Managing construction projects involves more than ticking off tasks on a timeline. It means keeping clients informed, balancing budgets, coordinating subcontractors, and adapting quickly when things change. That’s where Buildertrend comes in—a popular software platform designed to help homebuilders and remodelers manage their workflow from start to finish.
But as with any out-of-the-box solution, Buildertrend has its strengths and its limits. In this article, we’ll explore what it offers, and why a bespoke software system might be the better long-term choice for your construction business.
What Is Buildertrend?
Buildertrend is a cloud-based construction management platform primarily aimed at residential builders, remodelers, and specialty contractors. It focuses heavily on scheduling, budgeting, and client communication, and is known for its clean interface and mobile-friendly design.
Here’s what Buildertrend offers:
- Project scheduling – Create Gantt charts and calendars, assign tasks to team members, and keep the build moving on schedule.
- Budget tracking and estimating – Build cost estimates, generate change orders, and track job costs in real time.
- Client portal – Allow homeowners or clients to log in, view project updates, approve selections, and message your team directly.
- Document and photo sharing – Store contracts, receipts, and jobsite photos in one central location.
- Time tracking and daily logs – Log labour hours and document daily activity, accessible from site or office.
Buildertrend’s appeal lies in its convenience: many features in one place, relatively simple to get started, and designed with builders—not general businesses—in mind.
Where Buildertrend might not measure up
Buildertrend works well for many, but if your business doesn’t fit the mould of a typical residential contractor, you may find it lacking:
- Limited customisation – Buildertrend’s workflows are designed for their idea of construction projects. If you have specific approval processes or resource management needs, adapting the platform can be frustrating.
- Client-facing interface rigidity – While the client portal is a useful feature, it can be restrictive in what you can show or hide, and how communication is structured.
- Integrations can be hit-or-miss – Buildertrend supports accounting software like Xero or QuickBooks, but deeper integration with niche tools or internal systems is limited.
- Reporting shortfalls – Custom reports are basic and often don’t offer the depth some companies need for project audits, performance tracking or cost forecasting.
Why a custom software solution might be the smarter move
If Buildertrend feels like it’s doing 80% of what you need but forcing you to compromise on the other 20%, you’re not alone. Many growing construction firms outgrow off-the-shelf tools and start looking for custom software that reflects the way they actually do business.
With a tailored platform, you can:
- Build workflows that match your processes – From design to snagging, every step is built around how your team works.
- Deliver a better client experience – Design portals that reflect your brand, your tone of voice, and the way you prefer to communicate.
- Integrate seamlessly – Connect with your internal accounting systems, CRM, supply chain tools, or anything else you rely on day-to-day.
- Scale without switching tools – As you grow or take on more complex projects, your software grows with you, without forcing you to start over.
- Access meaningful insights – Custom dashboards and reports give you the exact KPIs and financial visibility you need, in real time.
Shoothill: Bespoke software for the modern construction firm
At Shoothill, we don’t believe in forcing businesses to conform to software—they should be using tools that conform to them. We design and develop custom platforms for construction companies that value flexibility, efficiency, and growth.
If Buildertrend has helped—but not quite delivered everything you need—let’s talk about what a purpose-built system could do for your business.
Contact Shoothill today to discuss your custom software project.