Contractor scheduling software: Greatest picks for 2023

No two days are alike in the construction industry, especially if you’re a contractor. Thankfully, several tools simplify construction management, including contractor scheduling software. 

Find out how software keeps your construction teams organized so you can complete projects quicker and bring in more revenue. 

What is contractor scheduling software?

One of the hardest parts of managing a construction business is tracking your resources, especially if you use contractors. Luckily, construction software simplifies how you:

1. Plan projects.
2. Organize jobs.
3. Assign tasks to your crew. 

Contractor scheduling software gives you the tools to lead your crew and ensure the job stays on schedule. As a result, you:

• Get schedules to your crew quicker.
• Gain a comprehensive view of your contractors’ day.
• More accurately track job progress.

For more flexibility with your scheduling, consider software that includes a mobile app. 

What is a contractor scheduling app?

A contractor scheduling app is a mobile app from which you can schedule jobs on the go. This allows you to fit scheduling into your day better, as you don’t have to rely on being in the office. 

What’s more, a construction scheduling app benefits your contractors, as it allows them to:

• Receive last-minute schedule updates.
• Track time spent.
• Communicate job progress. 

This is possible thanks to the top-notch features of construction scheduling software. 

Key features of construction scheduling software

The best way to judge a contractor scheduling software solution is by its capabilities. 

Several features take a construction solution beyond scheduling and transform it into a complete system for your business, such as:

• Multiple calendar views.
• Automated reminders. 
• Real-time collaboration.
• Native integrations.
• Esignature capture.

Let’s explore these key features.  

Custom schedules and calendar views

If you have a preferred way of making your construction project schedule, you don’t want your software choice to disrupt your workflow. 

Contractor software that allows custom scheduling is the perfect solution, as it gives you more flexibility over jobs. 

Software that allows multiple calendar views is helpful too, as the way you display your schedule can highlight areas of opportunity and risk. 

Choose software that allows you to view your schedule in a way that:

1. Makes creating and verifying your schedule easier.
2. Is simple for your contractors to understand. 

Real-time job updates

Your contractor scheduling software’s benefits don’t stop once the schedule is out. 

The best scheduling software takes you in the field with your contractors by streamlining communication with a mobile app.

A contractor scheduling app allows real-time updates from your crew on the job site so that you always know the job’s going smoothly.

Automated reminders

The only thing worse than a late contractor is a no-show. 

Unfortunately, this happens more often than desired, resulting in delays and last-minute schedule shuffling. 

A contractor scheduling app minimizes the risk of this happening by sending notifications to your contractors, reminding them of the schedule. 

What’s more, the best contractor scheduling software sends notifications to your customers, in case they need a reminder.

Integrations

Running a contracting business requires several tools. 

And great contractor scheduling software allows you to continue using the tools you love with more efficiency. 

Pro-tip: Look for scheduling tools that integrate with your software of choice, including:

• Google Calendar.
• Gmail or Outlook.
• QuickBooks, Xero, or other accounting software.

Integrations create a system that connects workflows and improves efficiency — giving you more than just a scheduling solution

Esignature capture

A job isn’t complete without a final signature. 

If you capture your customer’s signature while still on the job site, you can invoice and even collect payment then and there. This means the job is wrapped up before your contractor leaves the site!

A contractor scheduling app with esignuature allows your contractors to capture customer signatures on a mobile device. Then, all they have to do is hit send, and your office team has the completed documents.

With these features in mind, let’s take a look at the top benefits of contractor scheduling software.

Benefits of contractor scheduling programs

The main purpose of scheduling software is to improve your construction schedules, but the benefits go beyond scheduling.

A contractor scheduling app improves your bottom line. Here are some of the top benefits of using scheduling software.  

Schedule jobs quicker

Time is money when it comes to construction projects, so the sooner you get the schedule done, the better. 

Contractor software simplifies your scheduling process and associated tasks, including:

• Job assignment.
• Project team coordination. 
• Schedule distribution.

Automation plays a key role in streamlining your scheduling. For example, the best software solution automatically sends the schedule to your contractors, making it one less task on your to-do list.  

Manage your crew more effectively

Managing a crew of contractors requires special skills, but small contractor scheduling software makes it easy.

It starts with creating efficient and accurate schedules that follow your project timeline. From there, optimized routing ensures that your contractors make it to the job site on time. 

Better yet, a mobile app allows you to communicate last-minute updates to your contractors, such as schedule changes or customer requests. This minimizes potential delays and errors on the job. 

Keep up with job progress

A mobile app allows you to inform your contractors of changes, but the communication benefits go both ways. With a contractor scheduling app, your crew can give you real-time updates on project progress. 

Your contractors can instantly send texts, photos, or videos to get your opinion while you ensure that the job is on track.

Streamline your payroll

As mentioned, contractor scheduling software enhances every aspect of your business — even payroll.

A contractor scheduling app empowers your contractors with a time tracking tool. Once they submit their time entries, it takes one click to approve hours — giving you everything you need for accurate payroll.

Better yet, choose a software solution that automatically syncs to your trusted accounting software to cut down on payroll time even more.

Best construction scheduling software

Now comes the fun part: Choosing a solution to take your scheduling to the next level. 

To get you started, here are the top 5 contractor software solutions to streamline your scheduling.

Method:Field Services

To kick off our contractor scheduling app list, we have Method:Field Services.

Method:Field Services is the best scheduling solution for construction companies using QuickBooks, thanks to Method’s two-way sync. 

You can easily update the schedule with a simple drag and drop, and your contractors can view their latest schedule on the mobile app. 

What’s more, your contractors can track their time on the job and submit entries for payroll approval. From there, the time entries sync to QuickBooks and are ready for payroll processing. 

Method:Field Services’ key features include:

• Flexible scheduling to pre-schedule jobs or set up recurring tasks. 
• Automated reminders so your contractors never miss a job.
• Optimized routing to minimize travel time. 
• Multiple calendar views for a full picture of availability.

BuilderTREND

Image credit: BuilderTREND

Next on our list of the best contractor scheduling software is BuilderTREND.

BuilderTREND offers solutions for all parts of the construction industry, including custom home builders and specialty contractors. 

One of their biggest offerings is their Schedule feature, which allows you to adjust your schedule on the go and notify your contractors in real-time.

BuilderTREND’s other features include:

• Multiple calendar views, including a Gantt chart.
• Sync with Google Calendar or Outlook.
• The ability to link your schedule items together. 

Contractor Foreman

Image credit: Contractor Foreman

Contractor Foreman is an all-in-one construction management solution for contractors.

You can sync this scheduling solution with Google Suite and Outlook, or keep your schedules directly in the contractor scheduling app. 

What’s more, Contractor Foreman highlights schedule conflicts within the app or on desktop to catch your attention immediately. 

Other key features include:

• A custom dashboard to find your favorite features.
• Sync with QuickBooks. 
• Daily logs and checklists. 

CoConstruct

Image credit: CoConstruct

CoConstruct is construction management software for custom home builders and remodeling teams, making it a great solution for contracting businesses. 

This solution’s iCal integration allows you to access your CoConstruct information from Outlook, Google Calendar, and other scheduling tools. 

CoConstruct’s top features include:

• Alerts and reminders to your team. 
• Easy task adjustment and automatic updates. 
• Schedule templates. 

Fieldwire

Image credit: Fieldwire

To end our list of the best contractor scheduling software is Fieldwire.

Fieldwire provides general and specialty contractors solutions to enhance their project management, including scheduling. 

Their construction scheduling software simplifies day-to-day project planning and dispatches work to specialty contractors on an ad hoc basis. From there, your team can update you on the job status using the mobile app.

Other key features include:

• Transparent progress tracking with comments and photos. 
• Real-time messaging. 
• Scheduling reports. 

Wrap up: Empower your team with contractor scheduling software

The success of a construction project depends on accurate and efficient scheduling. Having the right tools is the best way to ensure that your timeline stays on track and your contractors remain aware of their tasks. 

Contractor scheduling software simplifies how you manage your contractors and other parts of your business. The best software connects your scheduling with your other workflows, creating a system where you complete more projects in less time.

Strengthen your contractor scheduling with Method:Field Services. Start your free trial today. 

Image credit: ThisIsEngineering via Pexels