Bolster vs Buildertrend vs CoConstruct
Bolster
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TLDR
Buildertrend and CoConstruct are established construction management platforms with strong project management tools. Bolster focuses on interactive estimating, faster sales, and a consumer friendly quoting experience that helps residential contractors win more jobs with less manual work.
Comparing Construction Estimating Software Options
Most construction company owners and managers today know that technology like construction cost estimating software can make their businesses more efficient and more profitable. The challenge is choosing the right platform.
Different construction estimating and management platforms offer different features, pricing structures, and workflows. Some focus heavily on internal project management, while others are designed to improve sales, estimating, and client experience.
Below is a closer look at Buildertrend vs CoConstruct vs Bolster, three of the most comprehensive construction software platforms available to contractors.
Construction Cost Estimating Software Basics
Before comparing Buildertrend, CoConstruct, and Bolster side by side, there are a few features that should be considered non negotiable when choosing construction software.
Cloud Based
Any construction software should be cloud based. Construction teams are rarely all in one place, and cloud access allows estimators, project managers, field crews, and office staff to work from the same system in real time.
Multi User Access
Construction is a team effort. Your estimating, sales, project management, and finance teams all need access to the same data. Multi user access ensures everyone stays aligned.
Granular Security Permissions
Good construction software allows you to control who can see and edit different parts of the system. Granular permissions protect sensitive information and keep workflows organized.
Support and Onboarding
Switching estimating and project management systems takes time. Strong onboarding and ongoing support are critical to ensure your team can transition smoothly without disrupting operations.
While Buildertrend, CoConstruct, and Bolster all meet these basic requirements, pricing and workflow differences play a major role in choosing the right platform. In many cases, Bolster offers a more robust estimating and sales experience at a lower monthly cost than comparable plans from Buildertrend or CoConstruct.
Buildertrend
Buildertrend was founded in 2006 and has grown into a widely used platform for contractors of all sizes. It supports residential, commercial, and industrial construction businesses.
Estimating and Sales
Buildertrend relies heavily on spreadsheet style estimating and integrations with Excel. It supports bid requests and subcontractor workflows, but the estimating experience is more business to business focused and less optimized for direct homeowner interaction.
Project Management
Buildertrend performs well as a project management tool. Instead of complex Gantt charts, it uses daily task tracking and progress reports. Field teams, office staff, and clients can all view updates in the system.
Billing and Finance
Buildertrend allows progress billing based on line items and integrates with QuickBooks and Xero. Budget tracking and job costing tools are included to support financial management.
CoConstruct
CoConstruct was launched in 2004 and is designed primarily for small to mid sized residential contractors and remodelers.
Estimating and Sales
CoConstruct includes bid requests, lead tracking, and proposal automation. Like Buildertrend, it is better suited to internal workflows than consumer facing sales experiences.
Project Management
CoConstruct uses task lists, daily logs, and notes to manage projects. A speech to text feature is helpful for field teams, and clients can stay informed through the platform.
Billing and Finance
Users can bill by percentage or by line item, and CoConstruct integrates directly with QuickBooks. Budgeting and time tracking features help contractors monitor job costs.
Bolster
Bolster was built by contractors with hands on experience running construction businesses. The platform is designed to help residential contractors grow without adding unnecessary complexity.
Estimating and Sales
Bolster’s estimating software is the core of the platform. Interactive quotes allow homeowners to explore options, upgrades, and pricing in real time. Unit rate and assembly based pricing ensures accuracy while reducing manual estimating work.
This customer driven quoting experience helps contractors close jobs faster while maintaining full control over margins.
Project Management
Bolster includes task management, file storage, and granular permissions that make it easier for teams to collaborate. Field crews can report progress, access drawings, and flag issues directly in the system.
Billing and Finance
Bolster integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks and supports API connections to other accounting systems. Invoicing is straightforward, and change orders are handled cleanly within the platform. Because many quote changes happen before approval, fewer revisions are required after the job starts.
Conclusion
Buildertrend and CoConstruct are established construction management platforms with strong project management capabilities. They are well suited for contractors who prioritize internal workflows and commercial style processes.
Bolster takes a different approach. It focuses on modern estimating, sales automation, and a customer friendly quoting experience that mirrors how people expect to buy services today.
With Bolster, contractors can send accurate quotes faster, allow clients to customize options upfront, and convert more leads without extra administrative work. Instead of managing endless revisions, contractors provide clarity from the start.
When comparing Buildertrend vs CoConstruct vs Bolster, the best choice depends on how you sell work and who your customers are. For residential contractors who want faster estimates, better conversions, and a smoother sales experience, Bolster stands apart.
The best way to decide is to see each platform in action. Booking demos will quickly show how different these tools really are and which one fits the way you want to run your construction business in 2026.
