Trade Software Guide

Best Software for General Contractors

Compare general contractor software for projects, subs, RFIs, submittals, change orders, invoices, team pricing, and ACH savings.

General contractors need software that can keep projects organized across customers, subs, RFIs, submittals, change orders, schedules, purchase orders, invoices, and payments. A GC can lose time fast when the bid is in one place, the sub question is in email, the change order is in a PDF, and the payment status is in another system.

The best general contractor software should make the project the center of the workflow. Conduit is built around that shape: projects hold bids, jobs, invoices, RFIs, submittals, specs, change orders, POs, bills, schedules, messages, and financial context.

For enterprise comparisons, see /vs/servicetitan. For service-company alternatives, review /vs/jobber, /vs/housecall-pro, and /vs/field-pulse. For GC workflow explainers, see RFI vs submittal explained, the contractor change order template, and three-way match for contractors.

GC Workflows That Need Project Depth

A general contractor needs more than a simple dispatch calendar. The software should help manage project records from pursuit through closeout:

  • Projects: keep bids, jobs, invoices, documents, schedule notes, and financial rollups tied to one project record.
  • Subs and bid requests: organize what was sent, who responded, and which sub work needs follow-up.
  • RFIs and submittals: separate formal questions from product or material approvals so decisions do not disappear in email.
  • Change orders: document scope changes, cost impact, status, and approval before the work becomes a dispute.
  • Purchasing and bills: connect POs, receipts, vendor bills, and committed cost to the project.

Conduit is strongest when a GC wants these operating records connected without adopting a heavy enterprise platform.

Pricing for GC Teams

GC access needs are spread across owners, project managers, estimators, office staff, and sometimes field leads. Per-tech pricing can become awkward because not every user is a full-time technician, but each person still needs project visibility.

The approved comparison data shows ServiceTitan at $1,225-2,500+/mo for a 5-person team. Conduit is listed at $65/mo for a 5-person team. The same approved data lists Jobber at $155-315/mo, Housecall Pro at $199-469+/mo, and FieldPulse at $259-359/mo for a 5-person team.

For GCs, flat pricing helps because project coordination works best when the team can see the same record. Rationing access can push decisions back into side channels.

Payment Fees on Progress and Final Invoices

General contractors often collect deposits, progress payments, retainage releases, and final invoices. On a $10,000 invoice, card processing at 2.9% plus 30 cents is about $290 before Conduit’s 1% platform fee comparison. Conduit ACH is $6 on the same invoice: $1 from Conduit plus Stripe ACH at 0.8% capped at $5.

On larger project payments, ACH can keep more money in the job while still giving the customer a clear payment link. Review the contractor payments page and ACH vs card processing for contractors for the fee math.

Best Fit

Conduit is a strong fit for small and mid-sized GCs that want a project-centered operating system for bids, subs, RFIs, submittals, change orders, POs, invoices, and payment links. It is especially useful when project managers and the office need the same source of truth.

If your company needs deep enterprise accounting, advanced schedule logic, BIM coordination, or highly customized commercial construction controls, compare carefully before switching. Conduit is designed for practical contractor operations, not every enterprise construction-management requirement.

FAQ

Can Conduit handle RFIs and submittals?

Yes. Conduit includes project workflows for RFIs, submittals, specs, and change orders. Start with RFI vs submittal explained for the basic distinction.

Can general contractors track change orders in Conduit?

Yes. Change orders can be kept with the project workflow. For structure and approval language, review the contractor change order template.

Why does team pricing matter for GCs?

GCs often need owners, project managers, estimators, and office users in the system. Conduit is listed at $65/mo for a 5-person team, while ServiceTitan is listed at $1,225-2,500+/mo in the approved comparison data.

Does Conduit replace accounting software for general contractors?

No. Conduit is focused on contractor operations: projects, bids, jobs, invoices, POs, team work, and payments. Use accounting software where you need bookkeeping and reconciliation.

Where should GCs compare alternatives?

Start with /vs/servicetitan for enterprise comparison, then review /vs/jobber, /vs/housecall-pro, and /vs/field-pulse for broader field-service alternatives.

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