General Contractor Resources

Run a more profitable general contracting business: project management software reviews (Procore vs Buildertrend vs Contractor Foreman vs JobTread), free structural calculators, pricing references, and software migration playbooks.

“What PM software should I use, and how should I price project work?”

GC software platforms reviewed

Structural calculators

15-35%

Healthy GC gross margin

~$5,400+

Buildertrend Year-1 (5 users)

Need software in 30 seconds?

Most general contractor shops should look at Contractor Foreman for small, Buildertrend for mid-sized residential first

Small remodelers and 1-3 project builders: Contractor Foreman ($49/mo flat). Mid-sized residential builders (4-15 active projects): JobTread or Buildertrend. Custom design-build firms: Houzz Pro. Commercial GCs or owner-required: Procore.

Read full GC software review→Take 2-min Quiz

Calculators & Tools

8 resources

Free tools for jobsite estimates and business math.

Square Footage Calculator

5 shapes, multi-section, perimeter.

Wall Framing Calculator

Studs, plates, headers.

Stair Calculator

Risers, treads, stringers per code.

Beam Span Calculator

Allowable spans for wood beams.

Floor Joist Calculator

Joist sizing per IRC tables.

Rafter Length Calculator

Diagonal length from rise + run.

Drywall Calculator

Sheets, compound, tape, screws.

Deck Calculator

Joists, ledger, stairs, hardware.

Software Reviews

1 resource

Honest reviews of the platforms built for your trade.

Best GC Software (2026)

Procore vs Buildertrend vs Contractor Foreman vs JobTread.

Pricing & Bidding

1 resource

Real 2026 benchmarks. Stop guessing what to charge.

Contractor Pricing Formulas Cheatsheet

GC margin benchmarks (15-35%).

Business Guides

2 resources

How to start, run, and grow your trade business.

How to Start a Contracting Business

The main contracting startup guide.

How to Grow from Solo to Crew

Stage-by-stage growth + first hire.

Software Migration

3 resources

Switching platforms? Honest migration playbooks.

How to Leave Buildertrend

Where to go, real cost, 90-day plan.

QuickBooks Desktop to Online Migration

Critical — Intuit sunsetting Desktop.

Moving from Spreadsheets to FSM Software

When you're ready.

Head-to-Head Comparisons

3 resources

Side-by-side reviews of the platforms you're choosing between.

Buildertrend vs CoConstruct

What CoConstruct's sunset means.

Buildertrend Alternatives

5 alternatives with migration cost.

Procore Alternatives

When you're paying for Procore but don't need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Procore or Buildertrend?

Procore for commercial GCs ($15K-$50K+/year, mandatory 8-12 week onboarding). Buildertrend for residential builders ($299-$599+/mo). Residential builders typically find Procore too heavy.

Is Contractor Foreman really $49/month?

Yes — flat fee, unlimited users. Covers ~70% of Buildertrend at 10% cost. Trade-offs: less polished UI, smaller ecosystem. Worth it for small remodelers.

What's a healthy GC gross margin?

Residential GC: 15-25% survival, 25-35% top-tier. Commercial: 8-18%. Design-build: 20-30%. Net margin (after overhead) is typically 5-15 points lower than gross.

Free General Contractor Software Buyer's Guide

Compare the top general contractor software platforms with real pricing, honest pros/cons, and the questions to ask before you buy.

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