Software for contractors can be a major time-saver just when you need it. Software applications for contractors can do a variety of tasks, including accounting, payroll, and even scheduling and organizing subcontractor information.

Making the most of contractor software is not just about purchasing the program, but getting the right program for your needs. If you get specialized software for your business, it will cost less in the long run and help you out where you need it most.

Software for general contractors comes in many different forms. For those who need a total organization of their company, there are full packages that can organize many areas of your contracting business. Other forms of specialized software include:

1. Contractor software for accounting management.

2. Programs that handle scheduling and payment information for subcontractors.

3. Web-based contractor software that both contractors and subcontractors can access.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose full package contractor programs for total organization

If a contractor has trouble keeping track of payments, subcontractors, and other important information, a contractor program that includes a full accounting, scheduling and payroll package will work best. Once you learn how to use this type of software, any simple task with accounting and paperwork will take only minutes to complete.

I recommend: Contractor One Software offers a full package program that includes a variety of reports, scheduling, and payment tasks to run. Applied Computer Systems developed JOBPOWER, a software that includes functions for job cost, payroll, purchase orders and inventory equipment logs for each of your projects.

Explore contractor software providers that offer specialized accounting

Contractors can try to use typical small business software for the their company, but a general application may be lacking in some very important areas when it comes to the construction business. Instead, try finding a contractor software solution that includes accounting software tailored to your needs.

I recommend: Coins offers comprehensive software to create payroll solutions for any contracting business. Sage Timberline Office is an accounting suite that can help you with all aspects of the business that involve money.

Buy contractor software programs that go beyond scheduling and accounting

Many specialized versions of contractor software applications are tailored to the scheduling and the accounting parts of the job. If this is not your problem area, specialized programs like this are not likely to make you any more organized. Instead, choose programs that offer you contract templates and other standard documents.

I recommend: ABCA Forms offers contractor software that takes care of all your form and document needs. The software provides you with hundreds of purchase orders, contracts, and other legal documents you can customize for your business. Foundation Software offers its Genie Series, which provides customizable form and document solutions.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Free demos and trials are available for most types of software for construction contractors. If you really want to know how the program works under real conditions, try using it on a small job or create a job scenario to see how the program can really help you.

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.

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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.

I recommend: 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.

I recommend: 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.

I recommend: 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.

I recommend: 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.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  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.

Contractors have a lot to keep up with on each and every job site, so software for contractors comes in handy. The right program can help you take care of the day-to-day tasks dealing with payroll, budgets and purchase orders. Not only will this save you time, but it also helps you organize and store important records.

The pricing and costs of contractor software depends on the amount of features you need the program to perform. Some features that may add cost to your software are:

1. The number of workstations that need the software installed.

2. The online and networking capabilities of the program.

3. Whether the software is specialized for specific contractor programs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose software for general contractors that tracks the finances

There are many accounting programs on the market. To get all of the features you need as a general contractor, choose an accounting program that's specifically designed for your business. This type of software can range anywhere from $250 to nearly $4,000, depending on how many computers will have the program and what type of training you and your staff will need to run the software.

I recommend: Contractor Software offers a range of software products for contractors, the best being Contractor V Plus which comes with a full accounting software package. Maxwell Systems offers a similar type of product called American Contractor, which streamlines project management.

Buy contractor software programs that offer free upgrades and support

Many contractor software systems will take some time to get used to. And as with all types of software, upgrades and updates are inevitable. Software upgrades help you manage your business more effectively, but they're not cost-effective unless you choose a program that comes with free upgrades or extended warranties and tech support. Upgrades that do not come with the program can range from $100 to $500 each time they are available.

I recommend: Job Tracker Plus from Digital Canal is a program that can easily manage the back and forth conversations between you and the subcontractors. The program also has free upgrades and extended support. Contractor Engine provides free upgrades for its software with a type of extended service plan, which can come in handy when you have tech support issues.

Get web-based construction contractor software for easy access

Web-based software programs are easy to use and very convenient for those contractors who like to work on- and off-site. The prices of web-based software are the same as those for traditional software, but you could end up paying hundreds of dollars each time you have tech support issues or need train for employees to learn the program.

I recommend: The Contractor Office offers a web-based contractor software program you can access from anywhere. It manages all your data and contacts. You can find a similar, fully web-based program at HeadsUp Technologies.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  To get a better idea of how software applications for contractors work, try out a few free trials versions or look at free demos before you buy.

These days, there is software to help contractors manage every aspect of their business, from invoicing and payroll to equipment and supply management. Different software programs contain different features, so it is important to get a handle on what what each offers. Implementing software can be a big deal. Not only are the costs for the program significant, but managers need to expend considerable energy training staff and overseeing a smooth transition.

Action Steps
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Job cost, or job costing

Getting a handle on job costs and projected projects is complicated business. The equation factors in payroll costs, equipment and supply costs and insurance requirements, among other things. You should also look for a change order feature, often included under job costing, that tracks the progress of work orders.

I recommend: Contractor Plus outlines its job cost module.

Purchase order management

Purchase order management is a module that is closely associated with accounting features, like accounts payable and receivable. It allows you to track supply orders and invoicing. You should make sure it is compatible with any accounting software you buy; if the models are not compatible, you should at least be able to export purchase order data to your accounting program.

I recommend: Foundation Software describes its purchase order management feature in depth.

Document imaging

Document imaging allows you to keep records of paper documents, like contracts, receipts and invoices, in digital files. Make sure any document imaging feature also allows you to tag and inventory documents, so they are easily assessable.

I recommend: Contractor Engine includes document imaging in its contractor software.

Project management

Project management features allow you to track the supplies and staff needed for each job. In addition to employees, many programs have built-in features to manage subcontractors, as well.

I recommend: Maxwell Systems makes project management software.

Equipment management

After its reputation and its skilled staff, a contractor company's equipment is one of its primary assets. Equipment managers allow contractors to track inventory, schedule maintenance and repairs, and may even calculate depreciation for tax purposes.

I recommend: Construction Partner makes equipment management software.

Account management

Account management refers to a wide swath of accounting features, including accounts payable and receivable, payroll, supply and equipment costs. Account management for contractors, unlike general accounting software, is designed to handle invoices and supply lists contractors use. Look for a an account program that is compatible with tax and accounting software.

I recommend: The Contractor Office works seamlessly with QuickBooks.