“Success in construction relies on the tools you use to manage your projects.”
This sentiment rings true for every contractor navigating the complexities of modern-day construction. With so many software options available, how do you find the right one? Two popular contenders, Contractors Software Group (CSG) versus Buildertrend, often surface as top choices. This blog dives deep into their features, benefits, and pricing to help you decide. By the end, you’ll understand why these two are leaders in the development of construction management software.
Contractors Software Group: An Overview
Contractors Software Group, Inc. has been a trusted name in the construction software development industry for almost three decades. With a focus on residential and light commercial construction. They’ve been developing construction management software that streamlines the sales, follow-up marketing, estimating, proposal writing, budgeting, purchase order management, scheduling and job cost accounting along with a Builder Portal to share job information with employees, vendors and/or clients.
Key Features of Contractors Software Group:
- Scalable Software to Fit your Budget – They offer three series of integrated A-Z software based upon size, needs and budget:
- Simple Series – Small Companies
- Plus Series – Small to Medium
- Professional Series – All Sizes
- Modular Applications – Each Series has the following available applications:
- Full CRM Software
- Takeoff Estimating and Proposal Writing Software
- Scheduling Software
- Job Cost Accounting Software
- CSG Central (Professional Series Only) – a web portal that shares job information with employees, vendors and/or clients
- Web Applications
- CSG Central, a web application that can share the following information with any mobile device that has internet connectivity:
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- Job Information
- Contract Information
- Selections
- Change Orders
- Job Task Schedules
- Pictures, Plans and Documents
- Released PO’s, SC and Work Orders
- Approved PO’s
- Service Work Orders
- Follow-up tasks to complete including:
- Calls
- Meetings
- E-mails
- Todos
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- Time Card Entry Web App CSG Central’s Remote Time Card App captures time in the field with any mobile device for processing payroll, job costing and financial reporting.
- Back Office Integration Synchronizes data back and forth with the Professional Series’ CRM, Estimating, Scheduling and Job Cost Accounting Software.
- Digital Takeoff Integration All CSG’s estimating products have available seamless integration with Stratosphere Digital Takeoff to takeoff quantities, footages and counts off digital blueprints.
- Purchase Or Monthly Hosting Option – You can purchase the series of software products and host them yourself or Contractors Software Group can host them on a monthly basis.
Benefits of Contractors Software Group:
- Fully Integrated Systems: Unlike many competitors, CSG has one of the ONLY integrated CRM, Takeoff Estimating, Scheduling and Job Cost Accounting systems on the market along with a Builder Web Portal that shares job information with employees, vendors and/or clients.
- Customizable Work Flow Icons – With CSG’s new front end user interface users can customize processes and procedures with task Icons, ensuring greater flexibility, ease of use and a personalized experience.
- Customer Support: CSG offers dedicated technical support, training services, and ongoing software upgrades to ensure users get the most out of their software.
- Focus on Residential Builders and Contractors: CSG’s software is designed specifically for residential and light commercial construction, making it a more specialized option for builders and contractors in these sectors.
- Proven Track Record: CSG has won multiple awards, including the TechHome Builder’s Innovative Housing Technology Award for its software solutions.
- Superior Training and Support – CSG has a network of trainers and support people to assist in the implementation and ongoing support.
Cons
- Time It takes time to set up the whole system but since the applications are modular you can invest in the applications you need now and add on later.
Pricing:
CSG’s pricing varies based on the series and applications you select. The complete Simple Series can be purchased for a one-time fee of $2495.00 or $310.00 for monthly hosting on the Cloud. Individual applications like Simple Scheduling start at a one-time purchase of $250.00 or $130.00 for monthly hosting. They are scalable so you can start with one series and upgrade to the next by just investing in the difference.
Buildertrend: An Overview
Buildertrend is a cloud-based software solution tailored for project management. It’s used by all types of contractors in residential and commercial projects. Buildertrend offers a variety of features that help manage projects, communicate with clients, and keep the job organized.
Key Features of Buildertrend:
- Scheduling and Task Management: Buildertrend allows you to create detailed schedules for your project, assign tasks, and track progress. This feature helps ensure your project stays on track and you meet deadlines.
- Budgeting and Financial Management: Buildertrend allows for budgeting, tracking project expenses, and ensuring profitability.
- Client Communication: The software has built-in tools for communicating with clients, sending updates, and getting approval for changes in the project scope.
- Document Sharing: You can upload, share, and store important project documents in Buildertrend, ensuring all team members have access to the latest plans and updates.
- Mobile App: Buildertrend’s mobile app allows you to manage your projects from anywhere, keeping everything accessible on the go.
Benefits of Buildertrend:
- Cloud-based system: Accessible from any device with an internet connection.
- Customizable Features: Buildertrend can be customized to fit the specific needs of a project.
- Client Portal: Clients can access real-time updates and track the progress of their projects.
Cons:
- Basic CRM software
- No accounting programs Uses 3rd party accounting applications for bill paying, daily bookkeeping and financial reporting
- Basic Estimating
- Time Large learning curve to set up and use the whole system
Pricing:
Buildertrend pricing is based on the number of users and the features you need. They offer multiple pricing tiers:
- Essential: $499 per month
- Advanced: $799 per month
- Complete: $1,099 per month
Comparing Contractors Software Group and Buildertrend: A Breakdown
Feature | Contractors Software Group | Buildertrend |
Target Audience |
Residential and light commercial contractor specific | All Type of Construction Companies |
Key Features |
Single-Entry CRM, Estimating, Scheduling and Job Cost Accounting and Builder Web Portal |
Project Management Focus |
Ease of Use | Easy to use, especially for smaller contractors | User-friendly, with cloud-based access |
Customization | Highly customizable workflow icons for ease of use and flexibility | Customizable but less flexible than CSG |
Web Application |
CSG Central and CSG Central’s Remote Time Card Entry are both Web applications | Yes |
Pricing | Flexible Pricing based upon series, applications and modules selected. Typically, more affordable for builders and contractors looking for specific applications ONLY | Essential: $499 per month
Advanced: $799 per month Complete: $1,099 per month |
FAQs
What is the difference between Contractors Software Group and Buildertrend?
Contractors Software Group offers three series of modular software that focuses on streamlining the back-office needs of lead tracking, follow-up marketing, estimating, proposal writing, project scheduling, job costing, billing, bill paying, payroll, bookkeeping and financial reporting along with their CSG Central web application for sharing job information with remote employees, vendors and/or clients on any smart phone, tablet or remote device that has internet connectivity.
Buildertrend is project management focused.
Do I need a 3rd party accounting Program with Contractors Software Group?
No, Contractors Software Group offers and integrated job cost accounting system to expedite the job costing, bill paying, billing, payroll, bookkeeping and financial reporting.
Is CSG software cloud-based?
Yes, All of CSG Series of software products can be hosted on the Cloud so they can be accessed remotely with any computer, laptop or tablet that has internet connectivity. CSG Central is a web application that shares job information with employees, vendors and/or clients that can be accessed with any smart phone, laptop, tablet or computer that has internet connectivity.
Which software is better for small contractors?
Contractors Software Group offers the Simple Series for smaller contractors looking to expedite any of the following: Lead tracking, follow-up marketing, estimating & proposal writing, project scheduling and/or job cost accounting.
What support options does CSG provide?
CSG has a network of training and technical support people, along with software upgrades to ensure customers get the best experience now and in the future.
Ultimate Takeaways
When comparing Contractors Software Group and Buildertrend, both have strengths, but Contractors Software Group stands out for residential builders and contractors looking to expedite their sales, marketing, customer service, estimating & proposal writing, purchase order management, scheduling and/or job cost accounting processes and procedures at an affordable price.
It is an excellent choice for all size companies. For contractors looking for software that covers all bases, Contractors Software Group offers integrated solutions that simplify every aspect of running a successful construction business. If you need help managing your business, from client initial contact through to estimating, scheduling and/or job cost accounting, CSG is the perfect partner and undeniably the best construction management software for builders and contractors.
At Contractors Software Group, we are passionate about providing quality solutions for residential and light commercial construction and backing those software products and web applications with superior training and ongoing support along with ongoing updates & enhancements and custom programing ensuring that your business runs smoothly and efficiently now and in the future.