Bolster Blog

The Best Billing Software for Contractors: Discover the Features You Need

Written by Bolster | Aug 14, 2024 1:40:48 PM

TLDR

The right construction billing software helps contractors get paid faster, avoid invoicing errors, and protect cash flow. In 2026, the best platforms combine invoicing, payments, tracking, and automation in one place so you can reduce paperwork and focus on building.

Why billing software is essential for contractors today

The construction industry has never been known for fast or predictable payments. Whether you work with homeowners, developers, or subcontractors, late payments, miscommunication, and paperwork overload are still common challenges.

At the same time, construction businesses move fast. One delayed payment can quickly turn into a cash flow problem, especially when you are managing multiple projects and covering labor, materials, and equipment costs upfront. This is why construction billing software is no longer optional for general contractors, remodelers, and home builders.

With so many tools on the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Understanding the features that matter most will help you make the right decision for your business.

What is construction billing software?

Construction billing software helps contractors manage expenses, create invoices, and collect payments from clients and subcontractors. An invoice is an itemized summary of services and materials provided, along with costs and the total amount due.

A strong billing platform connects your estimates directly to your invoices, reduces manual entry, and allows you to collect payments quickly and securely. The goal is simple. Spend less time managing paperwork and more time running profitable projects.

What should be included on a construction invoice?

While invoice formats can vary depending on contract type, most construction invoices should include the following information:

  • Project and contract details
  • Contact information
  • Invoice number and references
  • Description of work completed
  • Original contract amount
  • Approved change orders
  • Materials used or stored on site
  • Retainage withheld
  • Previously billed amounts for progress payments
  • Total amount due

Billing software helps ensure nothing is missed and keeps every invoice accurate and consistent.

Common construction invoicing challenges

Throughout a project, unexpected changes and delays often impact billing. These are some of the most common invoicing challenges contractors face.

Late payments

Contractors typically pay for labor, materials, and equipment long before receiving full payment. When invoices are delayed or ignored, cash flow suffers and covering expenses becomes harder.

Poor document management

Tracking expenses, change orders, and progress payments manually takes time and increases the risk of mistakes. Without billing software, contractors can easily underbill, lose profit, or miss payments entirely.

Invoicing errors and discrepancies

Manual data entry often leads to errors. Incorrect invoices can cause disputes, slow payments, and even legal issues that hurt your margins and reputation.

How construction billing software simplifies invoicing

Construction billing software removes friction from the invoicing and payment process. Bolster is designed to simplify billing, improve cash flow, and help contractors get paid faster.

Instead of spending hours sending invoices, tracking payments, and following up manually, Bolster allows you to manage everything in one place and keep your focus on running your business.

Why contractors choose Bolster

Bolster has transformed billing and payment collection for contractors by consolidating essential tools into one easy to use platform. Contractors and accounting teams save hours each day by eliminating manual processes and reducing errors.

With just a few clicks, you can send accurate invoices, track their status, and avoid ending your day buried in paperwork.

Key features contractors need

Integrated payments for faster cash flow

Bolster allows contractors to generate itemized invoices directly from their estimates and collect payments through a built in payment portal. Clients can pay securely from anywhere, and you no longer need to chase payments or rely on checks and bank transfers.

Centralized billing and collections

With Bolster, all billing and payment activity lives in one platform. A CRM style invoice tracker shows in progress, overdue, and paid invoices in one view, making it easy to manage multiple projects without losing track of payments.

Automated invoicing and fewer manual tasks

There is no need to write checks, visit banks, or return to job sites to collect payment. Bolster generates invoices from the most current version of your estimates and sends them digitally. Funds are transferred online and deposited directly into your bank account.

 

The main benefits for contractors

Billing and payment management can slow down even the most organized construction business. Bolster simplifies the process and improves efficiency across your operations.

Faster access to your cash

Payments collected through Bolster offer flexible settlement options so you can choose how quickly funds reach your bank account. Faster access to cash helps keep projects moving and expenses covered.

Secure and reliable payments

Payments through Bolster are secured by its payment partner Adyen, a global payment service provider. Transactions are protected and compliant with major card networks, giving you peace of mind on every payment.

Build better with Bolster

A healthy cash flow is critical to running a successful construction business. By using Bolster as your construction billing software, you streamline invoicing, reduce manual work, and improve payment speed.

Integrated payments, centralized billing, and automation allow you to spend less time chasing invoices and more time growing your business.