Running a construction business means wearing a lot of hats. One minute you're estimating a new job, the next you're trying to track every dollar spent on a project. It’s easy to lose track of where your money’s going without clear job costing and that can mean the difference between making a profit or taking a loss.
If you're ready to stop guessing your numbers (and start growing your business), finding the right job costing software is the next step.
If you follow a few simple steps to choose the right job costing software, you can set your business up for long-term success.
However, with different job costing software options available, choosing the right one for your small contracting business can feel overwhelming. Fear not! Here's a breakdown of the top 3 factors to consider:
Every contracting business has unique needs. While many job costing platforms share core features, you need one that fits how you work. Here's what to prioritize:
Choosing a solution that nails these features will put you in control of your numbers.
You're a builder, not an IT guy. Your job costing software for contractors should be simple, not another headache.
A system that's hard to use simply won't get used — and an unused system doesn't help you control costs.
Best construction job costing software doesn't have to break the bank.
Look for vendors with transparent pricing and plans that fit the size of your business. Some offer packages based on user count or features, so you're only paying for what you truly need.
Remember: the right software is an investment, not just an expense. It should pay for itself by helping you increase profitability and efficiency.
When it comes to real-world contractor needs, OnTraq's solution stands out.
Built specifically for construction businesses, OnTraq's job costing software for contractors offers:
Choosing OnTraq means choosing a solution designed around how contractors actually work — not a generic business template.
One huge time-saver? Pick job costing software for contractors that plays nice with your accounting tools.
OnTraq integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks. This means:
When your job costing and accounting are in sync, you get real-time financial clarity without extra effort.
Finding the best job costing software isn’t just a matter of ticking off features or comparing prices. It’s about building a stronger, smarter business that can make better decisions, manage projects more efficiently, and grow profits over time.
When you follow these steps to choose the right job costing software, you’re investing in your company’s future.
If you're ready to leave the spreadsheets behind and truly understand your numbers, OnTraq’s construction job costing software is ready to help.
With OnTraq, you get:
Build homes, not spreadsheets. Get the financial clarity you deserve with OnTraq today!
1. What are the steps involved in job costing?
The first step is to set up an initial project estimate (more details below), and then start tracking real expenses as they happen against this estimate. By tracking expenses against estimates, you can see how profitable your project is.
2. What is the first step in the job costing process?
The first thing you’ll need to do is build a detailed estimate - this means figuring out your expected costs for materials, labor, subcontractors, permits, and equipment before you even start the project.
3. How do I know if my business needs job costing software?
If you are working on several projects, spending hours on spreadsheets to record your expenses, and still don't know exactly where you stand (which happens often), then it's a clear sign you need to get a job costing software.
4. Can job costing software integrate with my existing accounting tools?
Yes! Good solutions like OnTraq integrate directly with QuickBooks, keeping your financials clean and up to date without manual effort.
5. Can job costing software help me track profitability on each project?
Absolutely. OnTraq's software shows you real-time project profits by automatically linking expenses and labor directly to each job.
