The Real Cost of Construction Software
If you run a lean shop, the software bill can cost more than the paperwork problem. Here is what year one really looks like when you compare enterprise platforms to simple, professional templates.
| Buildertrend | Procore | CoConstruct | Wingman Protocol | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $399–$799 | $375+ | $349+ | $0/month |
| Setup fee | $500–$1,500 | $3,000+ | $500+ | $0 |
| Training required | 10–40 hrs | 20–80 hrs | 10–30 hrs | None |
| Contract required | Yes (annual) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Works offline | Partial | No | No | Yes |
| One-time purchase option | No | No | No | Yes ($17/template) |
| Year 1 total cost | $5,300–$11,100 | $7,500+ | $4,700+ | $17–$97 |
What You Actually Need vs What Software Sells You
What Buildertrend sells
- Mobile app
- Client portal
- Lead management
- Warranty management
- Takeoffs
- Scheduling gantt
- Budget tracking
- Daily logs
- Selections
- Time tracking
- Purchase orders
- Subcontractor management
- Integrations with 100+ tools
- Training webinars
- Dedicated onboarding
- 24/7 support
What most GCs actually use
- A daily log
- A schedule
- Job cost tracking
- Sub agreements
- Change orders
- Lien waivers
- A contract
If you're doing under 20 homes/year, you're paying for software that 10 people teams use.
Who Should Use Each
Use Buildertrend if:
- You build 20+ homes/year
- You have a dedicated office manager
- You need client-facing portals
- You need real-time subcontractor scheduling software
- You have budget for $400+/month
Use Wingman Protocol if:
- You're a GC, remodeler, or small builder doing 1-20 projects/year
- You want professional documents without a learning curve
- You want to own your tools (not rent them)
- You have $17
Start with these — $17 each, download instantly
Daily Construction Log
Document every day on the job, prove progress, and protect yourself in disputes.
View template →Two-Week Lookahead Schedule
The rolling schedule that keeps subs accountable and jobs on track.
View template →Job Costing Spreadsheet
Track every dollar on every job so you stop guessing where profit went.
View template →Subcontractor Agreement
Lock scope, payment terms, and responsibilities in writing before work starts.
View template →Draw Schedule Template
Set payment milestones clearly so you get paid at the right time.
View template →OSHA Safety Plan Template
Meet OSHA requirements before the inspector shows up, not after.
View template →Or get everything for one flat price:
Questions contractors ask before switching
Is this a subscription?
No. Each template is a one-time purchase. Buy it once, use it forever on all your jobs.
What format are the templates?
Templates are delivered as Excel/Google Sheets or PDF files optimized for field use.
Can I customize them?
Yes — all templates are fully editable.
Do I need an account?
No account required. Purchase via Stripe and download instantly.
What if Buildertrend is already working for me?
If you're a high-volume builder with a full team, Buildertrend probably makes sense. These templates are designed for smaller operations that want professional documents without the overhead.