- Free Version: Available for teams of up to 10
- Pricing: Premium plan $24/seat/month (with a free 30-day trial period)
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why use SafetyCulture?
SafetyCulture is an excellent preconstruction solution that helps construction teams manage tasks, stay organized, and complete all necessary permits and requirements before beginning construction. The platform offers robust features that project managers and contractors can use to set the foundations for construction processes, comply with regulations, and create SOPs for day-to-day work. Additionally, SafetyCulture can be accessed from any device, making it a convenient choice for construction professionals.
Key Features:
- Efficiently conduct inspections during site visits using pre-made checklist templates.
- Document site hazards, incidents, and near-misses with supporting pictures, videos, and digital sign-offs.
- Coordinate tasks among cross-functional teams in one place and prioritize urgent action items within the specified turnaround time.
- Save time and resources by automating repetitive tasks, such as scheduling inspections, sending reminders to workers, and generating reports.
- Avoid missed deadlines and reduce cost overruns by tracking vendor performance through the platform’s user-friendly dashboard.
Why use Buildr?
Buildr is cloud-based preconstruction software that combines built-in integrations and project management tools. Its suite of features helps streamline preconstruction processes, such as creating project timelines, tracking budgets and costs, and managing subcontractors.
Key Features:
- Workforce planning
- Revenue forecasting
- Data analytics
- Free Version: Not available
- Pricing: Starter Plan starts at $349/month
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS) or a web-based software
Why use ConCntric?
ConCntric integrates the multiple functions in construction projects—from general contractors and owners to design teams and subcontractors—in a unified cloud-based platform. This preconstruction software simplifies the planning and collaboration process prior to the construction work itself, enabling stakeholders to efficiently manage project workflows, enhance communication, and optimize resource allocation.
Key Features:
- Issue management
- Risk register
- Idea library
- Free Version: Not available
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a web-based software
Why use Bridgit Bench?
Bridgit Bench offers real-time insights into project progress, enabling teams to identify and resolve issues quickly. The platform allows them to manage multiple projects simultaneously, track progress, and work together with team members and stakeholders in real time.
Key Features:
- Project management
- Subcontractor management
- Document management
- Free Version: Not available
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why use STACK?
STACK, a cloud-based pre-construction software, offers advanced takeoff and estimating tools to help users accurately calculate materials and labor costs and streamline bidding processes. It also facilitates seamless collaboration with team members and subcontractors.
Key Features:
- Plan and document management
- Advanced quantification
- Estimating dashboards
- Free Version: Not available
- Pricing: Takeoff & Estimate Plan starts at $1,899/user/year for at least 5 users
- Platforms supported: Available as a web-based software
Why use Zebel?
Zebel is a preconstruction analytics software that helps make cost estimates using historical data. Construction teams can easily analyze project costs and design changes using their preferred devices. This eliminates the need for spreadsheets, which can be tedious and prone to errors.
Key Features:
- Historical database
- Project comparison
- Benchmark costs
- Free Version: Not available
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a web-based software
Why use PreconSuite?
PreconSuite is designed to optimize the entire preconstruction process for general contractors and subcontractors. This preconstruction bid management tool offers multiple modules to help them complete bidding, estimating, and project planning tasks much faster.
Key Features:
- Third-party integrations
- Bid tabulation/leveling
- Subcontractor directory
- Free Version: Not available
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing (with a free 14-day trial period)
- Platforms supported: Available as a web-based software
Why use Fieldwire?
Fieldwire is a preconstruction management software that helps with project planning, scheduling, and collaboration. It enables teams to access project information and drawings in real time and offers features such as issue tracking, progress monitoring, and task management.
Key Features:
- Push notifications
- Markups and annotations
- Custom forms
- Free Version: Available
- Pricing: Pro Plan starts at $39/user/month, billed annually
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why use Methvin?
Methvin offers estimating, scheduling, and project management features for small project teams and enterprises alike. This preconstruction tool allows users to create detailed and accurate cost estimates for construction projects, fueling informed decision-making for bids and procurement processes.
Key Features:
- Project controls
- Estimating and takeoff apps
- Document control
- Free Version: Available for up to 5 projects
- Pricing: Business Plan starts at $27/month
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why use Autodesk Takeoff?
Autodesk Takeoff is a powerful preconstruction software designed to streamline estimating processes in construction projects. It integrates 2D and 3D capabilities with reporting and automation tools to provide faster and more accurate cost estimates, leading to improved project outcomes.
Key Features:
- 2D and 3D takeoffs
- Document management
- Multiple classifications
- Free Version: Not available
- Pricing: Starts at A$1,850 (~$1,273.46)/user/year, billed annually (with a free 30-day trial period)
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
What is Preconstruction Software?
Preconstruction software is a specialized digital tool designed to enhance the planning and coordination of construction projects before the actual building begins. This software typically includes features for managing construction projects, such as project estimation, budgeting, scheduling, and stakeholder collaboration, allowing construction managers, architects, and contractors to coordinate plans, secure permits, and improve communication.
By providing a centralized platform for managing pre-construction activities, this software helps identify potential issues early, optimize resource allocation, and ensure that projects stay on budget, on time, and according to plan. It leads to more efficient construction processes and reduces risks of costly delays or errors.
Benefits
Preconstruction software offers numerous benefits to construction teams, including:
- Improved project planning: With preconstruction software, project managers can create detailed plans and schedules that account for all aspects of the project, from design to materials to labor. This helps identify potential issues before they become problems and allows for more accurate budgeting and timeline projections.
- Streamlined communication: Collaborating with stakeholders is essential in any construction project. Preconstruction software provides a centralized platform for connecting with architects, engineers, contractors, suppliers, and other project team members. This ensures everyone is on the same page and reduces miscommunications or delays due to multiple communication channels.
- Efficient resource allocation: Preconstruction software allows for better resource management by providing tools for tracking materials, equipment, and labor. It can help identify areas where resources are being underutilized or overused, allowing for adjustments to be made before construction begins.
- Cost savings: Preconstruction software can help prevent costly delays and errors by identifying potential issues early on. It also allows for more accurate budgeting and cost estimation, ensuring that projects stay on budget.
- Increased productivity: The ability to create detailed plans, track progress, and manage resources in one platform leads to increased productivity in preconstruction activities. This translates into a smoother construction process overall.
- Better decision-making: With access to real-time data and analytics, project managers can make informed decisions throughout the planning process and ensure all details are ironed out before starting construction.
Key Features
When selecting a suitable preconstruction software for your project, there are several key features to consider, such as:
- Project estimation and budgeting
- Scheduling
- Collaboration capabilities
- Resource management
- Reporting and analytics
- Mobile compatibility
Choosing the Best Preconstruction Software
Planning and coordinating a construction project can be complicated, but preconstruction software can simplify and enhance project outcomes. When choosing the right software for your team, consider your specific needs and each solution’s features.
The table below helps teams pick the best preconstruction software by comparing top choices based on free versions, pricing, and mobile app availability.
| Pre-construction Software | Free Version | Paid Plan | Mobile App |
| SafetyCulture | Yes | $24/user/month* | Yes |
| Buildr | None | $349/month | None |
| ConCntric | None | Contact vendor for pricing | None |
| Bridgit Bench | None | Contact vendor for pricing | Yes |
| STACK | None | $1,899/user/year** | None |
| Zebel | None | Contact vendor for pricing | Yes |
| PreconSuite | None | Contact vendor for pricing | None |
| Fieldwire | Yes | $39/user/month* | Yes |
| Methvin | Yes | $27/month | Yes |
| Autodesk Takeoff | None | A$1,850 (~$1,273.46)/user/year* | Yes |
* billed annually
** requires at least 5 users
Rob Paredes