Professionalism

Procore vs Buildertrend: Which is Better?

Procore and Buildertrend are both leading construction management platforms, but they cater to different contractor needs. Procore is best suited for large commercial projects and enterprise operations, while Buildertrend is preferred by small to mid-sized contractors focused on residential or light commercial work. The right choice depends on your company size, project type, and required features.

We Get It

Choosing the right management software is a major decision for contractors. We know the wrong fit can cost you time, confuse your crew, and complicate client relationships. Many contractors feel overwhelmed comparing these big platforms.

Understanding the Details

Key Differences Between Procore and Buildertrend

Target Users

  • Procore: Designed for commercial general contractors, construction managers, and enterprise firms handling complex, multi-phase projects.
  • Buildertrend: Tailored for residential builders, remodelers, and specialty contractors focusing on smaller-scale projects.

Core Features

  • Procore: Advanced project management, RFIs, submittals, drawing management, financial controls, and integrations with major accounting systems.
  • Buildertrend: Estimating, scheduling, client communication, selections, change orders, and invoicing – all in one dashboard.

Pricing Structure

  • Procore: Custom quotes based on company size and modules used; typically starts at several thousand dollars per year.
  • Buildertrend: Transparent monthly subscription (usually $399-$699/month) with unlimited users, geared toward affordability for smaller teams.

Ease of Use

  • Procore: Robust but steeper learning curve, especially for smaller teams.
  • Buildertrend: More intuitive for contractors new to digital project management tools.

Practical Steps

How to Choose the Right Platform for Your Contracting Business

  1. Define your project types and volume. List the average number and size of projects you handle each year.
  2. Identify your team's tech comfort level. Consider if your staff prefers simple dashboards or is ready for enterprise-level tools.
  3. Map out must-have features. Decide if you need advanced document control (Procore) or streamlined client communication (Buildertrend).
  4. Set a realistic software budget. Factor in both upfront and recurring costs, including onboarding and training.
  5. Test drive both platforms. Take advantage of free trials or demos with real project data to see what feels intuitive for your workflow.

Contractor Tip

We recommend asking other contractors in your network what software they use, and how responsive each company's support team is in the field.

How EZcontractPRO Helps

For contractors looking for a simple, field-ready solution that doesn't require a huge learning curve, EZcontractPRO offers the essential tools you need without the complexity of large enterprise platforms.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of contractors benefit most from Procore?
Procore is ideal for commercial general contractors, construction managers, and firms handling large-scale, multi-phase projects. Its advanced project controls, collaboration tools, and deep integrations are best leveraged by companies with dedicated project management staff and complex workflows.
Is Buildertrend better for small residential contractors?
Buildertrend is specifically designed for small to mid-sized residential builders, remodelers, and specialty contractors. It streamlines client communication, change orders, and scheduling, making it a favorite among contractors running multiple smaller jobs with limited office staff.
How do Procore and Buildertrend compare on pricing?
Procore typically requires a custom quote, with annual costs starting at several thousand dollars and increasing based on modules and users. Buildertrend offers a transparent monthly subscription ranging from about $399 to $699 per month, making it more budget-friendly for smaller teams.
Which platform is easier to learn and adopt for new users?
Buildertrend is generally considered more user-friendly and easier to implement, especially for contractors new to construction management software. Procore has more features and a steeper learning curve, but offers extensive training resources for onboarding larger teams.
Can either platform handle both estimating and invoicing?
Buildertrend includes integrated estimating and invoicing tools suitable for most residential and light commercial contractors. Procore offers estimating and invoicing features but often relies on integrations with accounting software for full financial management, making it better suited for firms with dedicated accounting staff.

Contractor Community Q&A

Real questions from contractors like you, answered by experts and peers.

L
Lisa M. Flooring • San Diego, CA

How do you handle clients who want to pay cash under the table? I don't want to lose the job but it feels sketchy.

44 found helpful 2 answers
EZcontractPRO Team Official

Always keep everything on the books. Cash jobs create tax liability issues and you lose any legal recourse if something goes wrong. A professional client will respect that you run a legitimate business.

31
M
Mark D.

I politely decline and explain I need to run everything through my business for insurance purposes. Lost a few jobs but saved myself from bigger headaches.

13

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