Choosing residential, remodeling & trades software

Questions to ask on every demo

• Does it cover the whole job, from lead to final invoice, or only part of it?
• How do clients see selections, change orders and progress?
• Can I use my own cost catalog and markup rules?
• How are payments collected, and what does it cost per transaction?
• Can I export my data if I outgrow it?

What to watch for

• All-in-one products can be shallow in places. Check the module you will use most, not the checklist.
• Client portals are useful only if your customers will actually use them.

If you are a small firm

Choose based on your most painful step, such as getting accurate estimates out the door, and judge the rest as a bonus.

Terms you will hear

Allowance

A budgeted amount in a contract for something not yet chosen, such as flooring or fixtures. If the final selection costs more or less, the contract price is adjusted.

Full glossary →

The 10 tools in this category

Alphabetical. Tick “Compare” on the category page to put up to four side by side.

Digs AI Software for residential builders covering document management, preconstruction (scheduling, takeoffs, 3D floor plans, selections) and homeowner handoff, punch lists and warranty. Published pricing Free planFree trial Houzz Pro AI Business software from Houzz for builders, remodelers and designers, combining 3D floor plans, takeoffs, estimates, project management, invoicing, CRM and lead generation. Published pricing Free planFree trial JobTread AI Estimating and project management software covering CRM, takeoffs, scheduling, budgeting, job costing, purchase orders, customer portals and warranty management. Published pricing Probook AI Front-office platform for home-service businesses such as HVAC, handling lead intake, calls, customer chats, scheduling and technician dispatch. Quote on request Rebuild AI Estimating software for restoration contractors that turns site notes, voice notes, 3D scans and documents into estimate line items, exportable as PDF or to Xactimate. Quote on request Renoworks AI Home exterior visualization software that shows siding, roofing and paint options using real manufacturer products, with lead tools for contractors and visualizers for manufacturers and retailers. Quote on request Scaffold AI Operations data platform for residential trade contractors that pulls job data from homebuilder portals and contractor systems, keeps them in sync, and creates jobs and purchase orders. Quote on request ServiceTitan AI Field service and contractor management software for residential and commercial trades such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical and roofing, spanning dispatch, CRM, job costing, invoicing and payments. Quote on request Spotable AI Software for roofing and facade contractors that produces 3D roof and facade measurements and bills of quantities from an address, then builds quotes and manages leads and projects. Quote on request XBuild AI Estimating and sales platform for roofing and exterior contractors covering job documentation, proposals, insurance estimates, e-signatures, deposits and sales tracking. Published pricing Free trial