Buildertrend Alternatives: The Top 5 (2024 Update)

Buildertrend is a popular construction management software for many construction companies. Its standout features, like financial management, centralized project management, real-time updates, and client portal, streamline the construction process, ensuring everyone accesses the same information. Project owners can also track progress and identify errors earlier to ensure accurate project delivery. 

Even with these amazing features, some users are still skeptical about the software’s capabilities. That’s why we’ll review the top 5 Buildertrend alternatives with better features and capabilities for your next project. 

#1 Downtobid - Best for Preconstruction

Downtobid is a construction bid management platform that project owners use to streamline the preconstruction phase. We created our platform to match the growing demand for sophisticated bid management software that offers more than basic features. Users can create comprehensive bids, track progress, and collaborate effectively without needing external tools. It’s one of the best Buildertrend alternatives we have today.

Key Features

If you don't think Buildertrend is worth it, compare it with our software. Here are a few reasons why we’re the best preconstruction software.

AI Copilot

Artificial intelligence is the future, and the construction industry is embracing these changes. Our AI Copilot is more advanced than our competitors, capable of handling complex tasks, such as reviewing construction documents for accuracy and completeness. It also handles administrative tasks, freeing you to focus on other projects. 

Manual page-turning is exhausting, time-consuming, and error-prone. It’s also expensive since construction owners have to hire additional help. Fortunately, our AI Copilot automates the entire process. It’s fast, allowing the team to review construction documents within minutes. It’s also accurate, eliminating scope gaps, which are every construction team’s nightmare. Since the software handles everything, you don’t need to hire additional help, allowing you to save costs. 

Our AI does more than review construction documents. It also matches the detected scopes with qualified local subs. This approach speeds up the recruitment process, allowing the construction to be completed on time. Check out our entire database of subs here.

Personalized Bid Invites

Generic bid invites are boring and ineffective in the modern construction industry. They contain little construction details, making it difficult for subs to better understand the project. They’re also identical and are easy to miss. 

Our bid invites are different and probably the most unique in the industry. We’ve included a personalized touch, allowing general contractors to include more project details. 

Our software creates personalized bid invites in minutes. All you have to do is upload the construction documents, the software scans them for details like scope and timeline, and creates detailed bid invites using a pre-formatted bid template. 

Every personalized bid invite contains an eye-catching email headline to grab the subs’ attention. The emails contain project details, such as detected scopes, project size, location, budget, and timeline. 

Subcontractors are more likely to respond to detailed bid invites. It saves them time reviewing lengthy construction documents to understand the project. They can also respond directly to bid invites, speeding up recruitment and information gathering. 

Collaborative Tools

Teamwork gets the work done in the construction industry. We have included several collaborative tools to help the construction team achieve its objectives. Our centralized communication speeds up information sharing to ensure everyone works on the latest information. Real-time information sharing eliminates miscommunication that could lead to errors and potential delays. 

Project managers can assign tasks and track progress from one platform. This approach helps them identify problems earlier and take corrective measures. For instance, they can track each user’s performance to determine if a change is required. 

General contractors can also track their bid status to see whether subs have received, reviewed, accepted, or rejected their bid packages. This approach helps them analyze their bid packages and improve them for better results. 

You can compare the features of Buildertrend, Buildxact and Downtobid here.

Now that we know what makes Downtobid unique, let’s see how it works. 

How to Use Downtobid - Step-By-Step

Our software is straightforward to use, even for complete beginners. 

Click here to request a demo account. 

You must upload your construction documents, which shouldn’t exceed 1GB and must be in PDF format. Enter a valid email address to be alerted once the process is completed.

Our software will scan them to detect potential scopes and create personalized bid packages. The process takes between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on the project’s complexity and size. You’ll receive an email alert once the process is completed. 

You must log in to our dashboard to access the newly created bid invites. Every bid package contains a quick scope rundown that helps the subs determine if they’re the right fit without wasting time or going into too much detail. You also get a list of qualified local subs ready to take on projects. This approach speeds up the recruitment process and ensures you connect with the right subcontractors. 

Proposed Bid Schedule

Mass mailing subcontractors is outdated and yields poor results. Our proposed bid schedule helps you send ITBs to qualified subs at the right time. Subs are busy working on projects or applying for some, and they can easily miss your ITB. Our software detects their online activities to determine the best time to send bid invites. This approach increases the chances of subs seeing and responding to bid invites. 

Our software sends two or three follow-ups to contact subs who haven’t responded to invites yet. This approach ensures you don’t bombard them with too much information and still maintain the project’s seriousness. 

Centralized Planroom

Subcontractors love our Planroom for two reasons - it’s straightforward and free to use. Unlike our competitors, we don’t force subs to create accounts to access the Planroom. 

We have labeled, numbered, and titled all documents to help subs track specific plan sections. They can also identify opportunities that suit their trades without reviewing lengthy documents. 

Pricing Plan

We offer free and paid plans. The free plan suits simpler projects or those looking to review our platform. Our paid plans are of two categories and are perfect for complex projects. The first option costs $150 monthly per user (with a dedicated bid coordinator) and $500 per month for bigger construction companies (up to 10 users). Contact our customer support, which will guide you through the signup process. 

#2 Procore - Best for Commercial Construction Projects

Procore is preferred for commercial general contractors due to its sophisticated features and capabilities in handling complex projects. With over 1 million projects completed in 150+ countries, Procore is truly an industry leader. However, how much of this is true? Does Procore offer good value? Let’s find out. 

Key Features

Here’s what to expect from the construction project management software:

Centralized Project Management

A construction team can manage their project from one platform without additional tools. Users can view ongoing projects, identify new opportunities, and track key metrics to ensure accurate project delivery. 

However, users have complained about the complex learning curve involved when using the construction project management software. For instance, these Reddit users complain about integration challenges and the software not recognizing different fonts. 

Document Management

Construction companies can access project plans and other relevant documents to better understand the operation. Subcontractors use these plans to determine if the project fits their skills. 

Unfortunately, Procore doesn’t have a planroom like Downtobid’s. Subs are forced to figure things out independently, which can be a nightmare. The document numbering is also horrific, which stalls the entire construction process. Customer support isn’t much use as they’re overwhelmed attending to other users. 

Collaborative Tools

Procore has many tools that encourage collaboration. Financial management tools help with budget tracking and invoice management. 

Although Procore mentions straightforward integration, many users have experienced problems integrating financial management tools on their own and have been forced to seek help from customer support. 

Pricing Plan

Procore offers a tiered pricing plan, with the total cost depending on the project’s size and complexity. If you are want to know how much Procore software costs, you must contact customer support to get a quotation. Check this for more resources. 

Pros

• Versatile platform
• Perfect for commercial construction management
• Integration capabilities

Cons

• Steeper learning curve
• It can be slow sometimes
• Lack of pricing transparency
• Poor customer support

Read our side-by-side comparison of Procore, Buildertrend and Downtobid.

#3 Building Connected - All-In-One Construction Solution

Building Connected is a versatile construction project management software perfect for large-scale operations. The platform’s bid board is among the standouts in the industry, helping streamline the bidding process. Let’s explore the software’s capabilities. 

Key Features

Here are a few amazing tools that make the platform unique. 

Branded Bid Invites

Your bid invite represents who you are, and subcontractors will address you as such. Sending branded bid invites helps subcontractors easily identify them because they’re unique. You can include a company logo, name, font, or even a specific color in these documents. 

Unfortunately, the ITB contains basic project information, and subcontractors must review lengthy plans to understand the project. Subcontractors feel cheated and have always preferred personalized bid invites with more project details since they help them understand project requirements by reading the email. 

Cloud-Based Document Storage

Construction teams rely on project documents to track progress, issue feedback, and amendments. Building Connected has a dedicated cloud-based storage for effective document management. Users can upload and access these documents from any location. 

The storage limit is a huge concern for construction companies handling larger operations. Such projects have thousands of construction documents that need regular updating as the project continues. 

Huge Subcontractor Database

Building Connected has over 1 million subcontractors registered to its networks. It speeds up subcontractor recruitment, with many of them reputable and experienced enough to handle different projects. 

However, the customer relationship management platform hardly updates the database, with many contact details outdated. It’s difficult to know which sub is still active, which limits your options. 

Pricing Plans

Building Connected offers a demo option where you can test the platform. Unfortunately, they offer customized pricing options, where you pay for the features you need. You must contact the sales team to get a quotation. Learn more. 

Pros

• Branded bid invites
• Resource management
• Streamlines bid management
• User-friendly interface

Cons

• Outdated contact details
• Generic bid invites
• Lack of pricing transparency
• Lack of mobile functionality

#4 iSQFT - Best for Construction Project Leads

 iSQFT has an extensive lead database, particularly in the North American market. This database helps subs identify better-paying construction jobs, making it a perfect platform for subs looking to expand and enter new markets. 

Read how iSQFT software compares to new players like Downtobid.

Key Features

Let’s see what makes this platform unique. 

Centralized Bid Management

iSQFT has a dedicated bid board where subcontractors can monitor their bid progress. General contractors use it for bid comparison and evaluation before choosing the ideal candidate. 

Unfortunately, the platform doesn’t have an automated bidding schedule and relies on traditional mass mailing. This approach yields little results, and general contractors often take longer to find qualified subcontractors. 

Extensive Subcontractor Network

iSQFT’s focus on the North American market means many subcontractors registered to their network. The network estimates at least 1 million subcontractors ready to take on projects. This achievement has increased the platform’s reputation and market trust. 

It’s a huge achievement to be trusted by many subcontractors and build an extensive network. However, many subs are either inactive or busy on other projects. The platform’s failure to address this has left many general contractors unable to recruit the right subs. 

Collaborative Tools

The platform has centralized construction document management, ensuring everyone can access, edit, and upload documents on time. The built-in communication module speeds up information sharing and project updates to improve collaboration. Project managers can assign tasks, track progress, and analyze information to help them make data-driven decisions. 

Pricing Plans

iSQFT offers different pricing plans for general contractors and subs. GCs are required to pay $3,600 annually, with subs paying between $129 and $179 monthly. Learn more about iSQFT.

Pros

• Targeted bid opportunities
• Data-driven insights
• Extensive subcontractor network

Cons

• Limited customization
• Costly subscription plans
• Steep learning curve
• Limited mobile functionality

Find out more iSQFT alternative softwares here.

#5 PlanHub - Best for Networking

PlanHub is a construction management software that connects general contractors and subs. It’s perfect for construction professionals looking to expand their market share or recruit new teams. PlanHub has some drawbacks, like forcing subcontractors to pay to access new jobs. 

Key Features

PlanHub has the following key features. 

Strategic Market Insight

Staying ahead of the competition is crucial in the construction market. PlanHub has analytic tools that general contractors can use to understand market demands. They use this information to adjust and supply the market. For instance, they can analyze current market trends, such as which region has more construction projects, and supply the demand. 

As impressive as the analytic tool seems, it’s widely available to everyone using the platform. Although you’ll have access to market data, you have to compete with other construction professionals using the platform. 

Bid management Tool

The construction project management software has a dedicated bid board where users can track bid progress and make data-driven decisions. The bid board is pretty basic and lacks advanced features that would make it unique. 

Extensive Network

As one of the best Buildertrend alternatives, PlanHub has invested heavily in its subcontractor network. The construction project management software has a database of 400,000 subs, 4,500 suppliers, and 32,000 general contractors. This approach improves networking and subcontractor recruitment. 

Unfortunately, most contact details are outdated, with some users no longer active subscribers. 

Pricing Plans

PlanHub offers free and paid plans. The free plan is perfect for smaller operations. Paid plans include Premier ($1,199/year for a 200-mile radius) and Enterprise (customized pricing). Check out a review if PlanHub is worth it here.

Pros

• Excellent customer support
• Seamless integration
• Document management

Cons

• Pricing tier complexity
• Limited project data exportation
• Limited mobile functionality
• Steeper learning curve

Final Thoughts

Buildertrend alternatives discussed in this guide are all exceptional project management platforms. However, Downtobid is a clear standout, with AI Copilot as the primary force behind its success. It has additional features like centralized communication, personalized bid invites, and project scheduling and integrates with accounting software for effective cost management and budgeting. Try our software today and put the power of automation in your hands.