Beam vs. CoConstruct
At Beam, we believe that construction management software should be affordable and streamline your business, rather than slow it down. That's why we designed our software in close partnership with contractors, solving the problems they faced and ensuring it worked well for their teams.
Unfortunately, we've heard from many contractors that other construction software is often too complex and too inflexible, leaving the team overwhelmed and dissatisfied. From project management to financial tracking, our platform is robust yet simple to use, allowing you to focus on what you do best – building and remodeling.
Unfortunately, we've heard from many contractors that other construction software is often too complex and too inflexible, leaving the team overwhelmed and dissatisfied. From project management to financial tracking, our platform is robust yet simple to use, allowing you to focus on what you do best – building and remodeling.
CoConstruct acquired by Buildertrend
Before comparing features, it's important to note that CoConstruct was acquired by Buildertrend and they are pushing businesses to migrate from CoConstruct to Buildertrend. From what we can tell, most new functionality is being added to Buildertrend, not CoConstruct.
If you're not yet using CoConstruct, you can't sign up for a new CoConstruct account—you'll instead be asked to create a Buildertrend account. You may want to read our comparison of Beam vs. Buildertrend instead.
If you're not yet using CoConstruct, you can't sign up for a new CoConstruct account—you'll instead be asked to create a Buildertrend account. You may want to read our comparison of Beam vs. Buildertrend instead.
Why builders prefer Beam over CoConstruct
Although CoConstruct boasts a long list of features, many residential builders find the tool overwhelming and hard to fully adopt. Below, we highlight some gaps in functionality and affordability. *
Key features
CoConstruct
Simple design that is quick to learn
and easy to understand
A free plan so you can trial
with no upfront cost
Our core plan is $0/mo
Must commit to a $99/mo trial
Fast & easy client payments
1-2 business days, no bank login required
5-7 business days, requiring the client login to their bank on the portal
Fast & free subcontractor payments
1-2 business days, no fees
No bill payment available
Easily convert estimates to proposals, budgets & invoices
You'll often need to duplicate data entry between estimates, budgets, and invoices
Unrestricted accounts for your subcontractors
They get access to the powerful free Core plan when they accept an invite
They get access to a limited sub portal which they often don't use
A charge card² with receipt capture and 1% cash back
Your teammates can scan receipts and categorize expenses from their phones.
A high-yield bank account for your operating balance
We give you a vast majority of the yield we earn from our partner bank
Focused on features that matter most to your business
Many platforms attempt to be a one-stop-shop for all business needs, offering a wide range of features such as marketing, scheduling, to-dos, and financial tools. However, in trying to do everything, they often end up not doing anything extremely well. Their financial tools may lack the depth and specialization needed for effective financial management.
Beam takes a different approach by focusing on financials and client communication. By honing in on this critical aspect of your business, Beam is able to provide top-notch tools for estimating, proposals, invoicing, budgeting, accounts payable, receipt capture, and more. Many of our customers use separate, best-in-class scheduling, CRM, and marketing tools that work well alongside Beam.
Beam takes a different approach by focusing on financials and client communication. By honing in on this critical aspect of your business, Beam is able to provide top-notch tools for estimating, proposals, invoicing, budgeting, accounts payable, receipt capture, and more. Many of our customers use separate, best-in-class scheduling, CRM, and marketing tools that work well alongside Beam.
The most powerful free plan in the industry
Many construction management software platforms offer short trial periods and then hit builders with unexpectedly large monthly fees. This can be frustrating and costly for businesses trialing software for a single project or part of their process.
Beam, on the other hand, offers the most powerful free plan in the industry. This plan includes essential features:
Beam, on the other hand, offers the most powerful free plan in the industry. This plan includes essential features:
Estimating & proposals
Unlimited projects
Invoicing and online payment
CRM
Online bill payment
Client portal
Expense tracking & receipt capture
Subcontractor management
Change order management
Accounting integration
The best payment experience for your clients and subcontractors
Beam is more than construction accounting software. It excels at client billing and subcontractor payments to keep your construction business running smoothly. With Beam, you can streamline your billing process and collect payments faster, which is critical for maintaining a healthy cash flow.
By using Beam, you can establish clearer billing procedures, which can lead to faster payments from your clients and to your subcontractors. With faster payments, you can easily manage your cash flow, pay your own suppliers and subcontractors on time, and reinvest in your business to fuel its growth. Ultimately, this will help you establish a positive reputation in the industry and attract more clients and subcontractors, leading to the growth and success of your construction business.
By using Beam, you can establish clearer billing procedures, which can lead to faster payments from your clients and to your subcontractors. With faster payments, you can easily manage your cash flow, pay your own suppliers and subcontractors on time, and reinvest in your business to fuel its growth. Ultimately, this will help you establish a positive reputation in the industry and attract more clients and subcontractors, leading to the growth and success of your construction business.
* The pricing, features, and plan descriptions are based on the information publicly provided by the vendor on its website at the time of this publication.
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