Construction projects can be big, complex and often unruly, with regulatory issues, safety concerns, equipment rentals, multiple teams and more. If you want to keep a construction project on track and meet your deadlines, you want construction scheduling software that’s robust and dynamic.
What Features Make the Best Construction Scheduling Software?
Before we learn about the best construction scheduling software of 2024, let’s review the project management tools and key features any construction project management software should offer.
- Task management tools: The first step when creating a construction schedule is identifying tasks and their duration by using project management techniques like a work breakdown structure or the critical path method. Then, you’ll need construction scheduling software with task management tools to assign someone to follow those tasks to successful completion.
- Resource management tools: All project tasks involve resources such as labor, raw materials and equipment, so you’ll need construction scheduling software that includes resource management features such as workload charts and resource dashboards to allocate your resources effectively.
- Project planning & scheduling tools: Once you’ve identified the tasks that make up your construction schedule, you’ll need project planning tools such as Gantt charts and project calendars to turn task lists into actionable construction schedules.
- Project tracking tools: Creating a construction schedule is important, but so is tracking it. Look for construction scheduling software with project tracking features such as real-time dashboards to track your team’s performance and whether due dates are being met.
- Project reporting tools: Reporting is fundamental for the successful and timely completion of construction projects. You’ll need construction scheduling software that allows you to create status reports to communicate with project owners, general contractors, subcontractors and other construction stakeholders.
- Cost management tools: While costs aren’t directly involved in creating a project schedule, every task in your construction schedule needs resources that cost money for your organization. Construction scheduling should include cost tracking such as timesheets and dashboards to help you stay on budget.
- Mobile app: Finally, construction doesn’t happen from behind a desk. To ensure your project goes according to plan, you’re going to want a construction scheduling software with a mobile app, so your crew can update tasks and log hours from the field.
2024 Best Construction Scheduling Software Rankings
There are many construction scheduling software products on the market that sell themselves as the go-to tool for the construction project manager. But how do they measure up to the task? We’ve taken a look at the best for you—here are our top picks.
1. ProjectManager
ProjectManager is online project management software that can be used anywhere and by anyone. Of course, this is a benefit to construction scheduling, where work occurs on-site and among multiple teams.
Beyond that, the suite of tools featured offers a means to control every aspect of the construction planning, from organizing tasks, costs and resources to linking dependent tasks and setting milestones to break the larger schedule up into more manageable bits. That’s in addition to the larger construction project management of construction project planning, construction vendor management, construction cost management and more. Plus, unlike some other construction scheduling software options on this list, ProjectManager offers a free 30-day trial to try it out for yourself.
Schedule With Gantt Charts
For example, ProjectManager has an online Gantt chart tool that’s a visual timeline of the project, with tasks represented by a start date and end date. The duration of the task is indicated by a line, which can be easily edited by simply dragging and dropping when and if there’s a schedule change.
You can use the online Gantt chart to assign tasks to individuals on the team. They can then collaborate at the task level, leaving comments and adding relevant documents and images directly to the task. If any of those tasks are dependent on another being completed before they can begin, the construction project manager can link them, preventing bottlenecks and leaving your crew idle.
Track Your Resources
Another aspect of construction schedule software that is complex is resource management. Construction requires many different skill sets working together throughout the many phases of the project, and ProjectManager makes it easy to coordinate moving parts with features that chart availability, skillset, cost and allocation of the various workforce and materials. All of this occurs in real time, so the pieces come together as you need them.
Streamline Payroll
Once you’ve scheduled the work, you can track your crew and streamline the payment process with timesheets that track the hours your team works, whether in the office or on-site. Timesheets can be updated and submitted anywhere for easy review by managers, who can approve with a keystroke. Plus, all your files are uploaded to the cloud, where they can be accessed when needed.
Given all these amazing features at a low price point, it’s clear that ProjectManager is the heavyweight champ of construction project management software. Click here to start a 30-day free trial!
Verdict: Best Construction Scheduling Software for Construction Project Management
ProjectManager Pros & Key Features
- Online Gantt charts for construction planning and scheduling
- Resource planning, scheduling and tracking tools for construction
- Mac-friendly, Cloud-based construction scheduling software with unlimited file storage
- Free trial is available
- Mobile project management app for Android and iOS
ProjectManager Cons & Limitations
- Limited customization features
- No payment or invoicing tools
- Lacks construction bidding functionality
- No free plan
Pricing
- Team: $13.00 user/month
- Business: $24.00 user/month
- Enterprise: contact sales for a custom quote
ProjectManager Reviews
- G2 review: 4.4 / 5
- Capterra review: 4.1 / 5
2. Procore
Construction project managers use Procore for HR, safety and financial concerns related to the construction schedule. It has a place for the many documents related to construction. There’s an employee contact log, with everyone’s certification, though billing is very confusing and, even if understood, not up to the industry standard.
Related: Best Procore Alternatives: Paid & Free Options Ranked
It’s a decent construction scheduling software for medium to large construction companies, but if you’re running a smaller company, the software is too bulky and likely too expensive. It’s good for end-users, in that it involves them in the planning for future projects and improvements. That said, it’s not great if you’re interfacing with architects and engineers or subcontractors. The integrations are also spotty, including financials, and the bidding module doesn’t update automatically.
We’ve also reviewed the best Procore alternatives in case you’d like to learn more about Procore and software that offers similar construction project management features.
Verdict: Best Construction Scheduling Software for Large Projects
Procore Pros & Key Features
- Best construction scheduling software for large projects
- Document management features for construction management
- Project cost tracking and budgeting tools
- Time tracking features for managing the construction site
- Compatibility with Microsoft Project and Primavera P6
- Mobile project management app for Android and iOS
Procore Cons & Limitations
- Procore only offers two project scheduling views, Gantt charts and project calendars
- Complex construction scheduling software with a steep learning curve
- Limited resource planning tools for managing resource allocation
- Gantt charts don’t track task costs
- No free trial
- No free plan
Procore Pricing
- Procore requires a custom quote
Procore Reviews
- G2 review: 4.6 / 5
- Capterra review: 4.5 / 5
3. BuilderTrend
BuilderTrend is construction schedule software for construction managers and contractors. It’s got a Gantt chart to create construction schedules and an intuitive user interface. If you run into any trouble, they provide good customer support. It’s expensive, but you’re paying for that hand-holding among other things.
The dashboard is especially well-designed and there are strong reporting tools. Both of these features are critical to keeping to your construction schedule. However, there’s no free version, so if you’re interested in the software, you’ll have to pay.
The estimating functionality, which is an important part of any construction scheduling software, is poor and very labor-intensive. Another frustrating aspect is that there aren’t alerts to let users know when they have a message.
Verdict: Best Construction Scheduling Software for Home Builders
BuilderTrend Pros & Key Features
- Intuitive interface makes it easy to use
- Good customer support helps with any questions
- Customer relationship management tools
- Basic construction project scheduling tools like Gantt charts, calendars and to-do lists
- Mobile project management app for Android and iOS
BuilderTrend Cons & Limitations
- Gantt charts lack resource management and cost tracking features
- Lightweight construction project management feature set and functionality
- The software monthly subscription fee is expensive
- No free plan
- No free trial
BuilderTrend Pricing
- Essential plan: $499 per month
- Advanced plan: $799 per month
- Complete plan: $1099 per month
BuilderTrend Reviews
- G2 review: 4.2 / 5
- Capterra review: 4.5 / 5
4. CoConstruct
CoConstruct is a popular construction software with limited scheduling features. It’s web-based and used by contractors, modelers and design-build companies. It has features such as activity planning, scheduling, estimating, budgeting and communications. One of the pluses of CoConstruct is that it’s easy to customize and has good customer service if you need assistance. However, one downside for those who are window shopping is the fact that CoConstruct doesn’t offer a free trial.
It’s also expensive and has limited integrations, which can frustrate users who are interested in a system that works with their other software packages, related to construction or not, such as accounting and social tools.
Verdict: Best Construction Scheduling Software for Residential Building
CoConstruct Pros & Key Features
- Scheduling software equipped with timesheets
- Cost estimating features for construction teams
- Easy to use to-do lists for project scheduling
- Mobile project management app for Android and iOS
CoConstruct Cons & Limitations
- Limited construction project scheduling tools
- Missing important resource management tools like workload charts and resource utilization dashboards
- Pretty expensive compared to some other construction scheduling software
- No free trial
- No free plan
CoConstruct Pricing
- Standard plan: Starts at $99/month and then increases to $299/month after 2 months
- Plus plan: Starts at $200/month and then increases to $299/month after 3 months
CoConstruct Reviews
- G2 review: 4 / 5
- Capterra review: 4.7 / 5
5. Contractor Foreman
Contractor foreman is a construction scheduling software for construction contractors. It facilitates tasks such as managing bids, estimates, sub-contracts, work orders and more. In terms of construction scheduling, it offers Gantt charts, kanban boards and task management tools like to-do lists, punch lists and daily logs. It’s a good alternative for managing administrative tasks and construction management documents such as invoices, bills and permits.
However, while Construction Foreman can be used as a construction scheduling software due to its task management tools, it doesn’t offer a robust set of project management tools. For example, it lacks resource planning tools like workload charts or project dashboards, which are essential for creating a realistic construction schedule. Another drawback of this software is its outdated user interface and lightweight features.
Verdict: Best Construction Scheduling Software for Ease of Use
Contractor Foreman Pros & Key Features
- Unlimited user monthly license fee
- Various task management tools like kanban boards, task lists and daily logs
- Simple, easy-to-use project tracking tools
- Daily logs, job costing and work order tracking
- Free trial
Contractor Foreman Cons & Limitations
- Overly simplistic user interface results in a poor user experience
- Lightweight construction project management tools
- Limited resource planning, scheduling and monitoring features
- No free plan
Contractor Foreman Pricing
- Basic: $49 per month
- Standard: $79 per month
- Plus: $125 per month
- Pro: $166 per month
- Unlimited: $249 per month
Contractor Foreman Reviews
- G2 review: 4.5 / 5
- Capterra review: 4.4 / 5
6. e-Builder
The good thing about e-Builder is that it’s made with scheduling government projects in mind. It helps with updating submittals, communications and invoicing. It, however, is a bit of an uphill battle to learn how to use it. Once you clear the training hurdle, it organizes documents easily and has notifications, which help with updates and changes throughout the project. The layout can be confusing; it’s cluttered and overwhelming but does offer a lot of specifics related to managing government-issued projects.
It has a nice scheduling feature, which helps manage large organizations with many employees, but the usability isn’t ideal or intuitive. It also doesn’t autosave, which can be problematic.
Verdict: Best Construction Scheduling Software for Capital Improvement Projects
e-Builder Pros & Key Features
- Helps contractors and project owners create construction reports
- Equipped with document management features for construction bidding
- Mobile project management app for Android and iOS
e-Builder Cons & Limitations
- User interface has an outdated look and feel
- Limited Gantt chart project scheduling functionality
- Lack of resource planning tools
- No free trial
- No free plan
e-Builder Pricing
- e-Builder requires a custom quote
e-Builder Reviews
- G2 review: 3.7 / 5
- Capterra review: 4.3 / 5
7. Smartsheet
Communication is key to good construction scheduling and executing that schedule. Smartsheet is a nice program to streamline and add efficiency to your project communications. With Smartsheet, work is managed so that construction projects can stay productive through better communication.
The software also manages the avalanche of paperwork involved in any project, which goes double for a construction project. With improved documentation to capture issues as they arise in a project, teams can collaborate more effectively on Smartsheet. Not only teams but vendors and clients can also be added into the loop.
All of this saves time and creates more accurate management of project resources. However, Smartsheet lacks good Gantt functionality, which is critical for making and executing construction schedules and plans. Check our blog to learn about the best Smartsheeet alternatives of 2024.
Verdict: Best Construction Scheduling Software for Scheduling Templates
Smartsheet Pros & Key Features
- Workflow management features for construction project teams
- Resource management tools that can be used for construction projects
- Good for users transitioning from spreadsheets to scheduling software for construction
- Cost management and budgeting tools
- Free trial
- Free plan
- Mobile project management app for Android and iOS
Smartsheet Cons & Limitations
- Limited offer of scheduling features for construction projects
- Rigid, spreadsheet-based user interface that lacks the versatility of other tools
- Some aspects of the software involve a steep learning curve, which difficulties its implementation, especially for larger teams
Smartsheet Pricing
- Pro plan: $7/user/month, billed annually
- Business plan: $25/user/month, billed annually
Smartsheet Reviews
- G2 review: 4.4/5
- Capterra review: 4.5/5
8. Jobber
Jobber is a scheduling software that’s designed to help independent construction contractors and small construction firms run their daily operations. It offers tools for tasks such as quoting, online booking, payment processing, invoicing and job scheduling. In terms of construction scheduling, it’s equipped with to-do lists, calendars and notifications to help construction teams stay on top of their work.
However, while Jobber is a useful tool, it’s not ideal for planning or scheduling construction projects because it lacks key features such as Gantt charts and project tracking dashboards. It also lacks tools for monitoring resource utilization and availability which play an important role in the construction scheduling process. It’s good for teams that need a solution to organize their work, rather than teams that need a fully-featured construction project scheduling software.
Verdict: Best Construction Scheduling Software for Independent Contractors
Jobber Pros & Key Features
- Unlimited user monthly license fee
- Various task management tools like kanban boards, task lists and daily logs
- Simple, easy-to-use project tracking tools
- Daily logs, job costing and work order tracking
- Mobile project management app for Android and iOS
- Free trial
Jobber Cons & Limitations
- Overly simplistic user interface results in a poor user experience
- Lightweight construction project management tools
- Doesn’t have Gantt charts
- Limited resource planning, scheduling and monitoring features
- No free plan
Jobber Pricing
- Core: $49 per user, per month
- Connect: $129 per month, up to 5 users
- Grow: $249 per month, up to 15 users
Contractor Foreman Reviews
- G2 review: 4.4 / 5
- Capterra review: 4.5 / 5
9. B2W Software
B2W Software is an estimating software for civil construction and bidding. It helps contractors bid faster, more accurately and within their business strategy. Therefore, it’s helpful for construction scheduling in that it helps create accurate estimates for cost, labor, tasks, materials and equipment.
It has a central resource database, work breakdown structure (WBS) and can be used simultaneously by multiple estimators. An issue, though, is that if a user mistakenly changes a production rate or cost, you can’t undo that change.
There are also costly maintenance fees each year and the cost, which is only provided upon request, can get expensive. And to add more users only jacks up that price further.
Verdict: Best Construction Scheduling Software for Civil Construction
B2W Pros & Key Features
- Ideal cost-estimating features for construction management
- Work logs for tracking employee hours and equipment utilization
- Simple resource planning and reporting tools
- Mobile project management app for Android and iOS
B2W Cons & Limitations
- Limited construction project planning, reporting and tracking tools
- Doesn’t offer Gantt charts unlike most construction project scheduling software
- Narrow feature set, focuses on basic resource planning
- No free trial
- No free plan
B2W Pricing
- Contact the company for a quote
B2W Reviews
- G2 review: 4 / 5
- Capterra review: 4.3 / 5
10. eSUB
eSUB is construction scheduling software that is made for subcontractors. It has features that allow them to create field notes, make daily reports, create and approve requests for information (RFIs) and schedule equipment.
In terms of scheduling, there are calendars that capture contractors’ schedules and track the project. This software works best for small to mid-sized subcontractors, such as electrical, mechanical and other specialty trades. However, users better not make any errors in the submission because if they do they can’t be erased.
While it’s good for much of a subcontractor’s job, it’s not ideal for planning or scheduling projects due to its lack of project management tools. It’s also not built for service work or any short-term project that is only a week or two in duration.
Verdict: Best Construction Scheduling Software for Subcontractors
eSUB Pros & Key Features
- Helps subcontractors make field notes
- Single platform for document management
- Free trial
- Mobile project management app for Android and iOS
eSUB Cons & Limitations
- No real project scheduling tools other than task lists to assign due dates, missing tools like Gantt charts or project calendars
- Limited project management feature set, focuses on construction document management
- No dashboards for a high level project tracking and reporting view
eSUB Pricing
- Base plan: $49 user/month billed annually
- Advanced plan: $69 user/month billed annually
eSUB Reviews
- G2 review: 4 / 5
- Capterra review: 4.3 / 5
11. AutoDesk Build
AutoDesk Build is a great tool for connecting your office staff with workers in the field. It connects workflows and helps teams securely collaborate. It’s made up of many different products, a fact that’s good and bad. It’s nice to have many tools, but each comes with its own pricing structure which can get expensive.
It’s a great product for transferring files and keeping your team informed. But some of its products, such as the BIM 360 Document Management are confusing and customer service is hard to reach and often not helpful.
This is more of a construction management software than a construction scheduling software, however, it does help get everyone on the same page with the schedule and communicate any changes to that schedule, which is a critical part of staying on track.
Verdict: Best Construction Scheduling Software for Workflow Management
Autodesk Build Pros & Key Features
- Connects office and field teams with meeting planning features
- Part of a software platform that includes other construction management products for sale
- Gantt charts allow users to enter detailed task management information
- Free trial
- Mobile project management app for Android and iOS
Autodesk Build Cons & Limitations
- Autodesk Build is sold separately from other construction software that’s needed for construction project management
- Lacks resource management tools like workload or resource allocation charts
- The software is sold at a flat pricing for unlimited users but it’s expensive
- Users need to buy multiple products for a fully featured construction project scheduling software
- No free plan
- Free trial
Autodesk Build Pricing
- Autodesk build: $145 per month
Autodesk Reviews
- G2 review: 4.2 / 5
- Capterra review: 4.5 / 5
12. Buildxact
Buildxact is construction scheduling software equipped with Gantt charts that helps run projects with flexible scheduling and keeps them on budget with cash flow and profit tracking. It also helps to estimate jobs and order materials, which is key data for creating construction schedules.
Another plus is that the company is open to suggestions for improvements from its customers, which is a great way to retain a happy consumer base. The trouble with that is there’s a lot of room for improvement.
Customers have complained about the software’s inability to adjust purchase orders after they’ve been created. The customizing of quotes is unnecessarily complex as are some of the other features, such as advanced editing. Also, the pay structure can get expensive fast if you want more features and users.
Verdict: Best Construction Scheduling Software for Small Builders
Buildxact Pros & Key Features
- Tracks cash flow and profit
- Estimates jobs and order materials
- Pre-built construction scheduling templates
- Digital material takeoff features
- Mobile project management app for Android and iOS
- Free trial
Buildxact Cons & Limitations
- Expensive compared to other scheduling software for construction in this list
- No task or workflow management, missing basic tools like task lists or daily logs
- Limited project monitoring and reporting features
- No free plan
Buildxact Pricing
- Entry plan: $149 per month for 1 user, $53 per additional user
- Pro plan: $249 per month for 2 users, $62 per additional user
- Teams plan: $399 per month for 4 users, $79 per additional user
Buildxact Reviews
- G2 review: 3.8 / 5
- Capterra review: 4.6 / 5
13. InEight
InEight is a construction management software for project owners, contractors and construction project managers who need a high-level view of the key all construction project phases. You can use Gantt charts and task lists to create a project schedule along with work planning, cost estimating, budgeting and change management features for managing the key areas of your project.
However, the main disadvantage of InEight is that it sells its project planning, scheduling and cost management tools as separate software priced individually, which means you’ll need to purchase multiple products to get all InEight features. That’s not the case with most construction scheduling software in this list. On top of that, it lacks key features such as timesheets, workload charts, status reports or project dashboards.
Verdict: Best Construction Scheduling Software for Document Management
InEight Pros & Key Features
- Change order management features
- Good for managing your construction documents
- Cost estimating and forecasting tools
InEight Cons & Limitations
- Non-intuitive user interface feels outdated and makes the software hard to use
- Critical path analysis features are good for making sure the project is delivered on schedule
- Limited Gantt chart functionality for construction scheduling
- No free trial
- No free plan
InEight Pricing
- Contact sales team for pricing information
InEight Reviews
- G2 review: 4.3 / 5
- Capterra review: 4.4 / 5
Related Content
- Best Construction Estimating Software of 2024 for Managing Projects
- Making a Construction Schedule: Construction Scheduling Basics
- The Ultimate Guide to Construction Project Management
- 24 Construction Documents (Templates Included)
- The 5 Construction Phases (Templates Included)
Construction project management is a big field that requires robust and dynamic project management software to handle all its moving parts. ProjectManager is construction project management software that has the tools to plan, monitor and report on every phase of the project’s life cycle. It’s uniquely equipped for construction, with visual workflow features like its kanban boards and online Gantt charts that schedule and help teams collaborate. See for yourself by taking this free 30-day trial.