Overview of Buildertrend for Commercial General Contracting

Introduction

• Comparison of tools: ProCore, Buildertrend, Smartsheet, CoConstruct
• Context: 7-figure company moving towards 8-figure
  • Currently using Buildertrend
  • Focus on commercial construction (7/8) and large residential (1/8)
• Buildertrend is cost-effective compared to ProCore

Key Features of Buildertrend

Daily Logs

• Tracks daily activities and progress
• Accessible by owners from anywhere
• Example: Auto dealership remodel with updates on epoxy flooring

Schedules

• Comprehensive scheduling with color-coding for different tasks
  • Electrical: Yellow
  • Plumbing: Blue
  • HVAC: Green
  • Drywall: Gray
• Allows linking of subcontractors to schedule items
• Notifications for schedule changes

Change Orders

• Simplifies the process of handling change orders
• Owner can approve or decline digitally
• Includes timeline impact and scope of work details

Financial Management

Bills and Purchase Orders (POs)

• Overview of subcontractors’ approval status
• Digital markup and payment processes
• Integration with accounting software like QuickBooks
• Facilitates lien waivers before payments
• Example: Simplifying payments to subcontractors

Cost Codes and Budget Tracking

• Custom cost codes for commercial contracting
  • General conditions, site work, concrete, masonry, etc.
• Tracks estimated vs. actual costs
• Displays gross profit without tracking overhead

Documentation and Communication

• Stores documents such as submittals, plans, and contracts
• Commenting capability on any document or schedule item
• Facilitates communication among team members

Personal Insights and Future Plans

• Buildertrend has been highly effective and user-friendly
• Potential switch to ProCore as the company scales to 8-figures
• Multiple upcoming videos about specific functionalities and processes within Buildertrend

Conclusion

• Encouragement to subscribe and engage with future content on Buildertrend and related topics

Key Takeaways:

• Buildertrend is a cost-effective tool for commercial contractors transitioning from residential projects.
• Daily logs, scheduling, change orders, and financial tracking are core features.
• Digital integration simplifies subcontractor payments and project tracking.