Project Management Tools Compared: CoConstruct vs. Buildertrend vs. Procore—What You Need to Know

August 15, 2024

By Chad Magleby, President at Magleby Construction

As someone who's been in the construction industry for years, I've had my fair share of experiences with various project management tools. Finding the right one can be a game-changer—saving time, reducing headaches, and ultimately leading to more successful projects. Today, I want to share my thoughts on three popular platforms that I’ve used: CoConstruct, Buildertrend, and Procore. Here’s a breakdown of what I’ve found works best for different types of projects.

CoConstruct: Perfect for Custom Home Builders

Let’s start with CoConstruct. If you’re in the business of custom home building like I am, you’ll appreciate how tailored this platform is to our needs. It’s designed specifically for custom builders and remodelers, which means every feature is relevant—no fluff.

One thing I love about CoConstruct is its client portal. Custom home projects are personal; our clients want to be involved in every step. CoConstruct allows them to log in, check progress, make selections, and approve changes. This transparency not only keeps clients happy but also makes my job easier by reducing the back-and-forth communication.

The budget management tools are another standout feature. Keeping a close eye on costs is crucial in custom home building, and CoConstruct makes this easy with real-time updates. I remember a project where the client was particularly concerned about budget overruns. Thanks to CoConstruct, I was able to provide them with up-to-date financial information, which eased their concerns and kept the project on track.

Pros:

• Tailor-made for custom home builders.

• Excellent tools for client communication and budget management.

• Real-time tracking and updates.

  
  

Cons:

• Might not be as flexible for contractors working on larger, commercial projects.

• Integrations are somewhat limited compared to broader platforms like Procore.

Buildertrend: Versatile and Comprehensive

Next up is Buildertrend. This platform is known for its versatility and can handle everything from residential to commercial projects. If you’re juggling different types of builds, Buildertrend might be the way to go.

The project scheduling feature is a lifesaver. I’ve used it to assign tasks, set deadlines, and monitor progress, all in one place. Plus, because it’s cloud-based, I can access my projects from anywhere, whether I’m in the office or out in the field. The financial tools are also top-notch, allowing for seamless invoicing and cost tracking, which keeps everything organized and running smoothly.

However, it’s worth noting that Buildertrend has a bit of a learning curve. For smaller teams, the extensive features might feel overwhelming at first. But once you get the hang of it, the platform really shines.

Pros:

• Highly versatile, suitable for various project types.

• Strong mobile and cloud-based functionality.

• Comprehensive financial management tools.

  
  

Cons:

• Can be overwhelming for smaller teams or simpler projects.

• May have more features than you actually need for custom builds.

Procore: The Powerhouse for Large-Scale Projects

Finally, there’s Procore. If you’re working on large-scale commercial projects, Procore is hard to beat. It’s a robust platform that handles everything from document management to team collaboration.

The document management system is one of the best I’ve seen. It’s incredibly thorough, which is crucial when you’re dealing with the mountain of paperwork that comes with large commercial builds. The collaboration tools are also fantastic, making it easy to communicate with everyone involved in the project, from subcontractors to clients.

However, Procore’s extensive features might be overkill for custom home builders. It’s designed for large projects with many moving parts, and the cost reflects that. If you’re managing smaller projects, you might find Procore to be more than you need.

Pros:

• Ideal for large, complex construction projects.

• Excellent document management and collaboration tools.

• Wide range of integrations with other software.

Cons:

• May be too much for smaller projects or custom home builders.

• Higher cost, which might not be justifiable for simpler projects.

Which Tool Is Right for You?

So, which one should you choose? It all depends on your specific needs:

• If you’re focused on custom home building, CoConstruct is the clear winner. It’s designed for the intricacies of our industry and makes client communication and budget management a breeze.

• For those managing a mix of residential and commercial projects, Buildertrend offers the versatility and comprehensive features to handle it all.

• And if you’re dealing with large-scale commercial projects that require extensive documentation and collaboration, Procore is the powerhouse you need.

  
  

Choosing the right tool can significantly impact your efficiency and client satisfaction, so take the time to evaluate your options and pick the one that best supports your business.