invite, deadline, and RFI in one view—reply before competitors wake up
- Auto-capture contact info as bids hit your inbox
- Track who opened what and who needs a nudge
Watch-outs
- Not a full CRM; no sales pipeline or post-award execution
- Best as a supplement to your CRM, not a replacement
Best for: Subs drowning in ITBs who need organized bid tracking without learning a whole CRM system.
Click here for a free demo.
Time To Pick The Best CRM For Construction Professionals & Subcontractors
If bids are slipping, follow-ups aren't happening, and you're still running your business out of your inbox—you don't need more discipline, you need a system that enforces it.
CRMs help you win work. Project management tools (Procore, Buildertrend, CoConstruct) help you execute it. That's why smart construction professionals lean on CRMs.
Most of these tools offer free trials—including Downtobid's free demo. Don't overthink it. Pick one, give it two weeks, and see if your team actually uses it. The best CRM is the one that sticks.
Frquently Asked Questions
Why do subcontractors need a construction CRM?
A CRM is essential for managing a high volume of ITBs, follow-ups, site visits, and client relationships all in one place. It prevents opportunities from slipping through the cracks and organizes bidding workflows to ensure no deadlines or communications are missed.
What features should subcontractors look for in a CRM?
Look for bid tracking dashboards, automated reminders for follow-ups, calendar integration, mobile-friendly apps, customizable pipelines, document management, and seamless email integration. These features help streamline sales processes and improve team collaboration.
How does FollowUp CRM help subcontractors improve bid tracking?
FollowUp CRM offers a clean, construction-focused pipeline with automated reminders and simple reporting. It keeps all ITBs, due dates, and next steps visible, making consistent follow-up easier and increasing win rates for subs who rely on strong sales discipline.
What are some other notable construction CRMs for subcontractors?
Other leading CRMs include ServiceTitan (best for service-heavy trades), JobNimbus (blended CRM and light project management), AccuLynx (roofing focused with deep features), Jobber (simple ops for small teams), and Downtobid’s Bid Board (AI-driven bid organization). Choose based on your trade, project size, and workflow needs.