Choosing Contractor Software

Get the most for your money when buying software for general contractors

In today’s world, staying a step ahead of the competition means streamlining your business operation to provide quality service in a timely format. Contractor software programs can automate tasks and save you time and money. However, many programs designed for contractors come with a big price tag and a steep learning curve.

Before you invest in contractor software that promises to cut your estimating or bookkeeping time in half, research the pros and cons. Key factors to consider when you evaluate contractor programs are:

1. Compatibility with other software
2. Price and features
3. Availability of technical support
4. Training time for contractor programs

Look for long-term solutions to your software needs by determining your top priorities. Top contractor software solutions offer:

1. The ability to track a construction project from inception to completion, logging expenses, labor costs, material lists and task scheduling.
2. Computer-Aided Design (CAD) technology, enabling your design team to maximize their drafting time and minimize engineering errors.
3. Contractor software solutions to estimate the material and labor needed for specific projects by calculating person-hours, material projections and allowing for subcontractor quotes.
4. Transaction-recording ability on a cost or accrual basis and automatic generation of financial reports at the touch of a button.

 

Manage your projects with specially designed contractor software

Select project management software for contractors to fit the size of your company. Large contracting companies will utilize detailed programs, networked between administrative offices and the supervisors in the field. Smaller contractors will look for easy data entry systems and a user-friendly format.
Try: Visit Capterra for details of top standalone estimating contractor programs. If you need compatibility with Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project exports data to Excel and is compatible with other Microsoft programs.

Design and render 3D drawings with CAD software for contractors

CAD software is quickly becoming a staple in design firms and offers automated drafting tools and precise measuring ability. In addition, 3-dimensional rendering capabilities are valuable if you offer custom designs.
Try: The industry standard in CAD software applications for contractors is AutoCAD and if you invest in the base program, additional add-on programs are available. If you're not a wiz with Bezier curves, opt for the award-winning Chief Architect where you can export designs in a compatible formats. Download a trial version before you buy.

Edge out the competition with accurate estimating software programs

Estimating software for contractors saves time and allows you to bid competitively, but look for the ability to download a centralized cost table or you'll be inputting new prices every time the cost of building materials fluctuates.
Try: Read the reviews of competitive estimating software programs to compare prices and features. Consider purchasing estimating add-ons like PaintCOST for Microsoft Excel if you need software compatibility with Microsoft Office programs.

Minimize bookkeeping time with accounting software programs

Bookkeeping programs are the foundation of contractor software applications, providing instant access to detailed financial reports and profit and loss projections. The giants in the accounting software industry for contractors offer additional estimating options and clientele-tracking features.
Try: Accounting firms run master software programs capable of assimilating your data if inputted into QuickBooks, Peachtree or Microsoft Money. Compare features of other standalone accounting software for contractors.

 

• Download or ask for a demo before you invest. There is no better way to determine whether the contractor software applications will fit your needs until you see the details of the system.
• Put cost on your list but not at the very top. Different contractor software programs run the gamut in price so choose those that fill your needs first and then consider the price.
• Question the software manufacturer about tech help in the days to come. You might save money by purchasing an inexpensive program but you can quickly see that saving disappear if you have to pay for tech help.

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