Buildertrend

What is Buildertrend

Buildertrend is a cloud-based construction project management software designed for home builders, remodelers, and specialty contractors. Its main purpose is to bring all aspects of a construction business into one central system. This includes project scheduling, financial management, customer relations, and service management. The platform helps users to reduce errors, improve communication between the team, subcontractors, and clients, and increase overall efficiency. Buildertrend was founded in 2006 by Dan Houghton, Steve Dugger, and Jeff Dugger. The company is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, and has become a leading solution in the residential construction industry.

Buildertrend Features

Buildertrend offers a wide set of tools to manage the entire construction lifecycle.

• Sales Management: Capture, track, and manage leads from initial contact to a signed contract. You can create proposals, send them for e-signature, and convert leads into active projects seamlessly.
• Project Management: Create detailed project schedules with Gantt charts. Assign tasks to your team and subcontractors, track progress with daily logs, and manage to-do lists to keep projects on time.
• Financial Management: Control project finances with tools for budgeting, estimating, and bidding. Track expenses, manage purchase orders, and handle invoicing for both clients and subcontractors. It integrates with accounting software to keep financial data accurate.
• Client Communication: A dedicated client portal allows homeowners to log in and see project progress, approve change orders, make selections, and communicate directly with the builder. This improves transparency and client satisfaction.
• Subcontractor Management: Invite subcontractors to projects, share schedules and project files, and manage bids and payments all within the platform. This ensures everyone is working with the most current information.
• Mobile App: The Buildertrend mobile app allows you and your team to access project information, upload photos, and manage tasks directly from the job site, ensuring real-time updates.

Buildertrend Pricing Plans

Buildertrend offers several pricing plans tailored to the needs of different-sized construction businesses. The pricing is not publicly listed and requires scheduling a demo for a custom quote. The plans are typically structured in tiers.

• Core Plan: This plan includes the essential features for project management, financial tracking, and basic client communication. It is suitable for smaller builders or those new to construction management software.
• Pro Plan: This advanced plan includes everything in the Core plan plus more sophisticated features like advanced reporting, warranty management, and more customization options. It is designed for growing businesses that need more control and insight into their operations.
• Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing and features for large-scale home builders and construction companies with complex needs and a high volume of projects.

Buildertrend Free Plan

Buildertrend does not offer a free plan. It is a premium software solution focused on professional contractors and construction companies. However, they offer a free, personalized demo to potential customers. During the demo, a Buildertrend representative will walk you through the software's features and show how it can be adapted to your specific business needs.

How to use Buildertrend

Getting started with Buildertrend involves a few key steps to integrate it into your business operations.

1. Schedule a Demo & Onboarding: The first step is to schedule a demo to understand the platform and get a price quote. Once you subscribe, Buildertrend provides onboarding support to help set up your account.
2. Create a Project: Set up your first project by entering all the key details, such as the client's information, project address, and budget.
3. Build the Schedule: Use the scheduling tool to create a timeline for the project. Add phases, tasks, and deadlines. You can assign tasks to your internal team members and subcontractors.
4. Manage Finances: Input your project budget and use the bidding tools to get quotes from subcontractors. As the project progresses, track all expenses, purchase orders, and invoices against the budget.
5. Communicate: Invite your clients and subcontractors to the platform. Use the messaging features for daily communication and the client portal to provide updates, share photos, and manage change orders.
6. Track Progress: Use the Daily Logs feature to record job site activity. This helps create a record of the project's history and keeps everyone informed.

Pros and Cons of Buildertrend

Pros:

• All-in-One Solution: It combines many different functions (sales, project management, financials) into a single platform, reducing the need for multiple software tools.
• Strong Client Portal: The client communication features are excellent and help improve transparency and customer satisfaction.
• Powerful Financial Tools: The budgeting, bidding, and invoicing features are comprehensive and help contractors maintain control over project profitability.
• Good Customer Support: Buildertrend is known for its strong customer support and onboarding process.

Cons:

• Steep Learning Curve: The software is very feature-rich, which can be overwhelming for new users. It takes time to learn how to use all its capabilities effectively.
• Cost: It can be more expensive than some other solutions on the market, which might be a barrier for very small contractors or sole proprietors.
• Mobile App Limitations: While the mobile app is useful, some users find it less powerful or intuitive than the full desktop version.

Buildertrend integrations

Buildertrend integrates with several other software platforms to streamline business operations.

• QuickBooks & Xero: Two-way integration with these popular accounting platforms allows for seamless syncing of financial data, reducing double entry and ensuring accuracy.
• Gusto: Integration with Gusto helps manage payroll for your construction team.
• The Home Depot: A Pro Xtra integration offers exclusive rebates and helps track purchases.
• CBUSA: Connects builders with a network for group purchasing and rebates.
• Other Software: Buildertrend also integrates with various takeoff software, email clients like Outlook, and other business tools through its API.

Buildertrend Alternatives

• Procore: A powerful construction management platform that is more focused on large commercial projects but is also used by large residential builders. It is known for its extensive features and customization but is generally more expensive.
• CoConstruct: Another popular choice for residential builders and remodelers. It has strong features for estimating, selections, and client communication. Buildertrend acquired CoConstruct, but they still operate as separate platforms with different strengths.
• Jobber: A field service management software that is a good fit for smaller contractors and trade businesses. It is simpler and more focused on scheduling, quoting, and invoicing rather than full-scale project management.
• Builder's Helper: A construction management software that focuses heavily on scheduling and project management. It is a more traditional software but is effective for builders who need robust scheduling tools.

Buildertrend API

Yes, Buildertrend provides a public API that allows developers to build custom integrations and connect the platform with other software. The API enables you to access and manage data related to projects, schedules, financials, and more. To get access to the API, you typically need to be a Buildertrend customer on a qualifying plan. You can then request an API key from their support team or through a developer portal. The documentation for the API provides all the necessary information for developers to start building integrations.

Here is a generic example of what an API call might look like in Python to fetch project data:

import requests

api_key = 'YOUR_BUILDERTREND_API_KEY'
headers = {
    'Authorization': f'Bearer {api_key}',
    'Content-Type': 'application/json'
}

response = requests.get('https://api.buildertrend.net/v1/projects', headers=headers)

if response.status_code == 200:
    projects = response.json()
    print(projects)
else:
    print(f'Error: {response.status_code}')

Buildertrend Affiliate program

Buildertrend does not have a traditional, public affiliate program where anyone can sign up to earn commissions. Instead, they have a Customer Referral Program. Existing Buildertrend customers can refer other construction professionals to the platform. If the referred person signs up for Buildertrend, the referring customer typically receives a reward, such as a credit on their subscription or a gift card. To participate, customers can find a referral link or form within their Buildertrend account. For those who are not customers but wish to partner, it is best to contact their sales or partnership department directly to inquire about potential collaboration opportunities.