Procore Construction Network vs. Downtobid Network: Which Platform Boosts Your Bids and Projects Faster?

The construction industry is a teamwork field where project success relies on effective collaboration between general contractors and subs. Recruiting a construction team is now easier, thanks to platforms like Downtobid Network and Procore Construction Network. It’s a huge upgrade from traditional subcontractor recruitment, where you had to mass-mail everyone listed as a subcontractor. It was an exhausting and least effective process since most of the contact details were outdated. 

General contractors can now access vast networks of subcontractors and filter results based on specialized trade. For instance, you can filter your search to target plumbers, roofers, electricians, and many more. However, each platform is different, with some offering more advanced features to streamline recruitment. We’ll evaluate the two platforms to help you choose one that ticks all the boxes for your next project. 

Let’s begin with a tool we understand best - our very own Downtobid Network.

Note: If you want to upload your construction plans, have AI remove all the project scopes, and automatically invite relevant, verified subs through our network, try Downtobid. Our subcontractor network leverages a multi-step verification process to avoid outdated contacts and improve response rates. Claim a free demo here.

Downtobid Network - Best for Collaboration

Downtobid Network is an extensive pre-vetted subcontractor database with qualified local trade partners ready to take on projects. We created the platform to easily connect general contractors and subcontractors and speed up the construction team creation process. 

Keeping our subcontractor database fresh is what sets us apart from our competitors. We achieve this by pre-vetting every subcontractor to verify their skills, experience, and availability. We also use AI to match suitable subcontractors to potential projects. We have shortened the recruitment time by acting as middlemen, ensuring our users can connect almost instantly. This approach helps keep the project on schedule and speed up collaboration. 

Key Features

Here are a few reasons why we’re different from the rest.

Pre-Verified Subcontractors

Working with unqualified subcontractors is every general contractor’s nightmare. We help you avoid this sinkhole by verifying every subcontractor on our database. We focus mostly on their performance history to ensure they’re who they say they are. Otherwise, we’d end up with unqualified and mediocre subcontractors that would ruin our reputation and frustrate general contractors. 

We also ensure every subcontractor updates their contact details and websites. This approach streamlines communication to ensure the project is completed on time. Our AI-powered self-cleaning database removes inactive users and those with outdated details to keep the database fresh and recent. 

Targeted Subcontractor Matching

Subcontractor recruitment is a long and tedious process. Traditionally, general contractors manually contacted subs, which took a long time, and they would mostly end up with unqualified or undesirable trade partners. Luckily, our AI scans your construction documents for potential scopes and matches them with qualified local subcontractors. 

We focus on two things when matching your projects with qualified subs:

• Experience - we focus on their performance history based on past projects. 
• Geographical location - you’ll get a list of local subcontractors to reduce travel expenses. 

Our AI handles all administrative tasks, allowing you to focus on other important project aspects. Don’t waste time browsing through an extensive database looking for a construction partner. See why we are considered one of the best AI software for construction.

Streamlined Collaboration

Construction projects are team-based, with hundreds of people working simultaneously to achieve desired goals. The success of any project relies on keeping everyone in check and ensuring they have everything they need. That’s why collaboration is crucial. 

Communication is at the heart of every successful collaboration. It ensures timely information sharing and feedback updates. We have a threaded messaging approach to help anyone track specific emails without digging through the entire inbox. For instance, a subcontractor can easily trace an invoicing email without reviewing every email they exchanged with a contractor. Users also don’t need an external email app, as they can respond directly from the platform. 

How We Created Our Network of Subs

Finding reliable and qualified subcontractors is a long and complex process (but a rewarding one if you’re not afraid of the work.) We dedicated a significant portion of our time to achieving this, and here is the process we followed. 

Subcontractor Discovery

After years of engaging with subcontractors, we know the right kind and where to find them. We started by analyzing regional data by focusing on specific regions. We use every resource, including online directories, industry databases, and referrals from other subs or general contractors. 

We also use their digital presence, such as online profiles, social media, and website activities. Each subcontractor is vetted to ensure all their details are updated and recent. This way, you can expect to work with only the best in the market. 

Comprehensive Subcontractor Mapping

Our subcontractor database includes subcontractors from every town across the US. We leverage Google Maps’s API to help us focus on geographical coverage and trade specificity. This approach ensures general contractors can find qualified subcontractors based on their experience and zip code. You don’t have to use multiple online directories to find subcontractors in different locations. 

Automated Data Verification

We use our web-scrapping tool to extract and update subcontractor data. This approach helps us find crucial information such as operational areas, trades performed, average project sizes, union/non-union distinctions, MWBE status, and past projects. We also ensure every contact details are accurate and updated to streamline communication.

Direct Decision Maker Contacts

Subcontractors usually list generic email addresses on their websites for inquiries and other general emails. These emails rarely get responses when you send bid invites. Unfortunately, many online directories and industry databases list these emails, leaving many general contractors with useless contact details. Luckily, our team goes the extra mile to find the best contact details. 

We leverage LinkedIn to find contact details for key decision-makers. Our software script extracts every email, and we use third-party email verification to confirm each email’s accuracy. This approach has helped us improve our database and cement our position as the best subcontractor network in the construction sector. 

Now that we know how to find verified subs, let’s show you how to use our platform. 

How to Use the Downtobid Network - Subcontractor Database

Our network directory is straightforward to use, even for new users. Here is a step-by-step process of finding the right subcontractors. 

First, visit this Search link to visit the Downtobid contractor search page. 

Look for fields labeled ‘Trade’ and ‘City.’ Type the specific trade you’re searching for, like ‘Electrical', and your project’s location, like ‘Houston.’ The system uses this input to retrieve a list of subcontractors matching electrical services in Houston.

The results are organized to help you preview each subcontractor without clicking on their business profile. You can see their full names, location, and their specialized trade. You can also click on the ‘Details’ button or the subcontractor’s name to access their full business profile. Their profiles contain more details, such as contact information, past projects, and qualifications, to help you make an informed decision. 

You can repeat the process for a different trade and location. Once satisfied with the subcontractor, you can click on ‘Invite to Bid’, and our software will redirect you to a different page to upload your project plans. 

Why Downtobid Network

We understand the hustle of finding the right subcontractors and the value of time in the construction industry. Our network contains only the best and most qualified subcontractors in every zip code in the US. You can now find the most qualified subcontractor by typing the trade and desired location. Contact us today for a free demo and try our network to see if it fits your needs. 

Procore Construction Network 

Procore is a popular name in the construction sector, and it only makes sense if the company has its own construction network database. Procore Construction Network contains a database of qualified subcontractors ready to take on projects. Click here to learn more.

Key Features

Here’s what makes Procore Construction Network unique.

Expansive Subcontractor List

Procore Construction Network lists subcontractors from every major US city, helping general contractors easily recruit subs from any part of the country. This approach speeds up subcontractor recruitment, ensuring general contractors spend less time searching for subs and more time getting to know them. 

Unfortunately, the majority of construction companies listed on Procore Construction Network have outdated contact details, making it difficult for general contractors to get bid responses and participation. 

Collaboration Tools

Procore Construction Network uses several tools that enhance team collaboration. They have a built-in messaging tool that allows the team to share information on the go. This tool comes in handy during construction, especially to on-field teams. Users can share information, upload reports, and issue updates, ensuring everyone is on the same page. 

However, the platform’s messaging tool is messy, and users have to dig through many messages to find a specific email. This approach slows down the response time, forcing the team to work overtime to share information and updates. 

Subcontractor Recruitment

Procore Construction Network has an extensive subcontractor network from different US cities and towns. General contractors can connect with different subcontractors from any part of the country. With close to a million subcontractors registered to the network, there is always someone to help out with your project. 

Unfortunately, most of the subcontractors’ information is outdated, and many are also inactive, making it challenging to recruit readily available subs. 

Pricing Plan

Procore Construction Network is free for any users. Anyone can create a free account and start using the database to connect with new subcontractors or advertise their construction businesses. Specialty contractors can list all the previous projects on the business profile to help them easily connect with potential clients.

Pros

• User-friendly interface - the platform’s design is intuitive, making it easy to use even for new clients. 
• Expansive subcontractor network - You can reach subcontractors offering different services and in different geographical locations. 
• Strong integration capabilities - users can integrate the platform with other construction management platforms and streamline the construction management process. 

Cons

• Poor customer support - although the platform has a dedicated customer support team, the response time is slow, which is problematic for time-sensitive projects.  
• Limited mobile functionality - the platform’s mobile app is limited and cannot handle tasks as the browser model.
• Unverified subcontractors - the database has a larger user base, but most of them are unverified, making it difficult to trust their capabilities.