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CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software has grown rapidly over the last 10 years. The importance of not only tracking how customers use a business but also how they interact with the business can lead to easy gains for companies all a variety of sectors.
While construction might not be the first industry that you think of when it comes to these programs, it’s a massive tool in the progression of these businesses. In this article, we’re going to look at the best construction CRM software on the market, highlighting how they work and what features make them stand out.
Best Construction CRM Software – Top 10
The list below shows what we think are the best construction CRM software. The list includes the ten best products that we’ve tested and in the next section, you can get extended reviews of why they rank where they do.
Salesforce– Best overall construction CRM software
Co Construct – Great CRM software for construction client portal
Top Builder – Lots of templates for invoices and snag lists
AmoCRM – Ability to track projects from design through to hand over
HubSpot CRM – One of the biggest construction CRM software in the world
Salesmate – Great for sales and after-sales workflow CRM software for construction
Best Construction CRM Software Compared
In this section, we’ve taken our list of the best construction CRM software and included a little more information about how they work. Our reviews have been compiled over several weeks and to do this we’ve downloaded and tested each of them.
We do want to note that all the programs on this page are worthy contenders for construction CRM software. Some are better than others in our eyes, however, each business is different, and we recommend that you use the reviews to see which will be best to work around your business.
If you’re new to the process or CRM in general, then jump down to some of the lower sections on this page to see how construction CRM works and how it can benefit your business. By doing this you’ll learn what features you need and then what programs are going to be best suited.
1. Salesforce – Best Construction CRM Software Overall
Salesforce takes the top spot as the best construction CRM software for 2022. It brings the customer to the forefront of the operations while digitizing construction businesses at the same time.
More often than not, construction companies make use of spreadsheets or documents that they send via email but are prone to be misplaced or lost. Salesforce addresses this issue by centralizing data and improving insights and visibility.
Additionally, Salesforce is a cloud-based SaaS CRM solution that adapts to your business’s needs and delivers on future requirements.
With Salesforce at your disposal, you can streamline processes and boost productivity with an intuitive CRM system that will ultimately scale your business.
Furthermore, Salesforce helps you learn how to bid better and essentially increase profitability. Salesforce is used by approximately 200 leading construction and engineering companies, and it is taking digital transformation by storm.
Pricing
Pricing starts from $25 per month for the Essential plan and goes up to $300 per user per month for the Unlimited Edition plan.
2. Procore – Best Construction CRM Software Overall
Procore takes the spot on our list as an excellent CRM software. The platform has been designed specifically for industries such as construction and includes a range of features that fit purposely for several aspects of the construction section.
The software is highly flexible and it allows users to manage multiple projects at one time. You can grant access to different teams or sectors of the business and even include stakeholders where needed.
Some of the highlights include the ability to add snag lists, punch lists, inspection reports and manage requests for information. You’re able to create these lists in an easy-to-view manner which then allows you to forward these direct to clients where needed.
Procore comes with a lot of training guides on the site and can easily be implemented into a range of business sizes. The cloud-based platform means that you can access it while on the go from anywhere in the world.
Pricing
Pricing starts from around $375 per month, which is expensive. This does, however, include unlimited users and puts you on the project management plan. You can add the financial management plan to this for an extra $175, which may or may not be of interest to you.
Pros
Flexible software that can be accessed from anywhere in the world
Plans include unlimited users, which is ideal for larger businesses
Feature-rich, including snag lists, punch lists and inspection reports
3. Construction Online – Best for Construction CRM Software Client Portals
Construction Online is a great alternative to Procore and covers a vast range of features that you would expect from the best construction CRM software.
The coverage of the software is a standout here with residential, industrial, and commercial projects all covered. Project management is one of the many strengths and it allows you to use tracking, create estimates and then schedule meetings with potential clients.
For us, the highlight was the client portal. This gives you the ability to upload quotes to a dedicated portal for each client. The client can get access to this, look at quotes, talk through how quotes have been set up and then contact you with any queries. It’s a great way to keep phone lines clear and all queries linked to a specific project.
On top of this, you get project tracking, team management, planning rooms, cloud file management and financial integration to programs like QuickBooks.
Pricing
Residential pricing starts from $270/month. With this, you get access to project management tools such as on cost estimating, scheduling, and client/sub-contractor logins.
Each section on Construction Online comes with a price hike. These include Specialty + Subs, Commercial, AEC and Industrial. Even industrial packages start from just $540/month and these are targeted at larger businesses who can offset these costs, providing great value.
Pros
Lots of program tiers that will suit a wide range of construction companies
Cloud-based which allows access on the go
Brilliant client portal to allow them access to quote and project updates
Customer support on hand 24/7
Cons
Fairly steep learning curve, especially for those new to CRM software
Not as intuitive in terms of ease of use as some platforms
4. Unanet – Best Value for Money Construction CRM Software
Unanet used to be known as Cosential and while the takeover has changed how the platform looks, for the most part, this CRM tool is the same. It’s one of the most comprehensive CRM tools on the market right now and even though we’re looking at how it works specifically for construction, it can be used in a range of industries.
One of the standout features of Unanet is the ability to link construction management and proposal automation. This allows the business to manage contacts, personal information, and project data from start to finish.
It links three key areas in architecture, engineering, and construction. Each sector can utilize secure data storage, marketing services and support channels throughout. You’ll also be able to link and manage financial records within Unanet.
Pricing
One of the best things about Unanet is its pricing structure. It starts from just $70 per month, however, this is based per user. For a smaller business, this is going to offer good value, but larger businesses will soon see cost spiral as they add more users, hence the reason why it’s one of the best CRM software for small businesses.
You’re also able to access a read-only plan, which is ideal for shareholders or for things like presentations. This is just $10 per month, per user.
Pros
Links architecture, construction, and engineering exceptionally well
Gives the ability to add in customers at a range of stages throughout a project
Great value for money for smaller construction businesses
Wide range of performance data sources
Cons
Dated design and clumsy user-interface shows off too much info at once
Can get expansive for medium to large construction businesses
5. Buildertrend – Best Construction CRM Software for Project Tracking
Buildertrend is one of the best construction CRM software that you can access right now. It’s one that is solely linked to the construction sector and even includes a free demo to allow you to try it before you buy.
It works extensively in four key areas. These include the pre-sales processes, project management, financial tools, and customer management. It allows businesses and customers to track from the very first stage right through to sign off.
Just a few of the standout tools on Buildertrend include bid requests, estimates and proposals, email marketing, daily logs, scheduling, warranty work, plan markup, invoicing, budgeting, time clock, customer login, surveys/reviews, and communication.
Pricing
The Core Plan starts from just $99 per month, although this is an introductory period that lasts for two months before the price jumps to $349 per month. The Pro Plan comes in at $399 for 2 months and then $599 per month thereafter.
The main difference between the two is that the Pro Plan has access to more financial tools such as purchase orders, bills, bids, and budgets. If you feel like you can do without these, then opt for the cheaper Core Plan.
Pros
Huge range of tools are targeted toward the construction industry
Great value for money for the first two months to test the waters
Ability to track projects from the start through to sign off
Lots of financial tools that link with other finance software
Cons
A bit basic in terms of the design
Given its size and the amount of data, you can access, might be overwhelming for smaller businesses
6. Builder Console – Best for Sales Management Construction CRM Software
Builder Console is another dedicated platform that has been set up to work exclusively with the construction industry. The platform is designed more as an SMS (Sales Management Software) but essentially includes all the tools you need for a successful CRM software.
Sales play a big part in how Builder Console works, and the real-time selection and option pricing feature is one of the highlights. This allows you instant access to things like the number of offers sent, the ads sold based on that, prospect management and buyer upgrades/changes.
You’ve then got the ability to move this data into its prospect management tool. This allows you to manage and track leads, utilize a client communication portal, include automation communication, and get analytics on all this data.
What Builder Console excels at is the reporting from each section within the software. Obviously, it’s more sales-based than most, but this is an area that is often overlooked in the construction sector, which makes this platform incredibly powerful.
Pricing
Every package that Builder Console runs is totally unique to that business. There is no base price that is charged, and you only get a price once you’ve spoken with customer support.
From our research, we’ve seen quotes everywhere between $100 to $2,000 a month. This doesn’t mean an awful lot as we’ve no idea what the size of each business was, nor do we know what features are included.
Pros
A great option for those that are looking to increase sales and leads
Lots of data collection tools can be used to target new customers
Client portal access from start to finish
Best used for residential builders
Cons
No base or guide pricing on the website
Not the best looking construction CRM software that we’ve tested
It’s probably fair to say that the construction industry is not exactly synonymous with business platforms such as CRM. The industry is arguably a little more old-school than that, but times are changing and over the last few years there has been a massive shift to platforms just like this.
One of the biggest factors as to why this has occurred has a lot to do with industries such as architecture that are already embracing technology such as CAD and other design platforms. Most CRM software will allow some sort of link between the design process and then future processes.
The link between architecture and construction is huge, meaning that it makes sense to combine the two processes onto a single platform.
One of the main roles of CRM is that of project management. It allows businesses to track from the very start of the process, which includes things like tenders and quotes, right to the final stages, which might include things like snag lists and warranty work.
It’s a huge time saver in this regard and means that businesses can put fewer people on the ground and still create an incredibly efficient project management process. It also allows them to run multiple projects from the same platform at any given time.
A good CRM software will allow for a wide range of integration into other programs as well. This can include things like email, calendars, and workflow programs. It allows businesses to track and plan where people need to be and see what correspondence has been sent and to who. A paper trail like this is vital in case issues arise.
Integration into financial programs like QuickBooks is another massive feature for CRM software. It can move invoices that are created in the program and then automatically upload them to the finance program. Most will even allow you to amend invoices and flag this within your online books.
Sales is another key area that most of the best CRM software use. Builder Console is one of the best for this and it allows the business to track things like pricing to see a process of how products and services are performing.
Most will allow you to set goals and then can project if you’re going to hit those goals. It will allow the business to see what needs to be done to get back on track if they are behind and is a huge tool for larger businesses that might be working on slightly thinner profit margins.
Finally, construction CRM software allows client integration. It gives the ability for a client to track things like quotes and the progress of their projects. It will give them access to ask questions directly and without the need for people to visit the site to give an answer.
What are the Advantages of Using a Constriction CRM Software?
It can’t be underestimated how important the integration of a good construction CRM software can be. The initial costs may seem expensive compared to other business software, but if used correctly, a CRM is going to save huge amounts of time and money.
Here are a few advantages of why we think all construction companies should be using CRM software.
Workflow
Workflow in the construction industry is paramount. There are times when you can be going full speed ahead and then hit a delay through no fault of your own.
CRM allows you to plan the process of what work will be carried out and when. It allows businesses to upload timelines of when materials were ordered and when they will be delivered.
Being able to host this on a single program that allows multiple users to view and amend will streamline all projects. This works right from the design stage to the handover stage and everything that comes in between.
Time is money and the best construction CRM software will save huge amounts of time and therefore, money. This is the exact same pretences that we included for the best automotive CRM software as well.
Deadlines
Deadlines play a huge role in the construction industry. Builds are notoriously late and most of the time, there is very little that can be done about it. A CRM allows the company to set realistic targets about when projects will be finished.
It also allows them to amend deadlines, but it lets them do this for a reason. For example, if there is a week’s delay for the foundations to be poured it can flag this on the system. Clients’ frustration and demands can then be managed in a much more transparent way.
The ability to link to emails and calendars allows the CRM software to highlight how changes in the timeline will affect deadlines. Most clients accept that things like this will happen, but the frustration is lack of transparency, which as mentioned previously, negates.
Process Automation
Construction CRM software allows the user to input minimal information about a project and then go on to automatically create a detailed timeline of what needs to be done and when. The more info you add, the more complex the process it can create, but even basic information will lead to a relatively realistic timeframe and even cost.
This comes in extremely handy when it comes to quotes. Instead of spending huge amounts of time getting a quote correct the last penny and hour, the CRM will allow basic data input and create a host of possible scenarios based on time and cost.
You can even link this to the sales section which then will work out relatively accurate profit and loss. Once the job has been secured you can then go back and create a more detailed plan if you so wish.
Client Integration
Client integration is another huge plus for a constriction CRM software. The level of accessibility will range, but most allow for a portal to be set up that the client and the construction company both have access to.
This allows the company to upload files and documents that are linked to that job. This could include quotes, invoices, timelines, workflows and even snag lists once the job has been completed.
It’s one of the strongest tools when it comes to CRM software and saves huge amounts of time for both the client and the company. It often means that site visits aren’t necessary, and it allows for a transparent paper trail to be accessible by both parties. Most will link emails and appointments as well.
Conclusion – What is the Best Construction CRM Software ?
Salesforce is the number one construction CRM software for 2022. It’s specifically designed to manage the opportunity pipeline and customer relationships equally. Internal operations are improved as Salesforce streamlines and automates operational tasks.
So we confidently recommend Salesforce as our best pick when it comes to effective pipeline management, streamlining bid management, and obtaining enhanced visibility and insights.
Salesforce is the best construction CRM software on the market right now. It’s cloud-based so you can access it anywhere in the world and it offers a ton of features, including price lists, snag lists, inspection reports, RFIs, a dedicated app and project management options.
Which software is used for modern construction?
Most of the current crop of CRM software will work for modern construction. We would recommend that you check out Procore and Construction Online as two of the best in the business.
What software is used in building construction?
Any CRM software will have some use for building construction. However, we recommend that you check out Salesforce and Buildertrend as two of the best. They will cater to different price points, so offer a lot of options between the pair.
How do you keep track of construction projects?
A good CRM is one of the best ways to keep track of construction projects. This allows you to follow the process from planning right through to hand over and even to include warranty work as well.
Jonathan graduated from Northumbria University in 2007 with a degree in Business Marketing. Since then he has started, run, and sold dozens of online businesses in various niches. His expertise, however, lies in sports betting and has used his knowledge from playing multiple sports at a high level to create betting tips and strategy sites, such as WhatAcaa.com. He spends most days pouring through form guides for football and horse racing, contributing to several online forums with a dedicated following.
He's published thousands of articles in the sports, gaming, business, and finance sectors, proudly contributing to sites such as Gambling.com, Basketball Insiders, Slots Source, Tech Report, Cheeky Punter, and more recently, B2C.
