PlanGrid vs BuildBook

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Our analysts compared PlanGrid vs BuildBook based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Construction Management Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

BuildBook Software Tool

Product Basics

PlanGrid is a mobile-enabled management suite that gives users the ability to store blueprints and documents in the field. Its collaborative framework boosts field team efficiency, and an easy-to-use design gives users intuitive control over a wide array of helpful capabilities.

It provides access to all critical project-wide documents, photos and drawings through a single source of truth so that everyone is always on the same page. Built for projects of all sizes, it is a valuable inclusion for anyone looking to raise productivity and strengthen communication on the job site.
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BuildBook is a sophisticated software solution designed to streamline construction management tasks, making it particularly beneficial for residential builders and remodelers. It offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies project management, communication, and client collaboration. The platform is ideal for industries focused on construction and renovation, providing tools that enhance efficiency and transparency. Noteworthy features include real-time updates, task tracking, and a centralized communication hub, which collectively foster seamless project execution. Users appreciate its intuitive design and the ability to manage projects from anywhere, which sets it apart from similar products. While specific pricing details are not publicly disclosed, potential users are encouraged to contact SelectHub for a tailored pricing quote. BuildBook's emphasis on ease of use and effective communication makes it a compelling choice for professionals seeking to optimize their construction management processes.
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Mobile
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Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
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Videos
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Email
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Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
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24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Improved Collaboration: Teamwork makes a job site succeed or fail, and this system gives users a set of strong collaborative tools that aid communication and document access. Instantly distribute critical project documents to relevant parties that are automatically hyperlinked and in version order.  
  • Ease of Access: This system gives users intuitive access to all project information regardless of location. Access punch lists, documents, photos and drawings with mobile-enabled search functions.  
  • Better Data Turnover: With tools that accurately collect data throughout the project’s lifecycle, users can easily turn over digital as-built documentation for their projects.  
  • Numerous Integrations: Hang on to preferred apps with integrations that include Basecamp, Amazon Redshift, eSUB Construction, Dropbox and more.  
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  • Improved Communication: BuildBook centralizes all project-related conversations, reducing the need for back-and-forth emails and ensuring everyone is on the same page.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: With real-time updates and shared access, team members can collaborate more effectively, minimizing misunderstandings and errors.
  • Streamlined Scheduling: The software allows for easy scheduling and rescheduling of tasks, helping to keep projects on track and deadlines met.
  • Increased Transparency: Clients and stakeholders can access project progress and updates, fostering trust and reducing the need for constant status inquiries.
  • Time Savings: Automating routine tasks and consolidating information in one place saves valuable time for project managers and team members.
  • Cost Efficiency: By preventing delays and miscommunications, BuildBook helps avoid costly overruns and ensures budget adherence.
  • Centralized Documentation: All project documents and files are stored in one location, making it easy to find and reference important information when needed.
  • Risk Mitigation: Early identification of potential issues through comprehensive tracking and reporting tools helps mitigate risks before they escalate.
  • Customizable Workflows: Tailor workflows to fit specific project needs, ensuring that processes align with company standards and project requirements.
  • Client Satisfaction: By providing clients with regular updates and transparent communication, BuildBook enhances client satisfaction and strengthens relationships.
  • Data-Driven Decisions: Access to detailed analytics and reports enables informed decision-making, optimizing project outcomes and performance.
  • Scalability: Whether managing a small renovation or a large-scale construction project, BuildBook scales to meet the demands of any project size.
  • Reduced Administrative Burden: Automating administrative tasks frees up time for project managers to focus on strategic planning and execution.
  • Improved Accountability: Assigning tasks and tracking progress ensures team members are accountable for their responsibilities, enhancing overall productivity.
  • Seamless Integration: BuildBook integrates with other tools and platforms, creating a cohesive ecosystem that supports efficient project management.
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  • Mobile Accessibility: Get teams on track, no matter where they are located with powerful mobile tools. Markup documents, compare sheets, view punch lists and sync teams up all from internet-enabled smart devices.  
  • Field Reports: Submit and complete forms from the field and leverage pre-loaded reports with commonly used forms that can be uploaded to PDFs as needed. Attach relevant materials to reports like photos, tasks and documents in less time and compile all necessary reports as they are turned in.  
  • Smart Drawings: As drawings are revised in real time, edits are automatically inserted in order and ensure that teams are always working on the latest data without losing historical changes.  
  • BIM Tools: Models in 2D and 3D can be accessed and edited from anywhere. Data can be seamlessly pushed from Revit to PlanGrid without double entry. View important data like dimensions, material type and manufacturer directly on their sheets. Instantly toggle between 2D and 3D project views.  
  • Punch Lists: Resolve and track punch lists with tools that let users track defects, inspection notes and design changes in real time. Filter sheets in seconds to rapidly identify punch list items and assign them to relevant teams.  
  • Workflows: Cut down on the complexity of all daily submittals that are required. Users can leverage a submittal log that tracks them by type and progress. RFIs can be resolved faster to free up time for more important tasks.
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  • Project Dashboard: A centralized hub that provides a comprehensive overview of all ongoing projects, allowing for quick access to key details and updates.
  • Client Communication Tools: Integrated messaging and commenting features that facilitate seamless communication between team members and clients, ensuring everyone stays informed.
  • Task Management: A robust system for assigning, tracking, and prioritizing tasks, complete with deadlines and progress indicators to keep projects on schedule.
  • Document Sharing: Securely upload and share important documents, such as blueprints and contracts, with team members and clients, ensuring everyone has access to the latest versions.
  • Budget Tracking: Tools for monitoring project budgets in real-time, helping to prevent overspending and ensuring financial accountability throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Photo and Video Documentation: Capture and store visual records of project progress, which can be easily shared with stakeholders to provide updates and verify work completed.
  • Customizable Templates: Pre-built templates for proposals, contracts, and reports that can be tailored to fit the specific needs of each project, saving time and ensuring consistency.
  • Scheduling and Calendar Integration: Sync project schedules with personal calendars to streamline time management and avoid conflicts.
  • Mobile Accessibility: A mobile-friendly interface that allows users to access project information and tools from any device, ensuring productivity on-the-go.
  • Team Collaboration Features: Tools designed to enhance teamwork, such as shared to-do lists and collaborative document editing, fostering a more cohesive work environment.
  • Change Order Management: A streamlined process for handling change orders, including documentation and approval workflows, to minimize disruptions and maintain project momentum.
  • Client Portal: A dedicated space for clients to view project updates, documents, and communications, enhancing transparency and client satisfaction.
  • Time Tracking: Built-in time tracking capabilities that allow team members to log hours worked, providing accurate data for billing and project analysis.
  • Reporting and Analytics: Generate detailed reports and insights on project performance, helping to identify areas for improvement and inform future decision-making.
  • Integration with Third-Party Tools: Compatibility with popular software solutions, such as accounting and CRM systems, to streamline workflows and reduce data entry.
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Product Ranking

#3

among all
Construction Management Software

#53

among all
Construction Management Software

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User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 860 reviews
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90%
of users recommend this product

PlanGrid has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 90% when considering 860 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.

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4.7 (17)
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4.4 (134)
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4.6 (580)
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4.2 (129)
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Awards

PlanGrid stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award

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Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

User Friendly: The system is easy to use and intuitive, as noted by approximately 92% of users who mention its usability.
Support: Support for the system is helpful, with some users noting that their queries were resolved quickly, as reported by 80% of users who mention support.
Functionality: Plangrid offers a robust suite of successful construction management tools, as reported by 65% of the users who talked about the product’s functionality.
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Project Tracking and Scheduling: BuildBook effectively tracks project progress and manages schedules, keeping projects organized and on track.
Communication: The platform facilitates seamless communication between builders, teams, and clients, ensuring everyone stays informed.
Budget Management: BuildBook helps manage project budgets effectively, providing transparency and control over finances.
User-Friendly Interface: Users praise BuildBook for its intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it simple for both tech-savvy and less tech-savvy individuals to use.
Cost-Effectiveness: BuildBook is lauded as an affordable solution compared to competitors, providing excellent value for its price.
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Cost: Nearly 92% of users who mentioned cost reported that Plangrid’s offerings were too expensive for smaller businesses.
Learning Curve: The learning curve is steep for new users and can be difficult to use initially, according to 93% of reviewers.
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Limited Functionality: As a relatively new software, BuildBook may lack some of the robust features found in more established construction management platforms.
Chat Feature Issues: Some users have reported occasional problems with the chat feature, which could potentially hinder real-time communication.
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Is PlanGrid the grid you need to keep your construction projects on track? User reviews from the past year paint a mixed picture of the software's effectiveness. While many users praise PlanGrid's intuitive interface and robust features, others find it lacking in certain areas, particularly when compared to competitors like Procore and Bluebeam Revu. PlanGrid's strengths lie in its ease of use and comprehensive feature set. Users consistently highlight its ability to streamline communication and collaboration on construction projects. For example, one user praised PlanGrid's ability to "easily share drawings and markups with the entire team," which significantly improved communication and reduced errors. Another user found PlanGrid's "robust reporting features" invaluable for tracking project progress and identifying potential issues. However, some users find PlanGrid's mobile app to be clunky and slow, which can be frustrating for field workers who rely on it for daily tasks. Additionally, some users have expressed concerns about PlanGrid's integration with other software platforms, finding it difficult to seamlessly connect with their existing workflows. PlanGrid's differentiating factor is its focus on providing a user-friendly experience for construction professionals. This is evident in its intuitive interface and comprehensive feature set, which are designed to simplify complex tasks. However, this focus on user-friendliness comes at a cost, as some users find PlanGrid's features to be less robust than those offered by competitors. For example, some users have found PlanGrid's project management capabilities to be limited compared to Procore, which offers a more comprehensive suite of tools for managing complex projects. Ultimately, PlanGrid is best suited for construction teams that prioritize ease of use and collaboration over advanced features. If your team is looking for a simple and intuitive platform to manage their projects, PlanGrid could be a good option. However, if you require a more robust and feature-rich solution, you may want to consider other options.

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Is BuildBook the blueprint for success in construction management software? User reviews from the last year suggest that BuildBook is a very capable and user-friendly platform, especially for small to medium-sized businesses in the residential construction sector. Users rave about its intuitive interface, making it a breeze to adopt, even for tech-averse team members. One user even compared its ease of use to Instagram, highlighting its user-friendly design. This stands in stark contrast to competitors like Buildertrend or CoConstruct, which some users found to be overly complex and expensive. BuildBook's clean and straightforward approach extends to its feature set, focusing on core functionalities such as scheduling, project tracking, and client communication. However, this emphasis on simplicity does come at a cost. Some users have pointed out that BuildBook might not yet have the robust feature set of its more established counterparts, lacking certain functionalities like in-depth financial analysis tools. For instance, one user specifically mentioned the inability to view profit margins directly within the software. Despite these limitations, BuildBook's affordability, coupled with its exceptional customer service, makes it a compelling choice for businesses looking for a streamlined, easy-to-use construction management solution. Its focus on core features and user-friendliness makes it particularly well-suited for smaller firms or those transitioning from less structured project management methods.

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Top Alternatives in Construction Management Software


Aconex

Buildertrend

CMiC

CoConstruct

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ConstructionOnline

Contractor Foreman

e-Builder

eSUB

Fieldwire

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PASKR

Procore

Raken

RedTeam

Sage 300 Construction

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